Why Jack Fruit is Important

Jackfruit is a good source of potassium. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), foods rich in potassium can help reduce blood pressure.

Potassium lowers blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and reducing tension in the walls of blood vessels.

The AHA recommend that healthy adults consume 4,700 milligrams (mg) of potassium a day. A cup of raw, sliced jackfruit contains 739 mg of potassium.

However, a potassium-rich diet can be harmful to people with kidney disease or any condition that alters the way that the body regulates potassium.

Cancer

Jackfruit contains substances called phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, many phytochemicals have antioxidant properties, which means that they may help to counter the effects of free radicals.

A 2017 study found that jackfruit seed extracts inhibited the growth of induced, ectopic blood vessels in chicken embryos.

Phytochemicals may also prevent new blood vessels from growing around cancerous cells. A lack of blood vessels reduces the cells’ blood supply and growth.