Breadfruit is a very versatile fruit, which can be used as a vegetable when unripe and as a fruit when ripe. Its scientific name is Artocarpus altilis and it belongs to the mulberry family and is native to the South Pacific.
Regular consumption of this fruit provides amazing benefits for our skin, hair and overall health. Not only the fruits but its leaves are very beneficial too. Breadfruit leaves effectively treat diseases such as liver, hepatitis, enlarged spleen, heart, kidney, high blood pressure, diabetes and also to cure skin swelling or itching.
Nutrition Facts
This nutrition information is provided by the USDA for 1 cup (220g) of raw breadfruit.
- Calories: 227
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 4.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 11g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 2.4
Most of the calories in breadfruit come from carbohydrates. There are 60 grams of carbs in a one-cup serving out of which11 grams is fiber. There is very less fat in breadfruit making it a naturally low-fat food and the best part is that the fat present in it is good fat or the healthy polyunsaturated fat. Breadfruit does not contain significant amount of protein it contains essential amino acids but leucine and lysine. These essential amino acids must be consumed in foods because the body cannot produce them. Breadfruit provides a number of health-boosting vitamins and minerals. Breadfruit is loaded with vitamin C, thiamin and vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin K, vitamin E, and folate. It is a good source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and selenium.
Health Benefits
Breadfruit is widely touted as a new superfood, a food with medicinal and health benefits. Some of the major health benefits of breadfruit are:
1.Great Source of energy
One cup of breadfruit provides 60 grams of carbohydrates, the primary source of energy in the body. The carbs present in breadfruit are good carbs that are gluten free and with little fat.
2.Great source of carb for celiac disease or non-celiac gluten-sensitivity
Since breadfruit is gluten-free, the flour also offers an alternative for those who have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten-sensitivity
3. Diabetes control
The carbs present in breadfruit have low glycemic index so they are good for diabetics. Fiber in breadfruit inhibits absorption of glucose from the food we eat, thus controlling diabetes. Breadfruit also has certain compounds which are used by pancreas for producing insulin in the body.
4.Anti-inflammatory properties
Breadfruit is a rich in prenylated phenolic compounds that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties making it suitable for reducing inflammation and keeping our body fit.
5. Hepatic health
The native people of Indonesia and Pacific islands where this tree originally grows have been traditionally using the fruit pulp as a liver tonic. They also use it for treatment for liver cirrhosis.
6.Controlling Hypertension
This fruit has used alternatively by the natives to treat hypertension too.
7.Treating rheumatic and muscular pain
Breadfruit contains chemical compounds that are helpful in the treatment of rheumatic and muscular pain.
8. Cardiovascular health
Breadfruit is great for improving cardiovascular health due to many nutrients present in it. It has high levels of potassium for stabilizing blood pressure, loads of fiber which helps in efficiently preventing cholesterol absorption in the gut and anti-inflammatory compounds which keep heart healthy.
9.Resistance against infections:
Breadfruit contains good amounts of antioxidants, which help the body to develop resistance against infectious agents. Due to antioxidants present in it breadfruit helps in eliminating harmful free radicals from the body that lead to aging and other age-related diseases.
10. Good for digestion:
Fiber in breadfruit flushes out the toxins from the intestine, aiding in proper functioning of the bowels and intestines.
11. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids:
Breadfruit contains relatively high amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which are important for our health.
12. Dental health:
Eating toasted breadfruit flower can help relieve toothache. Applying crushed breadfruit leaves on the tongue can also cure thrush.
Breadfruit Skin benefits
13. Prevents Skin Inflammation:
Fresh breadfruit extracts when applied on face help in reducing unwanted inflammation due to the anti-inflammatory compounds present in it. The antioxidants in it help in rejuvenating dull and tired skin.
14. Collagen Production:
Due to high amount of Vitamin C in breadfruit it helps in skin related problems and promotes production of collagen, a protein which provides elasticity to the skin.
15. Encourages New Cell Growth:
The antioxidants in breadfruit provide an effective shield against sun rays and sun damage. It also encourages the growth of new cells to make the damaged skin appear smooth and young.
16.Cures Skin Infections and skin diseases
Ashes of the breadfruit leaves are useful for curing skin infections. The latex of the breadfruit tree is applied on skin surfaces affected by skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis and inflammation.
Breadfruit Hair benefits
Breadfruit is great for maintaining and nourishing hair as it contains loads of minerals that are required for maintaining the health of the hair. The moderate amounts of iron in breadfruit improve blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
18.Treats Dandruff, Itchiness & Hair Breakage:
Breadfruit is a good source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which act as very good conditioners for the hair. Applying breadfruit pulp on hair stops breakage of hair and leaves it strong and nourished. The anti-inflammatory compounds in it help in reducing dandruff by inhibiting scalp inflammation and cell death. This prevents hair loss too.
Not only is breadfruit a great substitute for starchy foods like potato and sweet potato, this fruit is loaded with minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that make it a great super food.
