Jackfruit and Diabetes

Jackfruit might seem unsafe for diabetes with its high carb content of 38.3 g per cup of sliced fruit. However, it still falls under the medium glycemic index (GI) foods category with a GI value of 50–60. This means it’s unlikely to cause a shoot in your blood sugar levels when eaten.

It also has a moderate protein and fiber content of 2.84 g and 2.48 g per cup, respectively. Additionally, it is rich in antioxidant vitamin C (22.6 mg per cup), further qualifying it as a good diabetes fruit. Jackfruit also provides calcium, magnesium, and various other minerals that could benefit a diabetic’s health.

Although it doesn’t pass as a replacement for diabetes medication, research supports the theory that jackfruit extracts have a glucose-lowering effect by inhibiting hemoglobin glycation.

The necessity of jackfruit in the diet of diabetics cannot be overemphasized. However, by what means does it improve the condition? We’ll see these in the following sections.

Reduction of Blood Glucose Levels

Jackfruit has a glucose-lowering effect on the blood. According to research done on six groups of pregnant female rats with chemical-induced diabetes, blood glucose levels reduced following the consumption of jackfruit seeds. According to a study conducted on 40 individuals with type 2 diabetes, it was discovered that after consumption of jackfruit flour meal for 12 weeks, there was a significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin, postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels.

High Dietary Fiber Content

The high fiber content of jackfruit is of significant importance to people with diabetes. When consumed with other foods of relatively high sugar content, it slows down the breakdown of sugar in the blood, keeping blood sugar levels regulated.

Rich Source of Antioxidants

According to a 2015 research in the Journal of Medical and Bioengineering, jackfruit’s ascorbic acid, lycopene, and beta carotene content possess antioxidant properties. This antioxidant can prevent chronic inflammation that can lead to diabetes complications like heart diseases and kidney failure.

People with diabetes should eat jackfruit in moderation because of its high carb content relative to its fiber content. It is crucial to choose an appropriate serving size according to the doctor’s advice. Here are some exciting ways to eat it you might want to try out;

• Vegans can eat it as an alternative to meat
• You can cook it into sweet and savory dishes depending on its ripeness
• You can incorporate it into curries or soups
• When ripe, you can add it to yogurt or oatmeal
• Jackfruit seeds can be roasted or boiled and combined with seasoning