RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Jackfruit is one of the fruits commonly found in many regions of Indonesia. With the Latin name Artocarpus heterophyllus, this fruit has a slightly spiky skin that is greenish-yellow in color, while the flesh is yellow and has a distinctive aroma.

Jackfruit can be eaten directly or processed into various dishes, such as mixed with ice and other fruits to create refreshing desserts.

As quoted by Halodoc.com, jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is rich in nutrients. In 100 grams of jackfruit, you can get:

• Energy: 95–99 calories
• Carbohydrates: 23.25 grams
• Fiber: 1.5 grams
• Sugar: 19.1 grams
• Protein: 1.72 grams
• Vitamin C: 13.8 mg (23% DV)
• Vitamin B6: 0.329 mg (25% DV)
• Magnesium: 30 mg (8% DV)
• Potassium: 448 mg (10% DV)
• Manganese: 0.19 mg (9% DV)

In addition, jackfruit also contains vitamin A, folate, iron, niacin, riboflavin, and various antioxidants.

Although it has many benefits, jackfruit should not be consumed excessively because it can produce a considerable amount of gas in the digestive system. Here is a closer look at the benefits of the fruits below!

What are The Health Benefits of Jackfruit?

Jackfruit contains carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese.

In addition, Artocarpus heterophyllus is rich in several types of antioxidants that provide various health benefits.

Based on these nutrients, here are some of the health benefits of jackfruit:

1. Fighting Free Radicals

Jackfruit contains antioxidants such as isoflavones, phytonutrients, lignins, and saponins, which may help prevent cancer.

These compounds work by neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are substances that can damage healthy cells and potentially trigger cancer.

2. Boosting Immune System Function

The antioxidants and vitamin C in jackfruit also help strengthen the body’s immune system.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Food Science, jackfruit contains many nutrients that are beneficial for the body.

The fruit, leaves, and bark of the jackfruit tree have several beneficial properties, including anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and hypoglycemic effects.

These effects may help reduce the risk of disease and protect the body from potentially harmful infections.

In addition, as a healthy food, jackfruit is rich in vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and various minerals, which help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system can help the body fight various diseases.

3. Preventing DNA Cell Damage

Once again, the antioxidants in this golden-yellow fruit play an important role in protecting the body’s DNA cells.

Cell damage can occur due to free radicals that trigger changes in DNA cells. These changes may lead to dangerous diseases, including cancer.

4. Supporting Digestive Health

According to a study in Nutrition and Functional Foods in Boosting Digestion, Metabolism and Immune Health, jackfruit contains a fairly high amount of fiber. Fiber helps improve bowel movement, making bowel movements smoother and more regular.

In addition, the sticky sap of jackfruit, which is often considered as nuisance, can actually help cleanse the intestinal tract. This is because the sap contains fiber that helps remove toxins from the digestive system.

5. Maintaining Healthy Skin

Jackfruit is also beneficial for skin health. Its antioxidant content can help slow down the activity of free radicals that accelerate the process of premature aging.

Therefore, this fruit is especially recommended for people who often engage in outdoor activities and are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, pollution, and vehicle exhaust.

Besides its antioxidant properties, jackfruit also contains vitamin C, which the body needs to produce collagen. Collagen helps tighten the skin, prevent wrinkles, and make the skin appear brighter and more radiant.

6. Improving Heart Health

Jackfruit can also help reduce the risk of heart disease. This benefit is related to its potassium, fiber, and antioxidant content.

These components help improve blood flow to the heart and reduce plaque buildup that can block blood circulation to the heart.

7. Reducing the Risk of Inflammation

Foods rich in vitamin C help reduce inflammation in the body, and jackfruit is one of them. Lower inflammation levels can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

8. Helping with Weight Loss

Of course, this benefit works best when combined with a healthy diet. Although it may not contain as much fiber as some other foods, jackfruit still provides a significant amount of fiber.

In addition to supporting digestion, fiber can help manage body weight by providing a feeling of fullness for longer and reducing the urge to snack frequently.

9. Providing a Source of Energy

Jackfruit is one of the fruits that provides a good source of carbohydrates. In 100 grams, it contains about 94 calories.

This makes jackfruit a fruit that can provide a satisfying feeling of fullness and a good source of energy.

10. Supporting Nervous System Health

The B-complex vitamins found in jackfruit play an important role in maintaining the health of the nervous system.

These vitamins help maintain optimal nerve function, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.

11. Boosting Metabolism

The B-complex vitamins in jackfruit also help increase the body’s metabolism. A healthy metabolism helps the body burn calories more efficiently, maintain a healthy body weight, and provide sufficient energy.

Those are some of the health benefits of consuming jackfruit. Considering its many benefits, there is nothing wrong with making this fruit one of your healthy snack choices.