The breadfruit tree scientific name is Artocarpus Altilis. Some attribute it to William Bligh, Commanding Lieutenant of the HMS Bounty who in the late 18th-century introduced it as a cheap, high -energy food for British slaves in the Caribbean, while some say it was Captain James Cook who brought it to the Caribbean. Who ever did it, did a fine job, because this tree and its fruit; raw and cooked, is high on vital minerals.
Growing breadfruit trees depends upon the variety chosen; seeded or seedless. The seeded variety is grown from breadfruit seeds, and sown fresh before they lose the viability to germinate. The seedless variety is grown by transplanting numerous suckers which spring up naturally from the roots. Suckers can also be induced by opening a root and exposing it to the natural climate. Can also be propagate from cuttings.
Breadfruit trees can grow as high as 85 feet or 26 meters, and they provide people with a special milky juice that can be used for boat caulking. Under the right conditions Breadfruit tree can produce as much as 200 fruits each year.
Breadfruit is a staple food in many tropical regions. They are very rich in starch, and before being eaten they can be roasted, baked, fried or boiled. When cooked, the taste and texture is quite potato-like, or similar to fresh-baked bread.
Because breadfruit trees usually produce large crops at certain times of the year, preservation of the harvested fruit is an issue. One traditional preservation technique is to bury peeled and washed fruits in a leaf-lined pit where they ferment over several weeks and produce a sour, sticky paste. So stored, the product may last a year or more, and some pits are reported to have produced edible contents more than 20 years later.[3] Fermented breadfruit mash goes by many names such as mahr, ma, masi, furo, and bwiru, among others.
Nutrition that is derived from this fruit has been recognized by many civilizations and communities. In fact, the breadfruit is a culturally important fruit for many people across the world. Today, breadfruit is commercially planted in many regions all across the world. Prominent plantations are seen in regions around the Pacific ocean. It is also included in many prominent diet plans.
Nutritional Facts
Breadfruit contains many nutrients such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, sodium, zinc, copper, selenium, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, natural sugars and calories.
Breadfruit nutrition makes it an excellent snack that can be eaten during the day and in between meals. The immense vitamins and minerals make it an excellent breakfast accompaniment. The only drawback of breadfruit is that it contains rather a large quantity of carbohydrates and sugars. Due to this, it is recommended that one does not have it at night in order to prevent calories from depositing in the body tissues. Breadfruit nutrients can be metabolized with the help of 27 minutes of walking, or 11 minutes of running, or 8 minutes of swimming, or even 15 minutes of cycling. There are different ways of cooking and eating the breadfruit. Every recipe has some or the advantage and drawback. One common disadvantage of all heat related breadfruit recipes is that the vitamins get oxidized, and in cases where oil is used, there is an increase in calories, carbohydrates and fats. The best calories and breadfruit nutrition can be derived is by consuming the edible portion of the fruit.
Breadfruit Benefits
Provides High Energy
Breadfruit is a rich source of carbohydrate and provides high energy to all those who eat it. It supplies the warmth and vitality needed to be active.
Cleans The Intestine
The fiber present in Breadfruit flushes out toxins from the intestine and helps in proper functioning of the bowels and intestines.
Rich Source of Flour
When dried, Breadfruit yields a type of rich flour. Breadfruit flour is much more productive than wheat flour and different types of important amino acids.
Enhances Power
Breadfruit is a rich source of fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 6 which are vital for the proper development of the mind and body. These enhance power and promote growth of hair. These fatty acids also regulate metabolic functions, promote reproduction, enhance skin color and accelerate bone health.
Breadfruit Uses
Breadfruits are used for a lot of purposes. The fruit as well as the leaves and latex of its tree work as a natural medicine for curing diseases like skin infections, Diarrhea, Asthma, Diabetes and Sciatica. It can be consumed as a fruit and also cooked as a vegetable. The seeds of Breadfruit can also be used for consumption. The leaves of Breadfruit grow over one foot long and so they can be used to provide shade. Breadfruit leaves are used in African regions for decoration purposes.
Breadfruit and Diabetes
Breadfruit intake is believed to help people suffering from diabetes. The fiber present in Breadfruit reduces absorption
of glucose from the consumption of the food people eat. Studies indicate that African Breadfruit consumption may reduce blood sugar level in people.
Breadfruit and Diseases
For people eating breadfruit diseases can show a marked improvement. Apart from diabetes, Breadfruit intake has also been found to control a number of other disorders in humans.
Prevents Heart Attacks
Breadfruit intake reduces harmful cholesterol or LDL in the body and increases HDL cholesterol that is beneficial for health.
Reduces Colon Cancer Risks
Regular consumption of Breadfruit helps lower the risk of developing colon cancer.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Regular Breadfruit intake is also supposed to reduce blood pressure and avoid serious health complications.
Reduces Asthma
Eating Breadfruit is also believed to lower asthmatic symptoms in sufferers.
Cures Tooth Ache
Rubbing toasted Breadfruit flowers on gums have also been found to yield effective results in treating tooth ache.
Treats Thrush
Applying crushed leaves of Breadfruit on tongue has been found to cure thrush.
Cures Ear Problems
Minor problems in the ear can be cured by using the juice of Breadfruit leaf as ear drops.
Treats Skin Infections
Ashes of Breadfruit leaves have been found to be a natural remedy for curing skin infections.
Reduces Enlargement of Spleen
Crushed, roasted Breadfruit leaves are also a good cure for an enlarged spleen.
Cures Skin Diseases
In some tropical areas, the latex of Breadfruit trees is applied on external body surfaces affected by skin disease.
Treats Sciatica
Tying the latex of Breadfruit plants on the spine with a bandage can be a natural remedy for problems like Sciatica.
Cures Diarrhea
Consuming Breadfruit latex can help treat diarrhea symptoms in sufferers.
References:
http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Bread-fruit
http://www.essortment.com/breadfruit-41186.html
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-breadfruit.htm
http://www.fruitsinfo.com/breadfruit-tropical-fruit.php
http://www.tasteslikehome.org/2007/05/how-do-you-like-your-breadfruit.html
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/breadfruit.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadfruit
Read more: http://healthmad.com/nutrition/breadfruit-nutrition-facts-and-health-benefits/#ixzz1dd0yAIUW
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