51. JACKFRUIT

JACKFRUIT

 

Nutrition in 100 gm
Carbohydrates	24 gm
Dietary fibre	2 gm
Fat Saturated Monounsaturated Polyunsaturated	0.3 mg 0.063 mg 0.044 mg 0.086 mg
Proteins	1 gm
Vit. A (Carotene)	297 IU
Vit. B1 (Thiamin)	0.03 mg
Vit. B2 (Riboflavin)	0.11 mg
Vit. B3 (Niacin)	0.4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.108 mg
Folate	14 µ gm
Vitamin C	6.7 mg
Iron	0.6 mg
Phosphorus
Calcium	34 mg
Sodium	3 gm
Magnesium	37 mg
Phosphorus	36 mg
Potassium	303 mg
Zinc	0.42 mg
Copper	0.187 mg
Manganese	0.197 mg
Selenium	0.6 µ gm
Calories	94

Jackfruit or ‘chakka’ is the largest fruit born by a tree. It is thorny green from outside and yellow from inside with many seeds. The starchy fruit is a good substitute for rice and hence it is often called ‘rice tree’ in Sri Lankha.

Jackfruit is mostly eaten raw but so many dishes like salad, jams, juice, sweets, etc are made in Asia from jackfruit. It is also available canned in sugar or frozen. Seeds are also edible and are eaten cooked, roasted or in the powder form. Leaves are used to wrap ‘idlis’ while steaming. Many dishes like curries, papadam, chips, dosas, are made from unripe jackfruit.

Wood from the tree is used to make musical instruments, furniture and dyes.

Being fibrous, jackfruit provides a lot of dietary fibre. It is a very good source of vitamin C, which is a very good antioxidant.

Benefits:

1. Cancer: Jackfruit has isoflavones, antioxidants and phytonutrients. All these help fight cancer.

2. BP: Jackfruit is rich in potassium and hence it helps reduce blood pressure.

3. Ulcer: Jackfruit has anti-ulcer properties and is good for people suffering from indigestion.

4. Youthfulness: Eating jackfruit can slow down the aging process of the cells in the body thus keeping you young looking.

5. Tension: Eating jackfruit can reduce tension and nervousness.

6. Obesity: since jackfruit has less calories and fat, it is good for people who want to reduce weight.

7. Constipation: Being high in roughage, jackfruit is a good cure for constipation

8. Skin: Root of the jackfruit tree is a good cure for many skin problems.

9. Asthma: The root is said to be beneficial for those suffering from asthma.

Danger: Eating too much of raw jackfruit can lead to indigestion.