One of The Worlds Largest (Sweet) Fruits is Large In Health Too!!

Wallace Bishop I.N.H.C, C.N.C.

jackfruit-in-half  You may have never seen or heard of Jackfruit. I hadn’t until a month or so ago. Karen (passionate cook and foodie), our office manager and crazy impersonator of Julia Childs  brought one into our office and I was rather amazed.

It’s huge!! Don’t let it’s size intimidate you. They can weigh over 50 pounds. Most often what you find in the stores weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. When you cut open the jackfruit you will see pods of darker yellow/gold flesh surrounded by fibrous flesh that you couldn’t eat if you wanted to. The seeds are also edible and nutritious. Jackfruit is a member of the latex family. If you have latex allergies you should avoid the jack fruit.

The ripe fruit taste surprisingly like Juicy Fruit gum. Yes, it’s a bit different but good. The fruit is also edible unripe and has more of a meaty savory flavor.

So what does the Jackfruit offer? Actually, as you read on you will find it is a powerful super-food with great health benefits!

Jackfruit is rich in many nutrients and powerful antioxidants. It has Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and the minerals, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, sodium and manganese. Additionally, it is very rich in many diverse antioxidants that protect cells from aging, cancer and the cellular destruction from toxins.

  • Jackfruit can strengthen the immune system
  • Jackfruit can protect against cancer
  • Aids in digestion and helps improve digestive health
  • Is great for cardiovascular health
  • Its have great health benefits for the eye’s and skin
  • Can boost energy levels
  • May help lower blood pressure
  • Help lower cholesterol
  • Can help control and improve asthma
  • Helps strengthen the bones
  • It can help prevent anemia
  • It can help keep up and improve thyroid function
  • It can help boost nerve function because it has acetylcholine!
  • It has anti viral properties!

Jackfruit has a wide range of antioxidants also known as phytonutrients. Some of those found in jackfruit are lignans, isoflavones, cartanoids and saponins and these have health benefits that are wide-ranging. These phytonutrients have anticancer, anti-hypertensive (high blood pressure), anti-ulcer and anti-aging properties. The antioxidants found in jackfruit can prevent the forming of cancer cells in the body, can lower blood pressure, can fight against stomach ulcers, and can slow down the aging and destruction of cells that make the skin look young and vibrant. Jackfruit also has niacin known as vitamin B3 which is necessary for energy metabolism, nerve function, and the synthesis of certain hormones.

At present, there is great interest in the scientific community in the functional properties of jackfruit because of its antioxidant, anticancer potential and ability to fight vascular diseases and skin diseases. The jackfruit could be considered a functional food because it has valuable compounds in different parts of the fruit that provide medicinal benefits. All parts of the jackfruit including, leaves, stems and seeds are edible and have medicinal properties.

If you feel adventuresome and want a great culinary experience go buy a jackfruit, enjoy it and then tell me what you think about jackfruit!! You will most likely find jackfruit in Asian supermarkets.

To a Long and Healthy Life!

Wally Bishop

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

www.boundlesshealthcoaching.com

Viveshake Developer

Sources

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2012.00210.x/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3156450/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4009199/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51521861_Nutritional_assessment_of_a_jackfruit_Artocarpus_heterophyllus_meal

The contents of the email or written communication are not medical advice and should not be considered as such! This blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your physician or health care provider if you have medical issues and before changing your diet or lifestyle or taking herbal or dietary supplements. Never start an exercise program with getting your doctors approval. Never quit taking medications unless advised to do so by your doctor. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can give you advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs.

Published by Wallace Bishop I.N.H.C, C.N.C.

In 2006, Wally was a morbidly obese man who weighed over 450 pounds and had many health problems. By improving his nutrition and adopting holistic healthy living principles, Wally was able to lose more than 220 pounds. By adopting these natural holistic principles he reversed many health problems including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, lymphedema, arthritis and sleep apnea. Today, Wally is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Nutritional and Wellness Consultant and is the owner of Wellness With Wally, a Nutrition and Health Coaching Service. Wally is actively involved in local and national health promotion efforts. In addition, he works with community organizations and corporations as a speaker and educator. Wally’s Achievements • Author of over 300 articles on diet, nutrition, weight loss, sports nutrition and healthy living principles. • Regular contributor to local and national magazines and health related blog sites. • Author of “Maximize Your Life, Renew Your Mind, Body, and Spirit.” • Creator of the 12-week health and wellness course, “Unlock Your Health Potential,” which has been taught at local companies over the past 4 years. • Wally has given over 250 presentations regarding health, fitness, wellness and nutrition. • Wally has been a featured guest on NPR, CBS and Fox News stations. As well as being invited to provide expert health opinions on various radio programs. • Wally has been instrumental in the development and implementation of Health and Wellness programs for companies including a Fortune 500 company. Additionally, Wally provides a variety of class formats (ranging from thirty minute to one-hour classes to full 12-week courses) for businesses that are looking for ways to encourage their employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. Improved employee health and wellness has a positive impact on employee attendance, work efficiency, quality of work, lower health care cost and overall associate happiness thus increasing a companies overall bottom line.

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