All About Jackfruit: Your New Meat Substitute

By Kelly Fitzpatrick for Life by Daily Burn Photo: Pond5 Jackfruit has been a mainstay in South Asian cuisine for centuries. Now this funny-looking, pungent fruit is gaining popularity amongst vegan and vegetarian communities in the U.S, too. Despite its somewhat funky smell, the fruit's flesh absorbs the flavor of almost anything you cook with it. It also has a meaty texture, making it a great substitute for animal protein. (Did we mention it's naturally soy- and grain-free as well?) Even if you're a committed carnivore, here's why jackfruit is worth tracking down. Plus, get recipes to enjoy it in its traditional curry preparation -- or in creative and yummy barbecue or even dessert. Daily Burn: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Vegan Jackfruit: A Delicious and Nutritious Meat Alternative The list of jackfruit's nutritional benefits could go on and on. "It has a lot of phytonutrients," says Susannah Baldock, MPH, RD, founder of The Roving Dietitian. "And a lot of anti-aging, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer and anti-ulcer properties." More specifically, it's high in the antioxidants, vitamins A and C, which neutralize free-radicals in the body, and may help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Jackfruit is also a good source of potassium (helpful in maintaining healthy blood pressure), zinc (needed for immune function) and has a small amount of iron, which is essential for blood production. Plus, the seeds contain probiotics, Baldock explains, which keep your gut h...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news