Jackfruit is much more than just some tropical curiosity imported from India. People also call it Erapala, Chimaipala or Rotipala, and its wood is valued because it's so sturdy even termites avoid it. This is quite a strange, energizing fruit with many assumed qualities when it comes to the body's neurons.


A substance in the fruit is called Balachula and this is supposed to cool the body's heat, dryness or chronic itchiness. If you want a serious energy boost then there is a time-honored tradition: finely chop some jackfruit, simmer it in milk for ten minutes and stir in a spoon of honey or ghee. This is named Jackfruit Payasam and it's like a natural energy drink but quite heavy compared to one from a shop.


The outer skin of the young Palakkai fruit can also be useful: let it dry out in the sun then fry it. People believe eating it will make the skin radiant. The beans or nuts inside also have properties: soak them in honey and they become easily digestible and very sweet smelling. Add some native sugar and they should offer a definite spike in physical strength.


There are some potential downsides though: although the fruit tastes sweet as honey it can overload the stomach and spoil your appetite if you eat too much. Those with asthma are advised against the fruit, as although Balachula is used to help alleviate the condition, it's believed the fruit itself can restrict breathing.


Quantitatively it's about 90 calories per 100g of fruit offering a few grams of protein and fiber and quite a few grams of carbohydrates in the form of starch. One important ingredient is the sulfur: a 100g portion provides 69mg of sulfur salts. It is believed that eating just a small handful of nuts a day can supply enough cysteine and sulfur to aid in the treatment of chronic joint pain.


For men Palakkai is thought to be beneficial. 

Rich calcium and protien


The potassium plays a role in preventing the blood and tissues from being overly loaded with nutrients and waste products. 

Some proponents say regularly eating Palakkai can boost sexual health and general vigor.


This sulfur content isn't limited to joints: it's thought that this element is the cause of claims that jackfruit is good for hair and nail growth. Between Balachula nuts and the fruit, this food seems to cater to anything from the digestive tract to blood circulation; it is very heavy and dense in nutrients. Perhaps regular inclusion of the seeds and fruit into a diet will help someone eat less meat and thus consume less fat this is a curious and valuable food that cannot be ignored.