Jackfruit Seed Benefits and Side Effects

Jackfruit seeds are packed with nutrients, and are easily available during certain seasons in India. This is the main reason why this ingredient has been used in traditional medicine of many cultures, including India. Modern science and medicine have only recently conducted research into this underrated ingredient, and many studies have discovered the benefits of consuming jackfruit seeds. The following are some of the most well-known benefits of jackfruit seeds.

A number of studies have shown that jackfruit seeds have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and can aid the prevention of bacterial infections. A study published in Nano Biomedicine and Engineering in 2011 showed that jackfruit seeds are effective against common bacteria, and can also aid the prevention of food-borne bacterial infections. The study also indicated that the development of jackfruit seed powder as a medicine to prevent these infections should be undertaken soon.

Fiber is a vital nutrient that aids in digestion by passing through the entire digestive system without getting broken down by the enzymes. It therefore helps regulate bowel movements. Like most seeds and nuts, jackfruit seeds are packed with fiber and are known to aid digestion. What’s more, jackfruit seeds are packed with both soluble as well as insoluble fiber, and also have probiotic properties. So, consuming jackfruit seeds can help keep indigestion, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease at bay.

Apart from fiber, jackfruit seeds are packed with antioxidants like carotenoids, phenolic acid and flavonoids. Add to this the fact that jackfruit seeds have negligible lipids or fat, and you have an ingredient that can help keep your cholesterol levels in check. High cholesterol levels are linked to obesity, high blood pressure and heart diseases. So, consuming jackfruit seeds can help in keeping cholesterol levels under control and cardiovascular diseases at bay.

With so many nutrients packed in one little seed, it’s no wonder that jackfruit seeds are considered to be good for your entire immune system. This ingredient is packed with carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants and some vital vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, thiamine, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Consuming jackfruit seeds can therefore give your immune system a good boost.

Asthma is a serious health issue, and dealing with an asthma attack can be quite difficult. Issues related to asthma, like wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing and panic attacks can get triggered during times of distress. Jackfruit seed extracts can help deal with all these symptoms of asthma, and relieve them as well. This effective extract is also present in jackfruit roots.

Anemia is a condition caused by a low red blood cell count in the body, and has symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, weakness, etc. Anemia is usually caused by an underlying issue, but treating it can be aided with a balanced diet that includes iron, folate and vitamins. Jackfruit seeds are a rich source of minerals like iron and phosphorus, and have vitamins as well as antioxidants. Therefore, consuming jackfruit seeds can help you prevent anemia as well.

Most foods with a high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals tend to restrict or prevent free radical damage - which is one of the main causes behind the growth of tumours and cancer. Jackfruit seeds are packed with these nutrients and also have other plant compounds or phytochemicals that fight free radical damage, boost the immune system and can even help repair damages to the body. A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine in 2017 also revealed that the consumption of jackfruit seed extracts can also prevent the formation of cancer in blood vessels.

Jackfruit seeds are packed with antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acid, etc. They are also a rich source of vitamins, especially B vitamins, and also consist of vital minerals. All of these, but especially the presence of fiber and antioxidants, can help keep skin infections, skin rashes, etc away. This is because these nutrients can help your body detox and keep your skin health perfect. Jackfruit seed flour, when combined with milk and applied on the face, can also help you get a glowing complexion.

Jackfruit seeds are quite beneficial because they are powerhouses of nutrition. However, there are a number of reasons why the consumption of jackfruit seeds, and their extracts like flour and oil, should not exceed too much. Asking a doctor about your jackfruit seed consumption is, therefore, very important. The following are some of the side-effects that can occur if you consume too much of it.

• Jackfruit seeds contain antinutrients like tannins and trypsin inhibitors, which can interfere with and impair the absorption of nutrients.
• Consumption of too much jackfruit seed might cause indigestion and diarrhoea. This is because of the presence of trypsin inhibitors in jackfruit seeds.
• Jackfruit seeds and their extracts might slow blood clotting. If an individual on medications that increase the risk of bleeding consumes jackfruit seeds, this can lead to increased bleeding.
• Just like jackfruit flesh or pulp, some people might have an allergic reaction to jackfruit seeds, which can be distressing as well as fatal if not cared for immediately.

Jackfruit seeds have an immense nutritive value and can be consumed to reap a number of benefits. However, it’s important to remember that consuming jackfruit seeds in excess might also have some side effects. Yet, if you want to include them in your diet, here are a few things you must keep in mind:

• Jackfruit seeds should never be eaten raw due to their antinutrient content.
• You can boil or roast jackfruit seeds before consumption.
• You can eat jackfruit seeds as a healthy snack, add them to salads or cook with jackfruit seed flour.
• Make sure the jackfruit seeds you get are fresh and properly preserved.