Jackfruit is one of the green colored fruits people have today. With the scientific name Artocarpus heterophyllus, jackfruit is notable for its spiny skin. Native to South and Southeast Asia, the following are the health benefits of jackfruit, along with a health recipe.
Health Benefits
Beautiful Skin
One health benefit of jackfruit is a glowing and radiant skin. According to Health Beckon, jackfruit can fight wrinkles and promote a flawless skin. Jack fruit seeds can be dipped in cold milk for a minute. Then, they are ground and applied gently on the wrinkles. As per the publication, wrinkles can be reduced in about six weeks and using it regularly will help achieve best results. For a flawless skin, the person soaks some dry seeds with milk and honey and grinds them into a fine paste, which is applied on the face. The paste is allowed to dry, before it is washed off to reveal as flawless skin.
Digestive Health
Jackfruit also helps promote digestion, with fiber. According to Mercola, fiber acts as a laxative, helping food move through the intestines for smooth elimination and prevent waste from sticking around and clogging the colon. It also helps a person be filled up, reducing his cravings for food. As a result, the person also loses weight, in addition to prevention of developing diseases like diabetes mellitus and heart diseases. Fiber also helps the body get rid of unwanted agents like toxins and free radicals.
Immunity Booster, Anti-Cancer
Another health benefit of jackfruit is its ability to raise a person’s immunity and help fight cancer. As per Dr. Axe’s official website, antioxidants like vitamin C and phytonutrients like saponins, isoflavones, and lignans help fight free radicals, which cause diseases and cancer. As per a 2012 study published in the journal “Carcinogenesis,” as cited by the publication, vitamin C increased antioxidant enxyme activities, which helped prevent breast cancer. Hence, eating jackfruit helps combat the dreaded disease.
Sample Recipe
One recipe that has jackfruit as ingredient is BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with Avocado Slaw. According to Minimalist Baker, then ingredients include two 20-ounce cans of young green jackfruit in water, one-fourth cup BBQ seasoning (two tablespoons brown sugar, one teaspoon paprika, one teaspoon garlic powder, half tablespoon salt, half teaspoon pepper, half teaspoon chili powder), three-fourth cup BBQ sauce, two cups shredded cabbage and carrots, half ripe avocado, a tablespoon of maple syrup, one lemon or lime, salt, pepper, four to six whole grain vegan buns, and half cup roasted salted cashews.
To prepare, as per the publication, the jackfruit is rinsed, drained, and dried. Next, the core or center of the fruit is chopped off and discarded. After that, the jackfruit is placed in a mixing bowl and set aside. Then, the BBQ seasoning is mixed and added to the jackfruit; the ingredients are tossed to coat. Once done, a large skillet is heated over medium heat. Once hot, one to two tablespoons of oil is added to the seasoned jackfruit. The ingredients are tossed to coat and cooked for two to three minutes until colored. Then, BBQ sauce is added, along with enough water to make a sauce. The ingredients are stirred and heat is reduced to low-medium heat and cooked for about 20 minutes (up to 35 minutes on low to enhance flavor. The lid is removed and the ingredients are stirred occasionally. Meanwhile, the slaw is prepared by adding all ingredients except the vegetables to a mixing bowl and whisked to combine. It is thinned with water until the sauce thickens; vegetables are added and tossed to coat. Then, the dish is placed in the refrigerator until serving. Once the jackfruit simmers properly, heat is turned up to medium-high and cooked for two to three minutes to gain extra color and texture; then, the food is removed from heat. Slaw is placed on the bottom buns and jackfruit and cashews are placed on top, along with extra BBQ sauce. The leftover jackfruit lasts for a couple of days in the refrigerator.
Jackfruit is nutritious with its many health benefits. Thus, it can be added to weekly menu plans for families and friends.
Source: newscrab.com
