The Mighty Jackfruit – A Superfood that is also Therapeutic

Jackfruit (Panasa phala in Sanskrit) is a commonly available big fruit in South East Asia and India. Jack fruit is the National fruit of Bangladesh and Sri lanka and state fruit of the Indian state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Atrocarpus integrifolia is the botanical name of jackfruit and it is coming under the MORACEAE family. Even though the fruits are the most used part, all parts of the fruit are edible except the outer skin. The filmy white strips and the seeds and even the midrib of the fruit is used for different cooking purposes.

Ayurveda gives a lot of importance to Jackfruit, saying that. It helps to reduce Pitta and Vata dosha in the body. It helps production of semen, increases strength and is nutritive. Ayurveda also explains the dietary and medicinal importance of Jackfruit. The raw jackfruit which is used as a vegetable is rich in fibres and is very effective in reducing diabetes and establishing a stable digestion over time. Water boiled with jack fruit leaves are used for bathing which helps in reducing vata in the body.

Tender or baby jackfruit is usually deskinned and used as a vegetable and  it is commonly used for preparing a variety of dishes. It has a mild taste and meat-like texture that lends itself to being a meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans.Cooking tender or raw jackfruit with turmeric powder and curry leaves and garnishing with cold pressed coconut oil and salt is a complete meal that is rich in all nutrients.

Jackfruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium and potassium. Jackfruit accelerates the digestive process and prevents dehydration. It is also a good fruit for preventing intestinal cancer.

Even though it is a king amongst fruits in all aspects like size, taste and nutritional value, excessive intake of jackfruit is not good. As it is a heavy fruit, you have to monitor digestion while eating it as it may cause gastric complaints like bloating of abdomen, diarrhoea and nausea. In this condition Ayurveda advises that you take small pieces of dry ginger to combat this. Additionally, sweet ripe jackfruit is not good for over-nutritional disorders like diabetes, although the raw jackfruit should not be a problem.

” PANASAM SEETAM PAKWAM SNIGDHAM PITTANILAPAHAM |

TARPANAM BRAHMANAM SWADU MAMSALAM SLESHMALAM BHRUSAM ||

BALYAM SUKRAPRADAM HANTHI RAKTHAPITTAKSHATHAVRANAN | ” 

– Bhavaprakasha Nighandu