Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and is famous due to not only its sweet, tropical taste but also to its versatility. Most people eat it and appreciate its meaty, yellow contents yet the seeds that are contained in it remain unnoticed or are even thrown away. Nevertheless, seeds of jackfruit contain nutritious ingredients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Traditional diets and innate remedies have used them in many cultures over the centuries.
In recent years, jackfruit seeds gained attention of the health enthusiast community and researchers with their reported improved digestion and immunity, skin, and heart health support. In this article, we dive deep to understand why you should use jackfruit seeds, their nutritional value, the best means of cooking the jackfruit seeds, their medicinal uses and safety precautions.
What Are Seeds of Jackfruit?
Jackfruit seeds are seeds that are produced by the jackfruit in order to boost their growth by multiplying. Different jackfruits will have their own number of seeds that range between 100-500 seeds depending upon the size of the jackfruit. The kernels are pale yellow to white with smooth edible oval hall seeds. These are frequently boiled or roasted or dried and powdered to form flour. Historically, they have been eaten in places, such as India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Philippines.
Jackfruit seed nutritional values
Jackfruit seeds are a superfood on their own based on their nutritional profiles.
per 100g of boiled jackfruit seeds (rough figures):
- Cal Lawrence: 184 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Dietary fiber: 20 g
- Fiber-1.5 g
- A: 2 mcg
- Vitamin C 11 mg
- 500-600 mg Tiamine (B1): 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin (B2): 0.1 mg
- Minerals: Iron (1.5 mg), Potassium (246 mg), Calcium (22 mg), Magnesium (54 mg), Phosphorus (200 mg)
Seeds of jackfruit especially hold resistant starch that helps gut health by acting as a prebiotic.
Jackfruit Seeds Benefits
Let’s dive deep into the scientifically backed jackfruit seeds benefits that make them a must-try superfood.
1. Rich Source of Protein:- Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and hormone production. Jackfruit seeds contain a good amount of plant-based protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
How it helps:
- Supports muscle growth and recovery
- Promotes satiety, aiding in weight management
- Boosts metabolism
2. Boosts Digestive Health:- Jackfruit seeds are high in dietary fiber and resistant starch, which act as prebiotics.
Benefits for digestion:
- Improves bowel movement and prevents constipation
- Feeds beneficial gut bacteria
- Reduces the risk of digestive disorders
3. Supports Immune System:- Jackfruit seed have vitamin C, antioxidants, and important minerals such as zinc.Immunity-boosting effects:
- Shelters Cells against oxidative strain
- Stimulates the activity of the white blood cells
- Combats infections and accelerates the process of recovery
4. Improves Skin Health:- The antioxidants in jackfruit seeds help fight free radicals that cause premature aging.
Skin benefits:
- Delays wrinkles and fine lines
- Promotes collagen production
- May help reduce acne and blemishes
5. Maintains Heart Health:- Jackfruit seeds contain potassium and magnesium, which are crucial for cardiovascular health.
Heart-protective benefits:
- Regulates blood pressure
- Improves circulation
- Reduces cholesterol levels
6. Enhances Vision:- Small amounts of vitamin A and other antioxidants in jackfruit seeds contribute to healthy eyes.
Eye benefits:
- Prevents night blindness
- Reduces age-related vision decline
- Protects against cataracts
7. Promotes Healthy Hair:- Jackfruit seeds are rich in proteins and B vitamins that strengthen hair follicles.
Hair care benefits:
- Prevents hair fall
- Encourages healthy hair growth
- Improves scalp circulation
8. May Help Control Blood Sugar:- Although they are starchy, jackfruit seed have a low glycemic index due to their resistant starch content.
Diabetes-related benefits:
- Prevents rapid blood sugar spikes
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Provides sustained energy
9. Aids in Weight Management:- Jackfruit seeds provide satiety due to their protein and fiber content.
Weight control benefits:
- Reduces cravings
- Supports fat metabolism
- Helps maintain lean muscle mass
10. Natural Aphrodisiac:- In some cultures, jackfruit seed are believed to boost libido and fertility due to their nutrient profile.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Jackfruit Seeds
Jackfruit seeds have been used in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine for:
- Treating diarrhea and indigestion
- Managing skin ailment
- Boosting male fertility
- Healing wounds faster
- Reducing bloating and gas
How to Eat Jackfruit Seeds
- Jackfruit seeds may also be taken in different forms:
- Boiled: Just put in simmering salted water till tender.
- Roasted: Roast using bit of oil and crunch.
- Curries Add boiled seeds to curries and gravies.
- Flour: dry, grind and utilize as gluten-free flour.
- Desserts: Add to standard sweets and puddings.
Jackfruit Seed Recipes
1. Boiled Jackfruit Seed
- Ingredients: Fresh seeds, water, salt
- Method: Boil seeds for 20–25 minutes, peel skin, and serve warm.
2. Jackfruit Seed Curry
- Cook boiled seeds in onion-tomato gravy with spices for a protein-rich dish.
3. Jackfruit Seed Flour Pancakes
- Mix jackfruit seed flour with water, salt, and spices to make savory pancakes.
Possible Side Effects and Precautions
- Jackfruit seeds pose no real danger to most individuals, but take the following into consideration:
- Raw seeds have antinutrients and toxins such as tannins; they should never be eaten raw.
- The abuse can result in bloating or gas.
- Individuals that are allergic to nuts ought to test with care.
- The blood-thinning medicated individuals are advised to check with a physician because this contains vitamin K.
Sustainability and Economic Value
Using jackfruit seed reduces food waste, adds value to the fruit industry, and supports local farmers. They can be processed into flour or snacks, creating business opportunities.
Jackfruit Seeds vs. Other Edible Seeds
Compared to pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or flaxseeds:
- Jackfruit seeds are higher in resistant starch
- Lower in fat but still nutritious
- More versatile in savory dishes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are jackfruit seed eaten?
Ans. Yes, but they have to be boiled or roasted so as to eliminate natural toxins.
Q2. Do jackfruit seed grow daily?
Ans. That is correct, they can be included in a balanced diet in moderate quantities.
Q3. Do jackfruit seed work in weight loss?
Ans. Indeed, they make a person feel full and avoid excess eating owing to the high protein and fiber content.
Q4. Do jackfruit seed have any benefits on diabetes?
Ans. Indeed, the presence of resistant starch in jackfruit has the potential to normalize the level of sugar in the blood.
Q5. What is the storage of jackfruit seed?
Ans. Air dry in sunlight and keep in a covered container upto 3 months.
Conclusion
Jackfruit seeds are an underrated superfood that would include all aspects of flavor, health benefit, and nutrition in one good. Not only is jackfruit seed such good food, but their use will also leave you amazed, one being the enhancement in digestion and the boosting of the immune system, skin and heart care among others. Not only will consuming these seeds do you good, but you will also be able to help slow down the food waste of the planet in addition to ensuring food sustainability.
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