Jackfruit is usually grown for its edible fruit, but some parts of the jackfruit tree have been widely used in traditional medicine. In particular, young jackfruit has many beneficial effects on health, especially for diabetes.
The jackfruit tree has the scientific name Artocarpus heterophyllus L.f, belonging to the Moraceae family.
The tree is large, up to 30m high, with young branches having many hairs at the top. The leaves are simple, entire, thick, 9 – 22cm long, 4 – 9cm wide, 1 – 1.5cm petiole. The flowers are unisexual, monoecious.
The female inflorescence grows right on the trunk or on the branch, 5 – 8cm long, 2 – 5cm thick. The male inflorescence is mace-shaped. The compound fruit is large, 30 – 60cm long, with short thorns on the surface. When ripe, the skin is still green or slightly yellow. The ripe fruit flesh is light yellow, sweet, very fragrant, and has many seeds.
Young jackfruit has many health benefits and is good for people with diabetes.
1. Health benefits of young jackfruit
1.1 Good for weight loss
Young jackfruit contains water and lots of healthy fiber. Although it has a low calorie content, young jackfruit still makes you feel full for a long time and is a great food for weight loss.
1.2 Maintain intestinal health
Research shows that young jackfruit has a good laxative effect, helping to reduce the time of contact and binding with cancer-causing chemicals, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. The high fiber content in young jackfruit also helps prevent constipation.
1.3 Protect the skin
Young jackfruit is also a rich source of vitamin C, which helps protect the skin from damage caused by aging. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production, providing firmness and health to the skin and maintaining oral health.
1.4 Other effects
Jackfruit is rich in magnesium, which is important for calcium absorption, helping to strengthen bones and prevent bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis.
Iron in jackfruit helps prevent anemia and supports circulation. Young jackfruit also contains copper, which plays an important role in thyroid metabolism.
Vitamin B6 in young jackfruit helps reduce homocysteine levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, young jackfruit contains many antioxidants, anti-inflammatory substances, protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals, thereby preventing some diseases such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, etc.
2. The effects of young jackfruit on people with diabetes
Compared to wheat and rice, young jackfruit has a very low glycemic index. Therefore, this is a healthy food and very suitable for people with diabetes.
In addition, young jackfruit provides a lot of fiber and protein, helping the digestion process take place slowly and supporting blood sugar control. The fiber in young jackfruit also helps you feel full for a long time, reduces cravings, and helps people with diabetes lose weight scientifically.
In addition, people with diabetes have a higher risk of inflammation than normal, so the antioxidants in young jackfruit help reduce the risk and complications of diabetes.
You can use dried young jackfruit, only about 30gr of dried young jackfruit can create a feeling of fullness for a long time, gradually giving up the habit of snacking.
Note: You should only use young jackfruit in moderation, do not overuse it because young jackfruit contains a large amount of carbs, if you eat a lot it will affect your blood sugar index.
