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Growing up, I have fond memories of my mother bringing home jackfruit whenever I craved something special. During the summer, she would prepare a delectable jackfruit curry that I would savor with a generous bowl of rice. This delightful dish developed my taste for jackfruit, also known as "vegetarian chicken." Jackfruit (or kathal) is a popular superfood enjoyed across India during the summer
Growing up, I have fond memories of my mother bringing home jackfruit whenever I craved something special. During the summer, she would prepare a delectable jackfruit curry that I would savor with a generous bowl of rice. This delightful dish developed my taste for jackfruit, also known as “vegetarian chicken.” Jackfruit (or kathal) is a popular superfood enjoyed across India during the summer. Its meat-like texture makes it a versatile ingredient, perfect for a variety of dishes ranging from curries to pickles. But aside from its culinary versatility, jackfruit is also celebrated for its numerous health benefits, particularly for eye health.
How Jackfruit Benefits Our Eyes
According to Nutritionist consuming jackfruit can benefit our eyes. In today’s digital age, where we spend countless hours staring at screens, maintaining eye health is more important than ever. Here’s how jackfruit can help:
Rich in Vitamin A: One of the key nutrients for eye health is Vitamin A, which is abundantly found in jackfruit. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. It helps protect the cornea and is an essential component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that allows us to see in low light conditions. By incorporating jackfruit into your diet, you can safeguard and improve your vision naturally.
Prevents Retinal Degeneration: The high Vitamin A content in jackfruit also helps prevent the degeneration of the retina. This is crucial in supporting long-term eye health and preventing conditions that can lead to vision loss as we age.
Additional Health Benefits of Jackfruit
Beyond its benefits for eye health, jackfruit offers a range of other health advantages:
Supports Thyroid Health: Jackfruit is rich in copper, a mineral that plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of the thyroid hormone. This makes it beneficial for individuals suffering from thyroid-related issues such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Strengthens Bones: While calcium is often highlighted for bone health, jackfruit provides an impressive amount of potassium. Potassium helps prevent the loss of calcium through the kidneys, thereby contributing to stronger bones and better overall bone health.
Delicious Jackfruit Recipes to Try
Given its health benefits and versatile nature, jackfruit can be incorporated into your diet in numerous delicious ways. Here are some recipes to inspire you:
Jackfruit Kebabs: Kebabs are universally loved, and jackfruit kebabs are no exception. Combining jackfruit with chana dal and spices, you can create melt-in-your-mouth kebabs that are hard to resist. Serve them with a tasty yogurt or mango dip for an extra flavor punch. Find the full recipe here.
Jackfruit Slider: Ditch the regular sliders for a healthier and equally delectable jackfruit slider. Typically made with chicken, these sliders can be given a vegan twist by using jackfruit. Top them with your favorite sauces and veggies for a satisfying meal. Find the full recipe for Jackfruit Sliders here.
Jackfruit Pickle: If you haven’t tried jackfruit pickle, you’re missing out on a spicy treat! You can easily make jackfruit pickles with oil and red chilies, creating a flavorful side dish for your main meals. Adding a dash of mustard oil on top enhances the taste with a wonderful zing. Find the full recipe for Jackfruit Pickle here.
Jackfruit Korma: While navrattan korma is a well-known dish, jackfruit korma offers a unique and delicious alternative. Made with chopped onions, cashews, almonds, and curd, this recipe pairs wonderfully with naan or roti. Find the step-by-step recipe to make jackfruit korma here.
Conclusion
Jackfruit is not only a versatile and delicious ingredient but also a powerhouse of nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. From supporting eye health with its rich Vitamin A content to aiding thyroid function and strengthening bones, jackfruit is a valuable addition to any diet. As we continue to explore its benefits and incorporate it into our meals, jackfruit stands out as a superfood that caters to both our taste buds and our health. So, this summer, make the most of jackfruit season and enjoy its myriad benefits through these delightful recipes.
