

Hyperkalemia is a buildup of potassium in the blood that can cause weakness, paralysis and heart attack. People with these conditions can develop hyperkalemia if they eat high amounts of potassium. Jackfruit also has a lot of potassium, which can be harmful to people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney failure. “Both of these allergies can have a cross-reaction with jackfruit.” “If you have a latex or birch pollen allergy, avoid jackfruit,” Ilic says. Jackfruit isn’t safe for everyone to eat. Avoid jackfruit if you have allergies or CKD Serve it as a healthy dessert or add it to a smoothie. If you’re trying ripe jackfruit, use it like you would any other tropical fruit. When ripe, it tastes like other tropical fruits, such as banana, mango or pineapple. Ripe jackfruit has a sweet, tropical fruit flavor that works well as a snack or added to sweet dishes. Look for packages that label jackfruit as “young” or “packed in brine.” These words indicate that it’s unripe and suitable as a meat substitute.Īdvertising Policy Ripe jackfruit: sweet and fruity Keep that in mind as your consider the protein sources in your diet. “It has under 3 grams of protein per cup, making it much lower in protein than meat. “Jackfruit’s stringy texture makes it a good vegan substitute for pulled pork or chicken,” Ilic says. You can use unripe jackfruit in vegetarian curry and in place of tofu or chickpeas.īut jackfruit’s biggest claim to fame is its ability to imitate a barbecue meat sandwich. When jackfruit is unripe, it has a neutral flavor that pairs well with savory dishes. But no large studies have proven that it has medicinal value, so don’t use it to treat health conditions.” Jackfruit as vegan “pulled pork” “In folk medicine, where jackfruit is grown, people have used it for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. “Ancient people used jackfruit as medicine,” Ilic says.

Jackfruit’s health benefits aren’t a new discovery. “Jackfruit also contains flavonoids and lignans, plant compounds that may help fight inflammation.” “The combination of potassium, fiber and antioxidants can benefit heart health,” Ilic says. Jackfruit also contains vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have health benefits. Like many fruits, jackfruit contains some fiber for healthy digestion and very little fat. Some health food stores carry peeled and cut jackfruit portions in pouches or cans, ready to cook or eat. Luckily, you don’t need to throw this massive fruit into your shopping cart. Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, weighing up to 40 pounds or more. Under its thick, bumpy rind is a stringy flesh that you can eat raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. Jackfruit is a tropical tree fruit grown in Asia, Africa and South America. The scientific name for jackfruit is Artocarpus heterophyllus.
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Policyĭietitian Mira Ilic, RD, LD, explains jackfruit’s health benefits and how to add it to your diet. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
