The Pacific Islands have been using breadfruit for at least 3,000 years. It arrived on Caribbean shores in the late 18th century. The large-leaf tree is botanically called Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg. It belongs to the mulberry or Moraceae plant family. Figs are also members of the family....CONTINUE READING

Origins

Breadnut, also commonly called Maya nut, is not closely related to breadfruit as some people believe it is. It does belong to the Mulberry plant family, but is its own species. Its botanical name is Brosimum alicastrum or Artocarpus camansi blanco. It is indigenous to the Pacific Islands and Southeastern Asia. The tree also has large leaves. Like breadfruit, it is about 3,000 years old and was exported to the Caribbean in the 1790s.
Nutrition Information

Growing up in the Caribbean, I didn’t realize how fortunate I was to have both of these fruits as staples in my diet.
Breadfruit Nutrition

As a child, I did not consider the nutrition in this versatile food. To me, it was simply a staple part of our real and play meals. But breadfruit is loaded with important nutrients: protein, dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, minerals potassium, copper, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and iron, flavonoids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Breadnut Nutrition

Back in the day, my young siblings and I couldn’t wait to get our hands on the breadnut or chataigne seeds for their delicious flavor and nutty texture. We had no idea what good nutrients they provided. What is the nutritional profile of breadnut? It has a rich vein of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, vitamins A, B-complex, C, minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc and the omega fatty acids.

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Health Benefits

Considering their potent nutritional value, breadfruit and breadnut have the potential to offer a number of health benefits. Always consult your healthcare provider before consuming any food for health reasons. There’s no medical evidence that breadfruit and breadnut/chataigne can cure, treat or prevent disease.

1.Proteins, consisting of amino acids, are the “building blocks” of our cells. Breadfruit and breadnut are especially rich in essential amino acids, which we must get from the foods we consume.

2.Dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble) slows digestion, which prevents spikes in blood sugar and blood pressure. This helps lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The fiber also feeds our healthy gut bacteria or microbiota, which reduces the risk of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer. The insoluble fiber adds bulk to our waste material, making exit from our bodies easier.

3.Complex carbohydrates are necessary for maintaining a healthy digestive system and microbiota.

4.B vitamins, in general, play crucial roles in the extraction of energy from our food and the conversion to usable cellular energy called ATP or formally, adenosine triphosphate. Studies imply that they are also important in maintaining cardiovascular and blood health, DNA synthesis, nervous system, cognitive and mental health.

5.Vitamin C and flavonoids may give breadfruit and breadnut, including the seeds, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, according to research.

Vitamin C has shown to reduce the risk of ailments like heart disease, stroke and cancer. Along with flavonoids, it protects against cellular oxidative stress, free radical damage and microbial pathogens, and boosts our immune system.

6.The minerals in breadfruit and breadnut are necessary for healthy cardiovascular tissues, including our heart, brain and nervous system, bones and muscles. They’re involved in the production of critical hormones and enzymes, and other cellular activities.

7.Omega fatty acids. Breadfruit is an excellent source. So is breadnut. Our bodies are unable to produce omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, so we must get them from our food. Research show the lipids may help us reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and diabetes.

Do Try These Fruits!

It’s great to discover the rich nutritional profiles and potential health benefits of breadfruit and breadnut. It’s also great to share the information with you. If you live in the United States, you may be unable to find these foods in your local supermarket. If there are Caribbean, Latin or Asian markets in your town, you may find them there.

Today breadfruit and breadnut can be purchased canned or as prepared foods such as cakes and chips. Less we forget, there’s breadfruit flour as well.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional.

Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

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