Jackfruit is the world’s largest fruit that grows on a tree, with specimens weighing up to 100 pounds. The fruit is covered in thick and hard green skin with pale colored flesh inside, and due to its texture, versatility and nutrient content, it is very popular among vegans. Jackfruit is also the national fruit of Bangladesh.
This peculiar fruit is rich in nutrients such as fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, B6, C as well as protein. A cup of jackfruit will provide you with 25% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B6, which is great for vegans as the vegan diet doesn’t offer this vitamin in abundance.
Colorectal cancer is a difficult disease which is hard to treat, and according to the National Cancer Institute it affects more than 1.17 million people in the USA annually. Luckily, jackfruit can successfully treat this type of cancer and strengthen your organism.
Colon cancer prevention
Jackfruit is rich in phytonutrients, isoflavones, lignans and saponins which have powerful anti-cancer properties. These nutrients will fight free radicals in the body and have the ability to prevent cancer and other diseases.
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients prevent the developmental stage of cancer cells and they can only be found in plant-based foods. Jackfruit contains enough of them to help your body fight conditions such as stomach ulcers. At the moment, research is underway to see what makes these compounds so powerful against cancer.
Saponins
Saponins are powerful anti-cancer agents which are especially useful in fighting colon cancer. According to a study, saponins induce mycotic arrest in leukemia cells, which leads to remission in some cases. These phytonutrients bind to the outer layer of cancer cells and prevent their growth.
Lignans and isoflavones
Both phytonutrients bind to receptors in the same way estrogens do, and according to studies, they significantly reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. A study from 2006 which included 500 women showed that jackfruit can considerably reduce the risk of several types of cancer due to the presence of these phytonutrients.
Protection of cellular DNA
The antioxidants in the fruit will prevent the action of free radicals and protect your body from oxidative damage. Jackfruit is also rich in fiber which cleans the colon, removes toxins from the digestive tract and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Strengthens the immune system
Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C and simple sugars that will reinforce your immune system. According to an animal study, the polysaccharides in jackfruit can improve phagocytic cell function and the function of the immune system.
Nutritional value
Here are the main reasons why you should add jackfruit to your diet:
Only a cup of the fruit contains 155 calories and only 4 grams of fat. The fruit is also low on saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium.
Jackfruit is rich in vitamin A and, as well as niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and folate. Aside from the vitamin content, the fruit is also rich in essential minerals.
The simple sugars present in jackfruit can improve your overall health. A cup of jackfruit contains 11% of the daily recommended allowance of fiber which will improve your digestive system.