Jackfruit Is Packed With Nutrients

Jackfruit has an impressive nutrition profile.

It contains a moderate amount of calories, providing 155 in a one-cup (165-gram) serving. Approximately 92% of the calories come from carbs, while the rest come from protein and a small amount of fat .

Furthermore, jackfruit contains some of almost every vitamin and mineral that you need, as well as a decent amount of fiber .

One cup of sliced fruit provides the following nutrients .

• Calories: 155
• Carbs: 40 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Vitamin A: 10% of the RDI
• Vitamin C: 18% of the RDI
• Riboflavin: 11% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 15% of the RDI
• Potassium: 14% of the RDI
• Copper: 15% of the RDI
• Manganese: 16% of the RDI

What makes jackfruit unique from other fruits is its protein content. It provides more than 3 grams of protein per cup, compared to 0–1 grams in other similar types of fruit, such as apples and mangoes .

Jackfruit is also rich in several types of antioxidants, which are likely responsible for the majority of its health benefits.

It May Benefit Blood Sugar Control

Jackfruit has several properties that may help with blood sugar management.

It has a fairly low glycemic index (GI), which is a measure of how quickly your blood sugar rises after eating a food. This has been attributed to the fiber it provides, which slows digestion and helps prevent blood sugar spikes .

Diets that include lots of low-GI foods have been shown to be helpful for promoting blood sugar control .

Moreover, jackfruit provides some protein, which may help prevent blood sugar levels from rising too quickly after a meal.

In one study, adults who consumed jackfruit extract were found to have significantly improved blood sugar levels.

Additionally, a study of diabetic mice found that jackfruit leaf extract helped reduce fasting blood sugar levels and provided long-term blood sugar control .

These effects were attributed to jackfruit’s content of flavonoid antioxidants, which are known for their ability to promote balanced blood sugar levels .

Although the results from these studies are promising, more studies of people eating fresh jackfruit are necessary to confirm these potential benefits.

Other Potential Health Benefits

Jackfruit is said to have several other health benefits that have not been studied specifically.

• Immune
  health: Jackfruit’s content of immune-boosting
  vitamins A and C may help prevent illnesses. Eating this fruit is also
  claimed to be helpful for reducing the risk of viral infections .
• Preventing
  skin problems: This fruit provides several nutrients and
  antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that may improve skin health. There is anecdotal
  evidence that eating it may slow the aging of your skin.
• Heart
  health: Jackfruit may have the potential to reduce the risk of
  heart disease due to its content of potassium, fiber and antioxidants.

Furthermore, the roots and extracts have been used in traditional Indian and Sri Lankan medicine to treat several conditions, including asthma, diarrhea and stomach ulcers, but these effects have never been scientifically proven.

Although these reported benefits are not supported by scientific evidence, including jackfruit in your diet is certainly worth a try if you want to improve your health.