JACKFRUIT FOR DIABETES: IS IT A MYTH OR REAL TALK?

Jackfruit for diabetes is not typical for many because of the belief that the sugary taste of this versatile fruit can increase their blood sugar. But, studies have been made and found out otherwise. Jackfruit contains nutrients that regulate blood sugar, therefore improving insulin sensitivity.

Jackfruit for diabetes is a natural way to regulate the release of glucose and insulin in the body. With the presence of natural sugars and fiber in the jackfruit, it may help control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. You may also lower the risk of developing such condition by eating it.

We all know that jackfruit has a sweet taste, and we believe that anything sweet may contribute to spike blood sugar level. But are we correct on this theory? Does jackfruit worsen or relieve blood sugar level in our body?

The only thing we are familiar with jackfruit is that – we consume it as dessert and one of our favorite ingredients in some recipes.

The health benefits of jackfruit come in raw jackfruit because it has a lower glycemic load, the compounds affecting blood sugar levels. So, when you choose to eat jackfruit without alleviating your blood sugar. You need to select the raw one to compare to ripe jackfruit.

Jackfruit not only regulates blood sugar, but also it benefits us by enhancing the immunity system, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, it improves digestion and helps build stronger bones. It has also been said that jackfruit increases the level of antioxidants to fight off cancers.

Indeed, what we can get from jackfruit provides excellent health benefits. However, we are unaware of how it can help us, especially when it comes to defeating diabetes.

But what is diabetes?

Many studies attempt to understand the origin of diabetes, but there is no single reason to pinpoint why many people suffer from this disease. Of course, it is given that there is something wrong in our pancreas when our blood sugar level goes up.

There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2. Each class is distinctive from others when it comes to why it occurred and how it can be prevented.

Type 1 vs Type 2, and what causes diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is the state of our body attacking itself. It is also called an autoimmune reaction, wherein our immune system destroys cell in the pancreas. Our immune system fails because of some causes like a bacterial infection, chemical toxins within the food or it can be found in our genes.

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes can be caused by family history, in general. Some risk factors that can trigger type-2 diabetes are being obese, not having enough exercises daily, increasing age and poor eating habit or lifestyle.

But for pregnant women, there are few cases of having regular blood sugar. Mostly, pregnant women have diabetes because of family history, overweight, previous fact of polycystic ovary, and carrying a baby over 9 lbs.

In general, whatever the type of diabetes we have, the only reason we got is abnormal functioning of our pancreas. But others blame, it occurs because of having PCOS, Cushing syndrome or glucagonoma.

How do jackfruits help in sugar above average level?

So how does jackfruit for diabetes makes sense? Eating jackfruit benefits our body in many ways, and one of the fantastic benefits that we could get is regulating our blood sugar.

How this is possible since jackfruit always comes in sweet taste? The natural sugar in raw jackfruit boosts magnesium levels in our body. Yes, you read it right. Magnesium essential function is for building bones. But surprisingly, an adequate amount of magnesium help reduce the risk of many diseases, including diabetes.

Aside from magnesium, you can have other nutrients like calories, fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, and carbohydrates. Remember that jackfruit is fruit. Therefore, proteins and carbs that you can get from it are healthy. It has vitamins and minerals that our body need for optimal function.

Where does it come from?

With all the healthful benefits of jackfruit, have you wondered where it comes from? Originally, jackfruit comes from India. As indigenous fruit in India, it is known as “kathal.”

The cultivation of jackfruit in India is growing to the extent that it is famously exported item. The jackfruit tree needs a humid and hot climate to grow. In some parts of the world, like in Asia, jackfruit can be produced. But you cannot improve it in countries with low or cold temperatures.

What makes it exceptional?

If we say that you can have other benefits, aside from jackfruit for diabetes, what will be your guess? When you have grown it successfully, you can maximize your profit from its fruit since jackfruit is the most significant fruit. And for the timber, well you can use it for making furniture.

From afar, you can mistakenly recognize it with durian. But going nearer the fruit, you can say the difference because of the aroma. Durian for some has an unpleasant aroma, but jackfruit emits musky and inviting smell.

Jackfruit is related to other fruits like breadfruit, breadnut, champedak, lakoocha and marang. But none of these has the Kathal benefits.

What can we say about jackfruit for diabetes?

It is right about jackfruit or Kathal health benefits when it comes to battling diabetes. Also, it is one of the high fibre foods that we can eat. But considering jackfruit for diabetes has potential side effects. One of the side effects that bother medical practitioners is pregnant or breast-feeding eating jackfruit. It occurred that jackfruit has the same allergen called birch pollen that may trigger if you have an allergic reaction on this one.

Of course, many have been thankful for the bright side of eating jackfruit for a diabetes health condition. But should diabetic people eat Kathal?

We are not suggesting jackfruit for diabetes supplements to fight off diabetes. And this is essential, especially when you are taking medications for diabetes. Side effects of eating jackfruit for diabetes include drowsiness. Also, eating jackfruit is not advisable to eat before surgery.

More so, not all fruits with sugary taste are equivalent in eating jackfruit for diabetes. Some fruits with high glycemic index or HGI, which affects the blood glucose levels because of the carbohydrates it consists. Fruits with HGI are mangoes, pineapples, dates, raisins, breadfruit and sultanas. But other than jackfruit, you can eat different fruits even when you have diabetes. Such fruits are peach, strawberries, kiwi, apples, grapefruit and apricots.

It is tough to be with the health condition of being diabetic. Therefore, for people without issues on blood sugar, you need to eat moderately. As we have mentioned earlier in this article, diabetes has many factors. If you eat carelessly, you can develop either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

As everyone is saying, prevention is better than cure.