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Jackfruit: 5 health benefits you need to know about

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Jackfruit: 5 health benefits you need to know about
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The jackfruit is a tropical fruit that comes from South East Asia. Rich in vitamins, fibre and protein, it has numerous benefits, including preventing heart disease. In short, a fruit everyone needs to know about!

The jackfruit: an alternative to meat!

This tropical fruit is a big hit with vegans, and you’re about to find out why. After having been cooked for one hour, unripened jackfruit tastes the same as braised pork!

After being picked, the jackfruit only keeps for a few weeks. It needs to be made into a preserve or dried out.

The 5 health benefits of jackfruit

1) It strengthens immunity

Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and phytonutrients, the jackfruit is naturally effective at reinforcing the immune system in order to prevent cancer, fighting against free radicals.

According to a study in Penn State University, regular consumption of antioxidants neutralises free radicals and provides the immune system with the natural defenses it needs. Similarly, vitamin C increases the activity of an antioxidant enzyme which helps prevent breast cancer.

2) It reduces blood pressure

The jackfruit contains magnesium, which is essential to the structure of bones and to prevent certain illness such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

3) The jackfruit: good for the heart

Rich in vitamin B6, this tropical fruit is also known to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Following a clinical trial on over 5,500 adults with heart disease, we already know that supplementing the diet with vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid over a period of five years reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by around 25%.

4) It facilitates digestion

If you tend to suffer from digestive problems or constipation, consume jackfruit seeds regularly. These seeds are rich in fibre, which can also help with weight loss.

5) Helps in the prevention of osteoporosis

Thanks the the amount of calcium it contains, jackfruit can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, or even osteopenia (the early stages of osteoporosis).

In our bodies, calcium is concentrated in the back, in our bones and in our teeth (around 99%) but we lose it every day. As our bodies do not produce it, it is important to consume calcium regularly. It can be found in numerous natural ingredients.

Potential contra-indications

Jackfruit is not recommended in the cases of:

  • pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • allergies to birch pollen
  • diabetes
  • taking medication or being about to undergo an operation

Sources: National Institute of Health, Thérapeutes Magazine

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