Ayurveda: Jackfruit is not just a delicious food item; it’s a highly potential medicine too

It’s jackfruit season in Kerala again. Most of the houses here have a jackfruit tree somewhere in its surroundings. Each grown-up plant gives at least 50 to 100 fruits.  This wonder tree grows up its own, that it does not need watering or fertilizers or any kind of  personal care. It grows to become big tree and the green canopy provides a big shade around it facilitating small vegetables, which do not need direct sunlight to grow. One amazing fact is that every part of it is useful to humans, as a tasty food item, furniture materials made of its wood, all apart from its use as a medicine.

Plant history says jackfruit has its origin in the rain forests of the Western Ghats of India. It gradually spread on to other parts of India, Southeast Asia, the East Indies and ultimately the Philippines. It is also widely seen in central and eastern Africa and is popular in Brazil and Surinam. The most attractive part of it, however, is that, although it is seasonal, it is one of the most edible food items in all these places. It is said that it even helped people survive during famine times in the past.

Researchers have now proved its invaluable therapeutic ability, especially in the treatment of different types of cancers. The research findings have enhanced its star value as a sought-after food item and gave it a pride of place status on the dining table. Governments are also promoting it as a healthy food item. The Kerala government has declared Jackfruit as national fruit of the state and also conducts jackfruit festivals every year.

Health benefits of jackfruit

• According to Ayurveda, Jackfruit is not just a delicious food item, it’s a highly potential medicine too. Ayurveda suggests Jackfruit as a natural remedy for many illnesses. Now modern medicine has also recognised its health benefits.
• With the scientific name artocarpus heterophyllus, Jackfruit is termed as medicine in Ayurveda and there is reference to it as a medicine even in the centuries old book Hortus Malabaricus , by Hendrik Adriaan Van Rheede, which was written during 1678–1693 depicting  the ancient culture and lifestyle  prevailed in Kerala.
• Unripe jackfruit is very nutritious and according to Ayurveda, it abates Vata Dosha
• Ripe Jackfruit reduces bile in the body and fights obesity
• Although it causes constipation, jackfruit arils are good for urinary retention.
• The concoction prepared using the root of jackfruit tree has been used by Vaidyas in the course of diarrhea treatment.
• The tender leaves and secretion of jackfruit tree have been in use for different skin disorders.
• Tender Jackfruit has got many medicinal properties. It is a good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart beat rate and blood pressure.  Those who suffer from diabetes and obesity can safely consume the jackfruit as well as the dishes made of it.
• Jackfruit is beneficial for asthma, blood pressure and thyroid patients.
• Jackfruit is rich in fibre and low in fat and proteins
• Jackfruit is also a good source of antioxidant vitamin-C. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals.
• The fresh fruit has small but significant amounts of vitamin-A, and flavonoid pigments such as carotene-ß, xanthin, lutein, and cryptoxanthin-ß. Together, these compounds play vital roles in antioxidant and vision functions.
• It is rich in B-complex group of vitamins. It contains outstanding amounts of vitamin B-6 , niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid.
• Jackfruit seeds are found very rich in digestible starch, protein, and minerals. In southern India, it is sun-dried and stored for use during the rainy season. It is also used in a variety of recipes.Jackfruit chips fried in coconut oil are a very delicious and popular snack item.
• Researches show that it is capable of reducing the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• Researches have also proved that it helps in raising the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
• As a result of the above two benefits, it makes the process of blood flow smoother, keeping the blood pressure under control and reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• A usual meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan diets and a nutritious food, jack fruit is sweet and has a distinctive flavor which seems like a blend of banana and pineapple.

Courtesy: Dr:  Shabu Pattambi