TYLER TOLMAN BLOG
Jackfruit | Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits by Coach Marcus Carr
Jackfruit | Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits by Coach Marcus Carr
Could jackfruit be the jack of all trades?
Right away, I want to say that I believe jackfruit is a masculine fruit. Why do I say that? Well, for one, jackfruit has a multiplicity of seeds, just as men hold a multiplicity of seeds in the form of sperm inside the testicles – another example of the Doctrine of Signatures that Tyler talks about. Figs are the most noticeable example, but there are others like cucumbers and certain varieties of bananas as well.
A Manly Fruit
These foods all have many seeds in them as opposed to the single seed fruits like avocados, peaches, nectarines and so on. The single seed represents the female uterus. Not that women shouldn’t or can’t enjoy this delicious fruit. All foods have feminine and masculine properties. In other words, some fruits are going to support male hormones, like testosterone, and other fruits will support female hormones such as estrogen. Now this is a very simplified explanation for conversations sake as dealing with hormones can get complex.
I was born and raised in San Diego, and we lived very close to Mexico where jackfruit can grow abundantly. We often visited many of the Latin markets that were around. One day I was picking up some product from the market and I came across this huge 15lb (6kg) greenish brown, spiky fruit (or vegetable?), at the time I had no idea about jackfruit. A couple of Mexican employees informed me of what I was looking at.
And that was when I was introduced to Jackfruit. It’s said to be the largest fruit in the world, weighing up to 55lbs (25kg). My Mexican friends emphasized the idea that this fruit keeps men strong and stiff, if you know what I mean (wink wink). I had a good laugh, but was certainly intrigued by what I had heard. I ended up purchasing one and trying it for myself. Without going into too much detail, I’ll just say that I know what they were talking about now.
What is Jackfruit?
Upon trying my first jackfruit, I discovered the seeds and the flesh around it were the most palatable section of the fruit, although just about all parts can be consumed. The seeds and flesh have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, with a similar texture to meat. This is why it is often used as an alternative to animal meat in vegetarian/vegan dishes. I find it resembles chicken or pulled pork.
Jackfruit is one of the few fruits that is delicious when cooked as a savoury dish. My favorite way to eat jackfruit is in spicy curries or I’ll slowly cook a big crock pot full of cut up jackfruit, fresh vegetables, beans, coconut milk, adding different herbs and spices, and letting it marinate for 4 to 6 hours. Full satisfaction!!
So what's so good about Jackfruit?
Turns out there have been a numerous studies on jackfruit proving the benefits of this super-fruit and supporting the ‘masculine fruit’ theory. One of those benefits is, sure enough, oxidation of LDL cholesterol which contributes to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Meaning, jackfruit increases blood flow throughout the body, including the genitalia.
That’s not all! This fruit is known to be high in proteins and essential amino acids. Amino acids, of course, are known as the building blocks of life. It is also a good source of B-complex vitamins, including B6 and B12. These vitamins aid in nerve function and metabolism, among many other functions as well.
Jackfruit is also known to be high in vitamin C and carotenoids. Carotenoids are the natural pigment of reddish-yellow and have beneficial effects for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Jackfruit has a high mineral content, especially magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral many people tend to be deficient in, commonly due to poor diet or high levels of medication use. In additional to the mineral and vitamin content, jackfruit is a great source of fibre, aiding in digestion and diseases of the bowels.
Overall, jackfruit is a powerhouse full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. It has been studied and found that it is also antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants. What I really enjoy about jackfruit is that it is a good source of protein without the saturated fat that can cause heart disease. For those who are following a plant-based diet, this fruit is a great substitute for many meat dishes.
Thanks for reading!
