GRowing out to a South Indian home and eating jackfruit was a big part of my childhood. Even today, the scent of a little fruit makes you feel nostalgic, and you never miss a chance to return to the fruit snacks, curries, and ripe juicy bulbs you ate as a kid.
I’m always in awe of fruits that are incredibly versatile and nutritious. It is also impressive to note that almost every piece of fruit can turn into something delicious.
My grandmother and mother remember collecting jackfruit seeds every time they cut fruit. These seeds are then washed, dried in the sun and stored in a dry place for later use. For example, cook, roast, or stir-fry delicious food.
Jackfruit seeds are also nutritious and rich in fiber, iron, potassium, some vitamins, proteins and antioxidants.
So think before throwing away the seeds before eating the fruit. There are other reasons to include these in your diet.
1. Promotes digestive health
Jackfruit seeds are rich in dietary fiber and improve digestion, thereby improving metabolism. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber plays a major role in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels, while insoluble fiber helps prevent constipation. Also, the presence of fiber keeps the fiber full for extended periods of time, thereby helping to lose weight.
2. Help fight anemia
These seeds are also an excellent source of iron that helps promote the production of red blood cells. This raises hemoglobin levels and prevents weakness and anemia. It also helps with proper blood circulation.
3. Vitamin B complex that enhances energy
Vitamin B complexes such as thiamine and riboflavin in jackfruit seeds not only help provide the body with the energy it needs, but they can also help the body’s overall functioning.
4. Improve eye health
Of the several vitamins, a small amount of vitamin A in jackfruit seeds helps improve eye health. It also helps prevent cataracts and muscle degeneration.
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5. Rich source of protein
Studies show that jackfruit seeds contain significant amounts of protein compared to fruits. Therefore, it helps regulate hunger levels, helps build muscle, and promotes weight loss.
Jacarin, a protein found in jackfruit seeds, helps strengthen the immune system.
6. Anti-aging characteristics
Some antioxidants in jackfruit seeds, such as lignans, saponins, isoflavones, and vitamin C, have anti-aging properties. This helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals that leads to premature aging of the skin.
source:
Nutritional and Health Benefits of Jackfruit: Review, published by RASN Ranasinghe, SDT Madhuwanthi, RAUJ Marapana on January 6, 2019.
A source of nutrition from Harvard Public Health School.
Jackfruit Seed: Functional Food Accessory, published by the Brazilian Journal of Food Technology
Jackfruit Seeds, the driving force behind nutrients: a lesser-known health benefit you need to know, Pavitha N Raj; published on NDTV on August 18, 2021.
