Breadfruit – Uses, Side Effects, and More

In Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, the breadnut—also called a katahar or chataigne—is a seeded form of breadfruit. It is found growing on what is referred to as a milk tree. It’s actually a fruit, not a nut as the name suggests. Brosimum alicastrum is its scientific name; it is also referred to as a Maya nut on occasion.
How Does a Breadnut Appear?

A breadnut is a spherical, green fruit whose skin is covered with small, uneven spikes. It’s more oblong in shape and about the same size as a breadfruit. There are white nuts within with brown shells on them.Encircled by white pulp. When the breadnut is ready, only then do the shells turn brown. The Moraceae family of figs includes the breadnut, which has relatively little flesh.

A Brief Overview of History

For centuries, the breadnut has been the primary food source for tropical Hispanic tribes. It is not only sustainably produced and tasty, but it also draws game, such as rodents and wild pigs, who can be killed for their meat. In warm, humid regions, breadnuts grow prolifically and are simple to harvest and store.

Originally from the Philippines and New Guinea, the breadnut is presently grown asAs far afield as the Caribbean, South and Central America, and West Africa. In many regions, women collect the seeds and sell them in local marketplaces to support their families, as they are still highly prized. Rastafarians use the breadnut, which is considered an Indian delicacy, on a regular basis.

Cooking with Breadnuts

The breadnut’s meat and seeds are frequently cooked with coconut milk and turned into curries. The breadnut is handled like a vegetable when it’s green. Soups and stews often contain immature breadnuts.

When the breadnut is ripe, the white pulp is not used; instead, it is typically shredded and cooked, much like cabbage. At this stage, just the seeds are utilized, and depending on the size of the fruit, there may be anywhere from a dozen to as many as 150 seeds. The seeds are either roasted or steamed, or they are long-boiled in salted water. They take on a consistency that is similar to mashed potatoes when they are boiled. Roasted seeds have a flavor similar to coffee and chocolate, which is a pleasant combination, but they can occasionally cause short-term stomach problems.

Health Benefits of Breadfruit

Could ease pain in the joints and muscles

Consuming breadfruit may help maintain joint health and reduce muscle soreness, according to some research. A good source of prenylated phenolic substances that combat inflammation linked to rheumatic discomfort, such as flavonoids.

The main cause of rheumatic pain is usually a progressive deterioration of the tissue between joints, which is characterized by persistent joint inflammation. Nutrition can be very important in reducing the symptoms of muscle and joint pain, even while dietary habits cannot treat it completely. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods, such as breadfruit, can help counteract inflammation brought on by oxidative stress offers Every Required Amino Acid

The body needs protein, one of the macronutrients, to build and repair cells. While meals high in protein, such as meat, often offer the greatest dietary

May improve eye health.

Breadfruit contains high levels of carotenoids and lutein, both of which promote eye health.18 The fruit includes beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is vital for eye function and health.

Vitamin A, for example, is required for pigment formation in the retina as well as the maintenance of eye moisture. A deficit could lead to night blindness, among other ocular vision issues.

Breadfruit in a well-balanced diet may help prevent eye illness and preserve vision over time. However, research on human beings is sparse. A medical specialist who specializes in eye health, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, can provide tailored medical advice on lifestyle variables that influence eye health.

May prevent bacterial infections.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, breadfruit may aid in the battle against bacterial infections. Its antibacterial properties are due to the presence of several bioactive chemicals. The tropical fruit contains ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts that have been associated to antimicrobial properties.

According to research, eating breadfruit may help protect the body from pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms such Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecalis.

More research is needed to determine the efficacy of breadfruit to protect against bacterial illnesses. However, incorporating breadfruit into a well-balanced diet may help the body’s natural defensive mechanisms against foodborne sickness, skin infections, and other bacterial disorders.

Offers a nutrient-dense flour alternative

Breadfruit is naturally gluten-free, therefore breadfruit flour could be a good choice for persons who have celiac disease or other gluten sensitivity.

Researchers tested the digestibility of breadfruit flour to wheat flour and discovered that breadfruit flour was easier to digest. However, this was a non-human study. The researchers put breadfruit flour to several phases of enzyme digestion to simulate the human digestive tract, including the oral, stomach, and intestine stages.

Cooked breadfruit is high in fiber and other essential elements. One cup of cooked breadfruit has 8 grams of fiber. Including it in a well-balanced diet will help you reach your fiber requirements while also promoting digestive health. The gut microbiota plays an important function.

Risks of Breadfruit

Breadfruit is typically safe for healthy adults, however it may pose hazards for those taking certain drugs. Breadfruit may have 5-alpha reductase inhibitory action, similar to medicines used to treat enlarged prostates and male pattern baldness.

US Food and Drug Administration. 5-alpha reductase inhibitor information.
People on 5-alpha reductase inhibitors should use caution when consuming breadfruit in any form.

People with a history of kidney disease should avoid eating significant quantities of breadfruit. The fruit is high in potassium and magnesium, which are filtered by the kidneys. Excessive ingestion may lead to a buildup of these nutrients in patients with impaired renal function.19 People with kidney problems should see their doctor before adding breadfruit to their diet.

While allergic reactions to breadfruit are uncommon, they are nonetheless possible. Breadfruit is a member of the mulberry family, thus persons who are allergic to mulberries or figs should be cautious before introducing it into their diet.