Like other tropical fruits, African breadfruit or Ukwa in Igbo is an edible traditional fruit, it is related to other exotic fruits like breadnut, jackfruit, figs and mulberries.
In Nigeria, it is eaten as a main course dish and its seed are of particular interest because of their high nutritional value.
Breadfruit is highly sought after due to its medicinal properties, it contains moderate levels of essential vitamins and minerals.
The fresh seed contains 38.3% carbohydrate, 15.9% fat and 17.7% crude protein. It also can be used as an alternative to rice and yam.
Ukwa is such a versatile food with a natural delicious flavour. The fruit can be roasted, baked, fried and even boiled before consumption. The flesh of the breadfruit has a nice fragrance and a sweet taste. It can be cooked plain without any ingredient, not even salt, and it will taste great especially when prepared with fresh Ukwa. It can be roasted and eaten with coconut or palm kernel. It can also be prepared as a porridge.
Some of its health benefit includes:
•Cardiovascular Health: Breadfruit is an excellent source of potassium. This heart-friendly nutrient reduces blood pressure in the body and regulates the heart rate by minimizing the effects of sodium. It conducts electrical charges that drive muscular contraction in the skeletal system including the heart. Dietary fiber helps reduce cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the gut. It lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), while elevating good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. It decreases the triglyceride levels, which is one of the main causes of heart attacks.
•Source of Energy: One cup of breadfruit provides 60 grams of carbohydrates, the primary source of energy in the body.
•Resistance against infections: Breadfruit contains good amounts of antioxidants, which help the body to develop resistance against infections. It also scavenges harmful free radicals from the body that lead to aging and other age-related diseases.
•Prevents Excessive Skin Inflammation: Fresh breadfruit extracts may help to reduce unwanted inflammation. It inhibits the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and prevents the overproduction of nitric oxides, thus preventing excessive inflammation.
•Encourages New Cell Growth: The antioxidants in breadfruit provide an effective shield against sun rays and sun damage. It also encourages the growth of new cells to make the damaged skin appear smooth and young.
•Treats Skin Diseases: The latex of the breadfruit tree is applied on skin surfaces affected by skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis and inflammation.
Eat healthy, stay safe.
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