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Jackfruit – the tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia is cultivated in countries like India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Philippines, among others. With the pulp containing 74% water and being a rich source of vitamin B6, it offers a range of health benefits when used in both, sweet and savoury preparations. Used widely in Indian cooking – from preparations like biryani, curries, payasam, chips and jams, jackfruit is consumed most often during the peak of the summer season. Here are a few health benefits to know about and why you should include jackfruit in your diet.
Improves Heart Health
Being a good source of potassium, essential for maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure levels, jackfruit intake can help lower the risk of hypertension and reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system. Unregulated potassium content in the body can result in causing damage to the arteries and heart, which eating jackfruit helps regulate.
Good For Skin
High vitamin C content in jackfruit assists in protecting against sun damage as well as keeping the surface of your skin firm and strong. Including jackfruit dishes in your diet also aids in slowing the ageing process as well as fighting wrinkles. Applying a mask made with ripe jackfruit and milk is also known to yield favourable results when it comes to skin health.
Boosts Immunity
The high vitamin C content in jackfruit can strengthen the immune system and increase the body's resistance to infections and diseases. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant and helps in the production of collagen, essential for wound healing. The tropical fruit also gives an energy boost due to being rich in essential nutrients like vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
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Reduces Inflammation
Jackfruit is high in dietary fibre, which aids digestion and prevents constipation. It also promotes regular bowel movements, improves gut health, and enhances the absorption of nutrients from food; thereby reducing inflammation and discomfort caused due to over-eating or conditions like acidity, IBS, etc.
Improves Sleep Quality
Known to be an excellent food for insomniacs, jackfruit is rich in magnesium – a mineral that helps in regulating neurotransmitter levels in the body, which enable good sleep. Sleeplessness, typically caused by a lack of iron in the body – a condition known as anaemia, can be repaired in part with the consumption of magnesium-rich foods like jackfruit.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Due to its relatively low calorific value, high fibre content and low, eating jackfruit helps promote satiety, reduce cravings, and keep you feeling full for longer periods. Including jackfruit in your diet can support weight management efforts; which is directly linked to having blood pressure levels. Consuming jackfruit also reverses the adverse effects that sodium has on the body and improves muscle and nerve function.
