It is a rich source of complex carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins like vitamin A, C and certain B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, zinc, and phosphorous. They contain lignans, isoflavones, saponins, that are called phytonutrients and their health benefits are wide-ranging from anti-cancer to antihypertensive, anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, etc.

Jackfruit contains many vitamins and minerals, and offers numerous health benefits. It is a rich source of complex carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins like vitamin A, C and certain B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, zinc, and phosphorous. They contain lignans, isoflavones, saponins, that are called phytonutrients and their health benefits are wide-ranging from anti-cancer to antihypertensive, anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, etc. Jackfruit seed powder has the ability to relieve discomfort due to indigestion.
Jackfruit is an ever green, 30 to 70 ft tall tree. Humid tropical and near tropical climate is well suited for jackfruit. Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, reaching 80 pounds in weight and up to 36 inches long and 20 inches in diameter.
The exterior of the compound fruit is green or yellow when ripe. The interior consists of large edible bulbs of yellow, banana-flavored flesh that encloses a smooth, oval, light-brown seed. Which are viable for no more than three or four days. When fully ripe, the unopened jackfruit emits a strong disagreeable odor, resembling that of decayed onions, while the pulp of the opened fruit smells of pineapple and banana. In Asia, jackfruits ripen principally from March to June, April to September, or June to August, depending on the climatic region
It's considered that jackfruit pulp and seeds tonic, cooling and nutritious, and to be "useful in overcoming the influence of alcohol on the system." The seed starch is given to relieve biliousness and the roasted seeds are regarded as aphrodisiac. The ash of jackfruit leaves, burned with corn and coconut shells, is used alone or mixed with coconut oil to heal ulcers. Heated leaves are placed on wounds. The dried latex yields artostenone, convertible to artosterone, a compound with marked androgenic action. Mixed with vinegar, the latex promotes healing of abscesses, snakebite and glandular swellings. The root is a remedy for skin diseases and asthma. An extract of the root is taken in cases of fever and diarrhea. The bark is made into poultices. The wood has a sedative property; its pith is said to produce abortion.

Nutrition Value / Food Value per 100g of edible portion

The pulp constitutes 25-40% of the fruit's weight.
In general, fresh seeds are considered to be high in starch, low in calcium and iron; good sources of vitamins B1 and B2 while pulp is Very good source of potassium and good source of vitamin C.
Some resistance to the jackfruit is attributed to the belief that overindulgence in it causes digestive ailments. It is the raw, unripe fruit that is astringent and indigestible. The ripe fruit is somewhat laxative; if eaten in excess it will cause diarrhea. Raw jackfruit seeds are indigestible due to the presence of a powerful trypsin inhibitor. This element is destroyed by boiling or baking.
Dishes and preparations
Jackfruit an excellent vegetarian substitute for meat, is sometimes referred to as "vegetable meat". Boiled Jackfruit seeds are a very tasty and nutritious snack it can be roasted like chestnuts, or boiled. If left to cook inside the flesh, the nut softens and can easily be eaten. They can be canned in brine, in curry, and, like baked beans, in tomato sauce. They can also be included in curried dishes. Roasted, dried seeds are ground to make flour which is blended with wheat flour for baking. Popular dishes of jackfruit are Kathal subzee, Kathal Aachar, Jackfuit Pappad, Jackfruit Halwa, Jackfruit salad. Jackfruit is also used into ice cream, chutney, jam, jelly, paste, and in syrup made with sugar or honey with citric acid added.

* Lecturer(Dravya-Guna)
** Lecturer(Kaumar Bhritya)
S.S.M.D. Ay. College & Hospital
Moga (Punjab)