Jackfruit: What It Is, Nutrition, Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More

May 1, 2023

Have you ever eaten a jackfruit?

Known for being the largest edible fruit in the world, jackfruit is popular not only in India but also in many other parts of the world (1).

Ayurveda mentions numerous kathal benefits. It is rich in nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that help provide the fruit with numerous medicinal properties (1).

Let’s find out more about the kathal vegetable benefits, uses and side effects of jackfruit and include this incredible fruit into our diet.

On this page:

Nutritional Content of Jackfruit (2)

Ayurveda lists down immense kathal nutrition value. Research has found that jackfruit is a healthy source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fibre, protein, carbohydrates, magnesium and many other essential vitamins and minerals.

Jackfruit in Ayurveda (3)

Ayurveda has always vouched for the kathal benefits. It uses the many parts of the jackfruit plant for treating diseases and disorders.

Its roots are used in Ayurveda for treating diarrhoea and skin diseases, while its leaves are used in fever, boils, wounds, skin diseases and vitiated conditions of Vata and Pitta Dosha. Unripe fruits of jackfruit are also used in the vitiated conditions of Vata and Pitta, as well as for treating ulcers.

Various parts of the plant are also used in Ayurveda to treat toothache, stomach problems, sores, sterility in women and postnatal issues.

The Many Benefits of Eating Jackfruit

Heart Health (4) (2) (10)

Primary Benefits: According to research, jackfruit seeds can help reduce levels of LDL or bad cholesterol and raise levels of HDL or good cholesterol. In addition, jackfruit is also rich in potassium that helps counteract the effects of sodium and reduces tension in the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure levels.

Secondary Benefits: With this, jackfruit may help prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and boost overall heart health.

Diabetes Management

Primary Benefits: Researchers have found that the flavonoids present in the leaves of jackfruit may help prevent cell death in the pancreas, thereby improving the levels of insulin in the body (5). A study has also suggested that extracts from the jackfruit tree bark contain certain chemicals that prevent the breakdown of fats and complex carbohydrates into sugars (6).

Secondary Benefits: As such, jackfruit can help prevent and manage diabetes.

Anti-Cancer Effects

Primary Benefits: Jackfruit is rich in phytochemicals like flavonoids that are known for their antioxidant properties. Therefore, jackfruit helps fight free radicals or oxidative stress that plays an important role in the development of cancer (11).

Secondary Benefits: Research also suggests that jackfruit seeds may help inhibit the growth of new blood vessels from growing around cancerous cells, thereby cutting off their blood supply and growth (12).

Digestive Health (13) (14)

Primary Benefits: Jackfruit is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. In addition, jackfruit also contains several phytonutrients that may help prevent sores in the stomach or ulcers from forming.

Secondary Benefits: As a result, jackfruit can help reduce acid in the stomach, treat constipation, regulate bowel movements and prevent ulcers.

Sleep Benefits (8) (9)

Primary Benefits: Kathal benefits are immense. It is an excellent source of magnesium. Research has found that taking magnesium may help improve sleep.

Secondary Benefits: As such, jackfruit can help treat insomnia and many other sleep disorders.

How To Use Jackfruit?

Both the seeds and fruits of jackfruit are edible and can be used in several recipes in your daily diet.

You can add jackfruit seeds to cooked dishes or make them into candies.

Ripe jackfruits can be added to salads and curries or cooked with other vegetables. They can also be made into desserts. You can also use jackfruit pulp to make jackfruit chips.

Side Effects of Jackfruit (15)

There are hardly any side effects of jackfruit seeds and it is considered safe for consumption. However, if you are pregnant or have any underlying medical condition, it is recommended to consult your doctor before adding any fruit or vegetable to your diet.

Jackfruit is also not advised for the following people:

People with pollen allergy
People with chronic kidney diseases or acute kidney failure

Conclusion

Jackfruit is one of the best fruits to prevent and manage diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastric ulcers and insomnia. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, it helps boost your overall health.

FAQs

What are the health benefits of Kathal (Jackfruit)?

Jackfruit, also known as Kathal, is high in iron. Eating jackfruit may benefit individuals with low iron diets and assist in maintaining healthy blood circulation. It also aids in keeping the thyroid gland healthy.

What are the nutritional benefits of Kathal?

Jackfruit is a tropical tree fruit native to southwest India. It is packed with the goodness of proteins and carbohydrates. It is also a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fibre and magnesium.

Can we eat raw Kathal?

Like other fruits, ripe jackfruit is often consumed raw. It can also be used as a sweet dish. Unripe green jackfruit can also be eaten raw, but its flavor is so neutral that it works much better as a flavor enhancer in savory cooking applications.

Does Kathal help in weight loss?

The low-fat, high water and fiber content of jackfruit makes it a low-calorie fruit that may help with weight loss. Of its 100 grams, it has 73.5 grams of water, which might help with metabolism and increase satiety.

Is Kathal good for diabetes?

Jackfruit’s glycemic index is rated as medium. Its protein and fiber content aid in slowing down digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes, which are two factors in jackfruit’s lower GI making it ideal for consumption for diabetic individuals, although moderation is advised.

Disclaimer

This article is from a health and wellness perspective only and does not constitute medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a trained medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.