Diabetes and Jackfruit
Diabetes and Jackfruit - Nutritional Values, GI Value, Health Benefits and all
Jackfruit is very popular in south India and is a part of normal daily diet during the season. Most part of the fruit is used as food. When it is raw, it if fully cooked after removing the skin including the seeds. After it gets ripen, the fruit is eaten and the seeds are used in curries.
Jackfruit is high in protein compared to other fruits, about 3 gms of protein per cup compared to other which is about 0-1gms.
Can diabetics eat Jackfruit?
Is Jackfruit good for diabetics? You can find the answer to this question once you read this page till the end as its not just a Yes or No question. Any food taken in the right form, quantity and time would be good depending upon the condition of the person.
Jackfruit in general is a very good fruit rich in all sorts of nutritions. You can eat it raw or ripen. You can make curry or puddings or snacks.
Macronutrients in Jackfruit
About 1 cup (165gms) of jackfruit, there are about 155 calories, 40grams of carbohydrates , 3 grams of protein, 3gms of fiber.
How Much Sugar does Jackfruit have?
The sugar in jackfruit would depend on the stage (Unripen / ripen). The more the ripen the sugar level would be more and the glycemic index would be high.
What is the Glycemic Index of Jackfruit?
Glycemic Index is a scale which starts from 0 and ends at 100
Jackfruit has a Glycemic Index of 50-60 which means would increase your blood glucose level.
Raw Jackfruit - Can diabetics have?
In south India, especially in Kerala, raw Jackfruit is used to make many dishes and is part of their daily diet. Raw cooked Jackfruit with fish or chicken curry tastes good and ideal diabetic lunch or dinner.
In the western world, cooked raw Jackfruit is sort of a replacement for meat, but would not be as rich in protein
Does Jackfruit reduce blood sugar level?
There are some really good reasons to believe that Jackfruit can reduce or blood glucose level. Jackfruit is very high in nutritional values. The best would be eat it fresh and in the most raw form.
Medium Glycemic Index - As the glycemic index is medium, the blood glucose level will not spike
Antioxidants - Jackfruit is a good source of Vitamin C, Carotenoids and Flavanone which helps in inflammations, preventing heart disease, helps in fighting diabetes and even cancer.
High in protein - Compared to other fruits, Jackfruit is a good source of protein.
High in micronutrients like vitamin A, C, Riboflavin , Magnesium, Copper, Potassium, etc
There are enough reasons to believe that Unripe Jackfruit can reduce blood glucose level, but not to be used as a medication for diabetes.
Can we eat Jackfruit seeds? Is it good for health?
Jackfruit seeds is good for health and has really high nutritional values.
Improves Immunity
Helps in digestion
Strengthens bones
May improve sleep
May reduce cholesterol levels
Good for heart health and blood pressure
Fighting Diabetes
Has antimicrobial effects
Anti cancer
High in protein and fibre, ideal for people who are trying to lose weight.
Can I eat Jackfruit ?
To conclude - Jackfruit is a good source of protien, all sorts of nutritions, high source of antioxidants and natural sugar. Because of medium GI, the blood glucose level will not spike if consumed in small portions.
If you are diabetic, you should consider having raw / unripe Jackfruit cooked or if you want to have ripen, have it before it gets fully ripen. Once ripen, the natural sugar in the fruit would be very high and that would spike your blood glucose level.
Yes jackfruit is a good food for diabetics if taken in moderation . Don't throw the seeds, you can cook and eat or even make a milk shake. Check out some recipes of Jackfruit and Jackfruit Seeds.