GRowing at home in South India and eating jackfruit was a big part of my childhood. Even today, the slightest smell of fruit brings a sense of nostalgia, and I never miss a chance to go back to the snacks, curries, or ripe, juicy fruit bulbs I devoured as a child.
I’ve always been in awe of how versatile and nutritious this fruit is. It’s impressive how nearly every part of the fruit can be turned into something delicious.
I remember my grandmother and mother collecting jackfruit seeds every time they cut jackfruit. The seeds are then washed, dried in the sun, and stored in a dry place for later use, such as in some savory dishes, roasted or fried.
Jackfruit seeds are also high in nutritional value—they are high in fiber, iron, potassium, multivitamins, protein, and antioxidants.
Therefore, think twice before throwing out the seeds before eating the fruit. Here are more reasons to incorporate them into your diet:
1. Promotes Good Digestive Health
Jackfruit seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion, thereby boosting metabolism. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber; soluble fiber plays an important role in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels, while insoluble fiber helps prevent constipation. In addition, the presence of fiber can keep you full for longer, which can help with weight loss.
2. Helps Fight Anemia
These seeds are also a good source of iron, which helps boost the production of red blood cells. This in turn increases hemoglobin levels, which prevents weakness and anemia. It also aids in proper blood circulation.
3. B vitamins boost energy
The B-complex vitamins (such as thiamine and riboflavin) in jackfruit seeds help provide the body with the energy it needs and aid in overall body function.
4. Improve eye health
Among several vitamins, the small amount of vitamin A in jackfruit seeds may help improve eye health. It also helps prevent cataracts and muscle degeneration.
advertise
5. Rich source of protein
According to research, jackfruit seeds contain a lot of protein compared to fruit. As such, it helps regulate hunger levels, helps build muscle and promotes weight loss.
A protein found in jackfruit seeds – Jacalin – helps boost the immune system.
6. Anti-aging properties
Jackfruit seeds contain several antioxidants, such as lignans, saponins, isoflavones, and vitamin C, which have anti-aging properties. This helps reduce free radical damage that causes premature skin aging.
source:
Nutritional and Health Benefits of Jackfruit: A Review, Posted by RASN Ranasinghe, SDT Madhuwanthi and RAUJ Marapana on January 6, 2019.
Sources of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Jackfruit Seeds: An Accompaniment to Functional Foods, published by the Brazilian Journal of Food Technology
Jackfruit Seeds, Nutritious: The Lesser Known Health Benefits You Need to Know, By Pavitha N Raj; Posted on NDTV on August 18, 2021.