Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Kathal)

The jackfruit is usually harvested during the fall and summer and has a green colour when it is not ripe. It turns brown when it ripens. The fruit has a unique musky smell and sweet taste.

Let us have a close look at the jackfruit nutrition value per 100 grams:

Due to its rich and creamy texture, jackfruit is often used as a substitute for meat. Along with this delectable taste, jackfruit is packed with various nutrients, including protein, vitamins and minerals. Below are some of the well-known benefits of jackfruit:

Jackfruit and Weight Loss

One significant benefit of kathal is weight loss. The fruit is a great source of nutrients without being high in calories, making it a great alternative for individuals on a weight loss journey.

Furthermore, the fruit is high in fibre, which keeps you feeling fuller for a longer duration and reduces unnecessary calorie intake. This helps slow down the digestion process and manage appetite.

Jackfruit Prevents Cancer

Another benefit of raw jackfruit is that it helps in preventing cancer. The fruit is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and phytonutrients that assist in treating various types of cancers such as prostate, gastric, skin, etc.

The phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins and saponins content present in jackfruit fight with the free radicals, which thus prevent the growth of cancerous cells inside the body. It also helps in reducing oxidative stress induced by free radicals.

Jackfruit Regulates Blood Sugar Level

Jackfruit is packed with various properties that can assist in regulating blood sugar levels. The fruit is high in protein and dietary fibre, which helps slow down the gastric emptying time, leading to slow digestion.

This process helps prevent sudden glucose spikes. Furthermore, jackfruit contains flavonoids, which help prevent the risk of type-2 diabetes if consumed in moderate quantities.

Jackfruit Control Blood Pressure

Another common benefit of raw jackfruit is that it helps control blood pressure if eaten in moderate amounts. The fruit contains potassium, which assists in regulating the balance between electrolytes and fluid, leading to a better heart rate.

Furthermore, it also helps ease the tension in blood vessels, which contributes to controlled blood pressure.

Jackfruit Strengthens Bone Health

Jackfruit is also packed with high calcium content, which helps strengthen the bones. Furthermore, it also has potassium content, which prevents the loss of calcium in the kidneys.

Moreover, the magnesium content present in the jackfruit helps in absorbing the calcium content in the body. Besides this, it also contains vitamin K, which strengthens bone density and improves bone metabolism.

Jackfruit Boost Skin Health

Another important benefit of jackfruit seeds is that they help improve skin health. The seeds of jackfruit are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants, which are skin-friendly elements.

These vitamins help protect the skin from harmful UV rays, thus reducing dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines, etc. Furthermore, they also help enhance collagen production, which improves the skin's elasticity.

Jackfruit Supports Healthy Hair

Another significant jackfruit powder benefits is that it helps in supporting healthy hair. The powder is packed with essential nutrients that treat various hair disorders such as scalp inflammation, dandruff and anti-scalp irritation.

Furthermore, the powder also strengthens the hair follicles, which improves the hair roots and follicles.

Jackfruit, with its nutrient-dense profile, is a versatile ingredient in Indian households. Both ripe and raw jackfruits are used in a variety of culinary dishes, inspiring creativity in the kitchen.

• Jackfruit Curry

Ingredients

• 500 grams of jackfruit

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes

• 1 cup grated onion

• ½ cup oil

• 1 teaspoon of chilli powder

• 1 teaspoon of finely chopped ginger

• 1 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic

• 2 teaspoons of coriander leaves

• ½ teaspoon of turmeric

• ¼ teaspoon of garam masala powder

• 2 teaspoons of salt

• 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves

How to Prepare

• Step 1: While cutting the jackfruit, apply oil on your hand to prevent it from getting itchy and sticky.

• Step 2: Cut the fruit into small pieces.

• Step 3: Heat a pan on low flame and add oil.

• Step 4: Now, when the oil is warm, shallow fry the jackfruit pieces until they turn light brown.

• Step 5: Put the light brown fried jackfruit in a bowl and keep it aside.

• Step 6: In the same pan, heat the oil and add cumin seeds.

• Step 7: When the cumin seeds start to crackle, add garlic, onion and ginger and cook it until they are brown.

• Step 8: Add the tomatoes and all the dried ingredients, which are chilli powder, turmeric and salt.

• Step 9: Cook the ingredients until they start separating from the oil.

• Step 10: Add fried jackfruit and half cup of water.

• Step 11: Add the garam masala powder and cook it on low flame for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Step 12: Garnish it with coriander leaves once it is cooked.

• Step 13: Serve the jackfruit curry hot with chapati and rice.

• Jackfruit Payasam

Ingredients

• 500 grams of pureed jackfruit

• 1 cup of grated coconut

• 2 cups of coconut milk

• 2 cups of powdered jaggery

• 2 teaspoon of cashews

• 2 teaspoons of ghee

• ½ teaspoon of green cardamom

How to Prepare

• Step 1: In a deep pan, add ghee and heat it.

• Step 2: Add cashew nuts and fry them until they become golden brown.

• Step 3: Pour the fried cashew nuts into a bowl and keep it aside.

• Step 4: Now add the grated coconut to the pan and dry roast it until it becomes brown.

• Step 5: Pour the mixture into another bowl and keep it aside.

• Step 6: Add the pureed jackfruit and jaggery to a pan and cook it for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Step 7: Next, add the coconut milk and cardamom powder and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

• Step 8: Add the roasted coconut powder and mix it well.

• Step 9: Switch off the flame and garnish the jackfruit payasam with cashew nuts.

While the kathal nutrition value is high, like any other edible thing, it can have side effects on the body if consumed inappropriately. Some of the common jackfruit side effects are:

Jackfruit May Cause Allergies

One of the common side effects of jackfruit is that it may cause an allergic reaction if consumed in too much quantity.

It generally causes pollen allergies in some individuals. The side effects may include a swollen mouth, itchiness, etc.

Jackfruit May Cause Stomach Issues

It has been reported that jackfruit seeds contain a chemical that can interfere with the digestive system if consumed in excessive quantities. It may cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps, etc.

Jackfruit May Cause Kidney Disease

Individuals who are already suffering from chronic kidney disease should avoid consuming jackfruit as it contains potassium.

The high potassium content can lead to a disease called hyperkalemia, which can cause heart disease or paralysis.

Incorporating jackfruit into your diet is a suitable option to keep yourself healthy. However, unforeseen medical situations can occur to anybody. These medical emergencies can bring additional financial expenses. Therefore, to protect your financial assets, it is best to invest in a health insurance plan.

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Jackfruit is a tropical fruit loaded with nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Due to its rich nutritional profile, it offers various health benefits, such as regulating blood glucose, preventing cancer and more.

The fruit can be used in various sweet and savoury dishes. However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid any side effects.

Is kathal heavy to digest?

Due to its high fibre content, kathal can be a bit heavy to digest for some people, especially when eaten in large quantities.

What is the best time to eat jackfruit?

The best time to eat jackfruit is generally in the morning or early afternoon. Eating it earlier in the day allows your body to digest it more easily.

Can jackfruit be eaten raw?

Yes, jackfruit can be eaten raw, especially when it is ripe. The ripe fruit has a sweet, tropical flavour and a soft, fibrous texture, making it enjoyable to eat directly or in fruit salads.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Kathal). It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.