Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Kathal)

Here’s how adding jackfruit to your diet can impact your health positively:

1. Boosts Immunity Naturally
   Rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, jackfruit strengthens your body’s defense system against infections.
2. Improves Digestive Health
   High fibre content supports regular bowel movement and promotes healthy gut flora.
3. Good for Blood Sugar Control
   Despite its natural sweetness, jackfruit has a low glycaemic index, making it safer for people with type 2 diabetes (especially unripe jackfruit or kathal sabzi).
4. Heart Health Support
   The potassium and antioxidants in jackfruit help lower blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress — both major factors in heart disease.
5. Helps with Weight Management
   Jackfruit is low in calories and fat, yet filling — a great addition to weight loss plans when portioned right.
6. Improves Skin & Vision
   Loaded with vitamin A and flavonoids, jackfruit protects your skin cells and supports night vision.
7. Reduces Cancer Risk
   Phytonutrients like lignans, saponins, and isoflavones found in jackfruit may help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases including cancer.

Pro Tip: Including superfoods like jackfruit in your diet can improve your immunity and reduce long-term healthcare needs. But when illness strikes unexpectedly, it’s smart to have a health insurance plan that covers everything from diagnostics to hospitalization.
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Here’s a snapshot of its key nutrients:

This nutrient profile makes jackfruit ideal for energy replenishment, especially post-workout or during fasting diets.

Jackfruit is versatile — you can use it in savory dishes, snacks, and even desserts! Here are some delicious ideas:

• Raw Kathal Sabzi (Dry or Gravy): A spiced delicacy that mimics meat texture.
• Jackfruit Biryani: A hit among vegetarians for its rich, meaty texture.
• Jackfruit Tacos/Pulled Jackfruit Wraps: A global fusion twist using unripe kathal.
• Jackfruit Chips: A crispy snack, often fried or air-fried.
• Jackfruit Ice Cream: Made from ripe jackfruit pulp and coconut milk — dairy-free!
• Jackfruit Smoothie: Blend with banana, oats, and almond milk for a power-packed drink.

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Side Effects of Jackfruit

Though jackfruit is generally safe, there are a few things to watch out for:

• Allergic Reactions: Rare, but can occur — especially in those allergic to birch pollen or latex.
• May Lower Blood Sugar Too Much: If you’re on diabetes medication, monitor your sugar levels when consuming jackfruit.
• Not Ideal in Large Quantities for People with Kidney Issues: The high potassium content may need to be moderated.

As always, moderation is key — and so is understanding how your health conditions might interact with what you eat.

Worried about managing costs if something goes wrong?
Even minor reactions can lead to unexpected doctor visits or diagnostics. Having an OPD-inclusive health insurance plan can help you claim such expenses.
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Conclusion

Jackfruit, or kathal, isn’t just a traditional staple — it’s a nutritional boon wrapped in a spiky shell. With proven benefits for immunity, digestion, heart health, and even diabetes, it’s a valuable addition to your family’s diet.

But as with any wellness journey, prevention is powerful — and protection is essential. While jackfruit helps in reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases, only a robust health insurance plan can cushion you from unpredictable healthcare costs.

Next Step? Secure your premium (starting Rs. 9.3/day)