Do you know what is a breadfruit? Have you seen one? If yes, then you’re lucky! If not yet, it’s just fine –we are here to give you the information that you need to understand more of this fruit. Wait, is it really a fruit? You will know later in this article. Not just that, you will also get to know about the different health benefits of breadfruit. You don’t need to worry because you will just learn the best facts about this fruit. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the read!
Breadfruit: What really is this?
The breadfruit is the fruit of a large tropical rain-forest fruit-bearing tree, which is part of the mulberry family. It is closed in relation to various tropical fruits like mulberries, figs, breadnut, and jackfruit. Binomially speaking, breadfruit belongs to the Moraceae plant family, of the Artocarpus genus.
In the actual fact, the breadfruit belongs to a particular group of vegetables. It originates from a specific flowering tree known as the Artocarpus Altiris. Moreover, the breadfruit tree is part of the mulberry family and considered as a kind of mulberry. The birthplace of this nutritionally rich vegetable is in the Western Pacific Islands as well as in the Malay Peninsula.
Moreover, the breadfruit is a very huge evergreen tree that is commonly found in the tropical rainforest of the country of Philippines, Southern India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. In the actual fact, it is used as a subsistence food that is in line with some other tropical staples, including coconut, banana, taro, potatoes, and rice in the various Caribbean, Polynesian, Micronesia, and East Asian countries.
The breadfruit tree is quite similar with the jackfruit tree. The only exception is that their fruits appear in the terminal end of the small branches and on twigs. In jackfruits’ case, they may arise directly from the truck as well as in the large branches.
This particular fruit has been a staple food for quite some time now, especially in various tropical areas where it usually grows. That, I guess, is a good thing. The breadfruit is able to offer almost half of the daily suggested value of fiber in just a single serving. Not just that, more than a hundred percent of vitamin C is also present on it.
Nutritional Value of Breadfruit
The nutritive value of the breadfruit may hardly be overstated. Most especially when we consider the attention that it gained thru scientific research for its own impact on inflammation, heart disease, and cancer. Below is the nutritional content of breadfruit, essential for the health:
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 103 Kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 27.12 grams | 21% |
| Protein | 1.07 grams | 2% |
| Total Fat | 0.20 grams | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 grams | 13% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 14 micrograms | 3.5% |
| Niacin | 0.900 milligrams | 6% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.100 milligrams | 8% |
| Riboflavin | 0.030 milligrams | 2% |
| Thiamin | 0.110 milligrams | 9% |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 29 milligrams | 48% |
| Vitamin E | 0.10 milligrams | 1% |
| Vitamin K | 0.5 milligrams | <1% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 2 milligrams | 0% |
| Potassium | 490 milligrams | 10.5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 17 milligrams | 2% |
| Copper | 0.084 milligrams | 9% |
| Iron | 0.54 milligrams | 7% |
| Magnesium | 25 milligrams | 6% |
| Manganese | 0.060 milligrams | 2.5% |
| Phosphorus | 30 milligrams | 4% |
| Selenium | 0.6 micrograms | 1% |
| Zinc | 0.12 milligrams | 1% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 0 micrograms | — |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 0 micrograms | — |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 22 micrograms | — |
Health Benefits of Breadfruit
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of breadfruit:
- Breadfruit helps in preventing hair disorders effectively, including dandruff. In a nutshell, it is an excellent natural treatment for the thinning of the hair.
- The regular intake of breadfruit may help in strengthening the hair roots and stimulate the hair growth. This is a very good option for those who want a healthy and thick hair.
- Breadfruit is one excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. It makes a healthy choice for the hair health. The omega-6 in it also has amazing wonders for the hair follicles.
- The regular consumption of breadfruit is essential in making the skin healthy inside and outside. Various studies also state that the antioxidants in it are good for the prevention of skin rashes and infections. Not just that, it is also a good skin tone enhancer.
- The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in the breadfruit is essential in making the skin look radiant. Not just that, it also has vitamins C, which is also a good skin health booster.
- It is considered an ideal diet food. For those who are suffering from overweight, the breadfruit is a good choice. This is because of its less calorie content and high levels of fiber.
- The regular consumption of breadfruit may be beneficial in the proper bowel movement as well as intestine functioning. Moreover, the fiber in it is essential in passing the stool as well as drain the toxin out of the intestines.
- The rich source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in the breadfruit is beneficial for both the skin and hair. Not just that, it is also beneficial for the heart as well as for the brain.
