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Super Fruits - Breadfruit

Breadfruit is obtained from the huge tropical rain-forest fruiting tree in the mulberry family.

It is closely related to the other tropical fruits such as Jackfruit, Figs, and Mulberries (Sycamore).

Nutrition chart:

Breadfruit contains moderate levels of essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in riboflavin, iron, niacin, thiamin, iron and phosphorus. It contains minerals like potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese, selenium and phosphorus. It also contains adequate levels of protein. 100 grams provide 7.4 grams, approximately 23% of the recommended amount.

It is low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium.
Like other tropical fruits, breadfruit also contains high amounts of calories. 100 grams of breadfruit provides 102 calories. It contains small amounts of flavonoids and antioxidants in the form of xanthin and leutin. Breadfruit contains high amounts of Vitamin C. 1 medium breadfruit provides 29 mg of vitamin, amounting to 48% of the recommended daily allowance.

Breadfruit Preparation:

Steam/Boil: Place the pieces of fruit in a steamer or in 3 to 5 cm of lightly salted water, do not completely immerse. Add salt, pepper, garlic or other seasonings as desired.

Bake: To bake breadfruit, rinse and clean, cut in half and place cut side down on an oiled baking sheet or in a shallow baking pan with 1 to 2 cm of water. Bake at 375-400°F for one hour or until the fruit can be easily pierced with a fork. Or place in a fire, rotate occasionally. You can remove the core and stuff with fish and vegetables.

Fired: Cut breadfruit into slices and deep fry them to make the popular breadfruit chips. Dust with salt.

Health benefits of Breadfruit:

1. Cardiovascular health: Breadfruit is an excellent source of potassium. This heart-friendly nutrient reduces blood pressure in the body and regulates the heart rate by minimizing the effects of sodium.

2. Resistance against infections: Breadfruit contains good amounts of antioxidants, which help the body to develop resistance against infectious agents. It also scavenges harmful substances from the body that lead to aging and other age-related diseases. Breadfruit has more vitamin-C than Jackfruit or Banana. Vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents.

3. Source of Energy: One cup of breadfruit provides 60 grams of carbohydrates, the primary source of energy in the body. Studies have shown that breadfruit helps to reduce the bad cholesterol while inducing the amount of good cholesterol in the body

4. Diabetes: Fiber in breadfruit inhibits the absorption of glucose from the food we eat, thus controlling diabetes.

5. Aids digestion: Fiber in breadfruit flushes out the toxins from the intestine, aiding in proper functioning of the bowel and intestines. The fiber in breadfruit is truly a multi-tusker, as it helps to fight with the body fats and cellulites thus assisting with weight loss.

6. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids: Breadfruit contains high amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, vital for the development of the mind and body.

7. Prevents Excessive Skin Inflammation: Fresh breadfruit extracts may help to reduce unwanted inflammation. 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.

8. Collagen Production: Drinking breadfruit juice helps to even out the skin tone and firm the skin by rejuvenating its appearance.

9. Encourages New Cell Growth: The antioxidants in breadfruit provide an effective shield to the skin against sun rays and sun damage.

10. Nourishes Hair: Breadfruit contains several hair-friendly nutrients, which are required for maintaining the health of the hair. Vitamin C in breadfruit facilitates the absorption of minerals and provides nourishment.

11. Treats Dandruff, Itchiness & Hair Breakage: Breadfruit is a good source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which naturally condition the hair, reducing hair breakage, reducing dandruff and itchiness

12. Promotes Hair Growth: The moderate amounts of iron in breadfruit improve blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating the hair follicles to promote hair growth.

Health benefits of Breadfruit Leaves:

Breadfruit Leaves also have great healing powers such as lowering blood pressure, it’s great for inflammation, preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and much more.

Breadfruit Leaves Preparation:

Take two yellow leaves that are still clinging to the tree (do not use leaves that drop to the ground), chop them up and allow them to dry in the sun until completely dry. Use a stainless steel pot, not aluminum because Breadfruit leaves reacts with aluminum. Boil the dried leaves in two liters of water until half the water is gone. Then add more water to bring the water level back to 2 liters, then bring to a boil again, and then let the tea cool. The tea is red in color, and is bitter so honey must be added to make it drinkable. Store in a glass jar in the fridge.

For cardiovascular disease: Drink one cup of Breadfruit Tea daily to prevent and promote healing of cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure. Treat kidney disease Breadfruit Tea has the most important compounds to propel the effects of dialysis.

Anti-inflammatory: Breadfruit Tea helps to prevent inflammation which is the first step towards creating disease such as cancer.

Lowers cholesterol: Drink one cup of Breadfruit Tea daily
For skin rashes, itching, and other minor skin irritations: Drink one cup of Breadfruit Tea daily.

Diuretic: Breadfruit Leaf Tea can also help with gout because it works as a good diuretic thus removing uric acid from the body.
Improvers mood and temperament: Breadfruit Tea contains B Vitamins for good mood and vitality, it contains camphor and tannins which is great for calming the nerves.

Dental health: Eating toasted breadfruit flower can help relieve toothache. Applying crushed breadfruit leaves on the tongue can also cure thrush.

Cures Skin Infections: Ashes of the breadfruit leaves are useful for curing skin infections.

Treats Skin Diseases: The latex of the breadfruit tree is applied on skin surfaces affected by skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis and inflammation.

Breadfruit Tea should be used under the supervision of a good herbalist because it does contain camphor and in large doses of camphor could cause major health challenges. And Breadfruit Leaf Tea should not be used by women who are pregnant or children.

Medical disclaimer
This information is intended solely for the general information of the reader. The contents is not intended to offer personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.

References:

www.nutrition-and-you.com

www.stylecraze.com

www.healthbenefitso.com

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