Jackfruit is a fruit that grows on trees and is a member of the fig family. It is believed to have originated in the southwest rain forests of Southeast Asia. Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh.
Vegans love this fruit because it is very rich in nutrients similar to the ones meat contain, and it is also healthy and full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, calcium and also protein and fiber. Four cups of this fruit contain the daily recommended dose for vitamin B6 in adults.
Unfortunately, the number of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer has grown during the last few years, but luckily we have good news for them. Jackfruit is one of the best fruits that can fight and treat colon cancer perfectly safe and completely naturally.
Here are some of its health benefits that are worth mentioning:
- Prevents colon cancer
Saponins, phytonutriens, lignans and isoflavones are all compounds which can be found in jackfruit and are able to prevent chronic diseases and the occurence of cancer.
- Lignans and isoflavones
Lignans and isoflavones are phytonutrients which can lower the risk of endometrial cancer, according to a study published in 2006 by the National Cancer Institute. This study examined 500 women, half of which were given high levels of these phytonutrients and the other half were not. Needless to say, the first group has shown a dramatic decline in cancer rates.
- Boosts the Immunity
The high levels of Vitamin C present in this fruit help strengthen the immune system. Also, the sugar found in it contains polysaccharides that boost the phagocytic cell function, according to many studies.
- Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are great in the prevention of the occurrence of cancer cells in the first place as well as in the treatment of stomach ulcers. They also prevent the growth of cancer cells in patients who suffer from leukemia since they induce mitotic arrest in leukemia cells.
- Protects the Cellular DNA
Antioxidants, which are found in large quantities in the jackfruit, prevent the damage of the cellular DNA by protecting it from free radicals and induced mutations.
- Saponins
Saponins are a class of chemical compound which also have anti-cancer properties. A study from 1995 published by the Journal of Nutrition has proven these properties for cancer prevention.
- Various properties for cancer prevention
This fruit contains sticky fiber that cleanses the colon, eliminates toxins and also reduces the overall risk of colon cancer.
Other health benefits of consuming this fruit are:
-It is rich in Vitamin A, C, niacin, folate, riboflavin and thiamine.
-Eating one cup of this fruit a day gives you 11% of your daily fiber intake
-It is rich in many minerals such as copper, selenium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, potassium, zinc, iron and phosphorus.
-One cup of jackfruit contains only 155 calories
-It has low levels of saturated fats, sodium and cholesterol
-Chinese medicine practitioners believe it reduces the effects of alcohol consumption
-It is rich in simple sugars which are very beneficial to your health