Breadfruit Plant (Artocarpus altilis)

The breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a remarkable tree belonging to the mulberry family. The plant grows in many parts of the world including Africa.

• These fruits have a greenish to brownish-green outer skin and a white, somewhat fibrous pulp.
• Breadfruit contains considerable amounts of starch and is seldom eaten raw. Instead, it can be roasted, baked, boiled, fried, or dried and ground into flour.
• In the South Seas, the fibrous inner bark is used to make cloth, the wood serves for canoes and furniture, and glue and caulking material are obtained from the milky juice.

Health benefits of Breadfruit Plant

Certainly! Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) offers several health benefits. Let’s explore them:

1. Rich in Nutrients:
   • Breadfruit is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for daily activities.
   • It contains dietary fibre, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
   • The fruit also contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
2. Heart Health:
   • The potassium content in breadfruit helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
   • Its antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, benefiting cardiovascular function.
3. Digestive Health:
   • The dietary fibre in breadfruit promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
   • It supports a healthy gut microbiome.
4. Weight Management:
   • Breadfruit is low in fat and calories, making it suitable for weight-conscious individuals.
   • Its fibre content helps you feel full, reducing overall calorie intake.
5. Immune System Support:
   • Vitamin C in breadfruit contributes to a strong immune system.
   • Antioxidants protect cells from damage and enhance immune function.
6. Skin Health:
   • The antioxidants and vitamins in breadfruit may promote healthy skin.
   • Consuming it regularly may contribute to a radiant complexion.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
   • Some compounds in breadfruit exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
   • Including it in your diet may help manage inflammation-related conditions.
8. Blood Sugar Regulation:
   • The fibre content helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
   • It may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

Remember that while breadfruit has health benefits, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Chemical Composition of the Breadfruit Plant

The chemical composition of the breadfruit plant (Artocarpus altilis):

1. Nutritional Composition:
   • Breadfruit is an underutilized but highly nutritive crop.
   • It contains complex carbohydrates while being low in fat.
   • Amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine are abundant, making it a good source of essential amino acids.
   • These amino acids are particularly valuable in countries combating malnutrition.
2. Processing and Post-Processing:
   • To extend the shelf life of breadfruit for global transportation and consumption, good post-harvesting and post-processing practices are essential.
   • Various processing methods for breadfruit flour and starch have been explored.
   • Understanding these methods enhances its shelf-life and physicochemical, and functional properties.
   • Breadfruit flour and starch are versatile ingredients with added health benefits, suitable for numerous food products.
3. Phytochemicals:
   • Research has identified several classes of compounds in breadfruit.
   • These include triterpenes and flavonoids.
   • Geranylated flavones are prenylated phenolic compounds found in breadfruit.

In summary, breadfruit offers a wealth of nutrients, amino acids, and functional properties, making it a valuable addition to healthier food products. Its potential as a global solution for food security continues to gain recognition

How to use the Breadfruit Plant as a Herb

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a versatile fruit with a rich history of culinary and medicinal uses. Let’s explore how you can make the most of this remarkable plant:

1. Cooking with Breadfruit:
   • Mature but Not Ripe: When breadfruit is mature but not yet ripe, it is starchy and used more like a potato. You can steam, boil, or roast it for human consumption.
   • Ripe Breadfruit: When ripe, breadfruit becomes sweeter and is used like fruit. It can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways.
   • Recipes: Try breadfruit fries, Jamaican breadfruit rundown, breadfruit puffs, or homemade breadfruit nachos/chips
2. Other Uses:
   • Livestock Feed: Breadfruit leaves are commonly fed to livestock.
   • Latex: The milky white latex from breadfruit is used in various cultures. Early Hawaiians used it to catch birds and pluck feathers for ceremonial cloaks.
   • Wood: The yellowish-grey wood is lightweight, strong, and termite-resistant. It’s used for housing and furniture, as well as surfboards and traditional Hawaiian drums.
   • Fibre: Although extracting fibre from the bark is challenging, it’s durable and used as clothing material in Malaysia and water buffalo harnesses in the Philippines.
   • Blossoms: Breadfruit blossoms

Possible side Effect Of the Breadfruit Plant and Fruits

the possible side effects of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis):

1. Allergic Reactions:
   • Breadfruit contains several compounds that may cause allergic reactions.
   • Some individuals may experience urticaria (hives) or rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) when exposed to breadfruit.
   • If you are sensitive to bananas or Benjamin fig, be cautious with breadfruit consumption.
2. Blood Pressure Effects:
   • Breadfruit might lower blood pressure by decreasing heart rate and weakening the force of heart muscle contractions.
   • For individuals with already low blood pressure, consuming breadfruit may cause blood pressure to drop too low.
3. Special Precautions and Warnings:
   • When taken by mouth, the fruit and seed of breadfruit are LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts.
   • However, there isn’t enough information available to determine if breadfruit is safe as a medicine or what the side effects might be.
   • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the use of breadfruit during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it’s best to avoid it.
   • Bleeding disorders: There is concern that breadfruit might increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid using it if you have a bleeding disorder.
4. Drug Interactions:
   • Moderate Interaction: Be cautious if you’re taking medications for high blood pressure (antihypertensive drugs). Breadfruit might lower blood pressure, potentially causing it to drop too low when combined with these medications.
   • Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs: Breadfruit might slow blood clotting, so be mindful if you’re taking medications that also slow clotting.

Remember to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating breadfruit into your diet, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications.

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References

1ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

1webmd.com

2homehealthup.com

3medicpole.com