The article is professionally consulted by Specialist level II, Senior Doctor Đoàn Dư Đạt - Internal Medicine Doctor – Department of General Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Jackfruit is a fruit that offers many health benefits. Its high sugar content can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels if consumed on an empty stomach potentially leading to dizziness and lightheadedness.
1. Nutritional value of jackfruit
- Provides Energy: Jackfruit is rich in carbohydrates (accounting for 92% of its nutritional content), fructose, and sucrose, which can provide instant energy for daily activities. One cup of jackfruit contains about 40 grams of carbohydrates.
- Prevents Thyroid Diseases: Jackfruit is high in copper, a mineral that helps the body absorb, regulate, and synthesize thyroid hormones, thereby effectively preventing thyroid-related diseases.
Boosts Immunity: The vitamin C in jackfruit enhances the immune system. Additionally, its simple sugars can significantly improve immune function. - Lowers Blood Pressure: According to American nutritionists, one cup of jackfruit can provide about 14% of your daily potassium needs. The high potassium content in jackfruit helps regulate blood pressure and effectively prevents cardiovascular diseases.
- Supports Digestive Health: The fiber and water content in jackfruit improve digestion and treat constipation. However, consuming too much jackfruit may cause indigestion.
- Improves Vision: Antioxidants in jackfruit, such as flavonoids and phenols, help eliminate free oxygen radicals, which are responsible for retinal degeneration, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Jackfruit can provide about 10% of the daily vitamin A requirement for the body.
- Fights Cancer: Jackfruit contains numerous antioxidants that protect cellular DNA from direct damage or mutations caused by free oxygen radicals. Furthermore, jackfruit helps the colon eliminate toxins from the digestive system, a factor linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Treats Anemia: Jackfruit is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, folic acid, niacin, and vitamin B6, as well as minerals like manganese, magnesium, copper, and iron. These are essential for the synthesis of red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin, helping to treat and prevent anemia.
2. Does eating jackfruit cause heat in the body?
Most women often believe that eating jackfruit causes heat in the body and leads to acne. However, according to many nutrition experts, jackfruit does not cause heat in the body.
Jackfruit is an important source of vitamins and minerals in the diet, because it is consumed raw without cooking, it retains its full vitamin and mineral content.
People who are prone to boils, heat rashes, or styes should avoid eating too much jackfruit, as it can increase blood sugar levels, creating a favorable environment for bacterial growth, especially Staphylococcus bacteria — the main cause of boils and skin infections.
3. How to eat jackfruit the right way?
- Eating jackfruit on an empty stomach can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, bloating, and indigestion. It is recommended to eat jackfruit 1-2 hours after meals.
- For individuals with chronic illnesses, the maximum daily intake should not exceed 80g (approximately 3-4 jackfruit segments per day).
- Pair jackfruit with other ripe fruits to meet the body's daily vitamin and mineral needs.
- Avoid eating jackfruit in the late afternoon or evening.
- People with diabetes and fatty liver disease should completely avoid jackfruit.
- Those who tend to feel overheated should drink enough water (2-2.5 liters/day) and consume plenty of green vegetables (200-300g/day) when eating jackfruit.
- According to folk wisdom: "Cut jackfruit for lunch and crack coconuts for dinner."
4. People who should not eat jackfruit
- Caution when consuming jackfruit for individuals with fatty liver disease, diabetes, chronic kidney failure, or those who are weak or in poor health. Jackfruit should be strictly avoided by individuals with diabetes and fatty liver disease.
- Jackfruit should also be avoided by those trying to conceive, as its consumption may reduce sexual desire, as well as the strength and stamina of men.
- Children with boils or heat rash should limit their consumption of jackfruit because its high sugar content in blood can create favorable conditions for the growth of skin-disease-causing bacteria, such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.
5. Does eating jackfruit cause weight gain?
Jackfruit is a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin A, which boost the body’s immunity, provide powerful antioxidant effects, help maintain skin hydration, give a rosy complexion, and reduce wrinkles.
Jackfruit will only cause weight gain if consumed in excessive amounts. When eaten in moderation, it can actually help with weight loss and promote overall health.
For an effective weight-loss solution, you can drink a glass of jackfruit juice an hour after a meal or use young jackfruit as part of your meal, this is both beneficial for your health and aids in weight loss.
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