This soft and mushy vegetable is a staple ingredient in tropical cuisines. It tastes delicious when steamed, fried, baked, barbequed, or grilled! With its high nutrition content, it offers you many health benefits as well! Especially when it comes to your skin and hair health, breadfruits have always seemed to have a promising effect! To know more about breadfruits, their benefits, and ways to include them in your diet, read on!
Health Benefits Of Breadfruit
Breadfruit is rich in fiber. The fiber content of the vegetable may help manage diabetes (1). Research found that regular intake of breadfruit could reduce the risk of diabetes and keeps the same under control. It does so by reducing the absorption of sugar by the human body from food. What Are Its Benefits? It may promote heart and brain health, manage diabetes, promote weight loss, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin and hair health. Who Can Consume It? Anyone who isn’t allergic to this vegetable can consume it. How Often? It can be consumed daily but in moderation. Caution Excess consumption may cause allergic reactions and bleeding disorders.
For being rich in fiber, breadfruit is also an excellent energy booster. It gives the fullness of eating without increasing the calorie intake. Therefore, a person feels energetic and active after eating breadfruit. This vegetable is also good at reducing the risk of heart disorder and cholesterol problems. Studies have shown that breadfruit helps to reduce bad cholesterol while inducing the amount of good cholesterol in the body (2).
Breadfruit is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Besides being beneficial for skin and hair, these two essential fatty acids are quite good for maintaining a healthy heart. The omega-3 fatty acid is also essential for the growth of the brain and mind. Regular intake of breadfruit can help a growing child in the development of the brain to great extent (3).
Regular intake of breadfruit is beneficial for proper bowel movement and intestine functionalisms (4). The fiber present in breadfruit again helps to pass stool and also drains out toxins from the intestine.
Breadfruit is considered an ideal plant-based diet food as well. For people suffering from obesity, breadfruit is the best option. This great to taste food is good for an overweight person, as it contains less calories and high fiber amounts (5). The fiber in breadfruit is truly a multi-tasker, as it helps manage and reduce fats and cellulites.
Skin Benefits Of Breadfruit
- Apart from the various health benefits that breadfruit provides to all, it has some skin benefits as well. The vegetable is stuffed with a lot of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are both considered excellent for the skin. In addition, it is also a rich source of vitamin C, which is considered excellent for skin health (6).
- Regular consumption of this food makes skin healthy from both outside and inside. Recent studies have established that antioxidants present in breadfruit are good for preventing skin infections and rashes (7). It is good to eat breadfruit for enhancing skin tone as well. A person would surely enjoy smooth and shining skin by eating breadfruit in the adequate amount.
Breadfruit Benefits For Hair
- Breadfruit is an excellent source of all vitamins and minerals. For being so, it makes a healthy choice for the hair health too. Again, the omega- and 6 fatty acids prove to wonder for the hair follicles (8).
- Regular intake of breadfruit strengthens hair roots and stimulates hair growth. The vegetable is a very good option for one who looks for healthy and thick hair.
- Breadfruit prevents hair disorders such as dandruff effectively (9). Concisely, it is an excellent natural treatment for hair thinning. As per anecdotal evidence, breadfruit may also improve eyesight, boost immunity, and prevent the risk of cancer.
Breadfruit Nutrition Chart
Adding this nutritious vegetable to your diet is an excellent way to improve your skin, hair, and health. But, how? Let us find that out here.
Breadfruit Recipe
Breadfruit is a versatile fruit that can be used in many different ways. You can roast it, boil it, fry it, or bake it into cakes and breads. It is enjoyed in a variety of ways across various cuisines. In Caribbean cuisine, people often roast or make breadfruit into a salad. In Hawaiian cuisine, breadfruit is frequently prepared as a savory pudding-like dish called ‘poi’. Breadfruit is also a popular ingredient in the cuisines of other Pacific Islands, where it is often used in savory dishes and desserts. In some African cultures, breadfruit is used to make porridge or stew. Thus, breadfruit can add dynamic flavor and nutrition to your diet. Here is a quick recipe idea that you can try.
Breadfruit Fries
What You Need
1 breadfruit (peeled and sliced) 3 teaspoons of coriander powder 3 teaspoons of smoked paprika 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1 teaspoon of cumin powder 1/4 cup of olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions Neetu, a blogger, shares a recipe for breadfruit fritters. She writes, “Of all the dishes we make using breadfruit, my all time favourite is Phodi. A quick and tasty fritter which goes well as an accompaniment with rice and dal (i).” You may also prepare breadfruit pies and puffs or mash it like potatoes for a healthy and delicious twist on both comfort food and snacking. That said, breadfruit also comes with its share of side effects. Learn about them in the following section.
Risks And Precautions
While breadfruit is generally considered safe for most people, it is important to be aware of potential risks and precautions. Individuals with latex allergies may experience cross-reactivity with breadfruit as both latex and fruits from the Moraceae family contain similar proteins. This condition is called latex-fruit syndrome (10). So, consult a healthcare professional before consuming breadfruit, if you have latex allergies. Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, after consuming breadfruit. This is especially true if you are not accustomed to eating it regularly. Breadfruit may interact with certain medications, although there is limited scientific evidence. However, it is best to stay safe and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating breadfruit into your diet if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Is breadfruit healthier than potatoes? Yes. Among its many benefits, breadfruit contains complex carbohydrates and proteins, is low in fat, and is cholesterol- and gluten-free (11), (12). Can I eat breadfruit raw? Yes. You can eat breadfruit raw when it is ripe. However, unripe breadfruit requires cooking. Is breadfruit good for the liver? Maybe. While breadfruit leaves are packed with beneficial compounds that protect liver cells, evidence that breadfruit pulp also has similar properties is lacking (13). Is breadfruit acidic or alkaline? Breadfruit is alkaline. Does breadfruit cause gas? Maybe. While anecdotal evidence suggests that breadfruit may cause gas, scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking. Is breadfruit anti-inflammatory? Yes. Breadfruit is packed with flavonoids that have potent anti-inflammatory properties (14).
Illustration: Amazing Benefits & Uses Of Breadfruit For Skin Hair and Health
Delve deeper into the benefits and potential side effects of breadfruit. Check out this video to discover the health advantages of this unique fruit and how it can enrich your well-being.
