Panasa Pandu, commonly known as Jackfruit, is not just a tropical delight—it’s a nutritional goldmine packed with health benefits. Loved across South India for its unique taste and versatility, this giant fruit is called Panasa Pandu in Telugu, Kathal in Hindi, Palaa in Tamil, and Chakka in Malayalam.
Whether enjoyed as a sweet fruit or a spicy curry, Panasa Pandu is more than just a delicious ingredient—it’s a superfood for your overall health.
🟢 Nutritional Value of Panasa Pandu (Per 100g, Raw)
Calories: 95 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23.5 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 1.7 g
Fat: 0.6 g
Vitamin C: 13.7 mg (22% of Daily Value)
Potassium: 448 mg
Magnesium: 37 mg
Antioxidants: Carotenoids, flavonoids
Jackfruit is low in fat, high in carbs, and rich in vital micronutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
🌟 Top 15 Health Benefits of Panasa Pandu (Jackfruit)
1. 🛡️ Boosts Immunity
Jackfruit is rich in Vitamin C, which strengthens your immune system and helps your body fight infections naturally.
2. ❤️ Good for Heart Health
The high potassium content in Panasa Pandu helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart diseases.
3. 💪 Rich in Antioxidants
Loaded with carotenoids and flavonoids, jackfruit helps fight oxidative stress and protects your cells from free radical damage.
4. 🌾 Improves Digestion
The fiber in jackfruit supports a healthy gut, prevents constipation, and aids in smooth digestion.
5. 💉 Helps Manage Blood Sugar
Despite being sweet, jackfruit has a low glycemic index, making it a better fruit option for diabetics when consumed in moderation.
6. 🦴 Strengthens Bones
Jackfruit contains magnesium and calcium, which are essential for bone strength and preventing osteoporosis, especially in women and elders.
7. 😍 Enhances Skin Health
Its antioxidants and vitamin C content help maintain skin elasticity, reduce aging signs, and fight acne.
8. 🧠 Improves Brain Function
Vitamin B6 and magnesium in Panasa Pandu support neural health, improve mood, and may help reduce anxiety and depression.
9. 🔥 Aids in Weight Loss
Jackfruit is high in fiber and low in fat, which helps in controlling hunger, improving metabolism, and supporting weight management.
10. 🩸 Regulates Blood Pressure
Potassium in jackfruit helps in balancing sodium levels, which controls hypertension naturally.
11. 👁️ Improves Eye Health
The vitamin A content in jackfruit helps prevent night blindness, dryness, and supports overall vision.
12. 🧬 Supports Cell Regeneration
Jackfruit is rich in folate, iron, and antioxidants which help in new cell formation and repairing body tissues.
13. 🤰 Good for Pregnant Women
Rich in folic acid and other nutrients, Panasa Pandu supports fetal development, immunity, and prevents anemia during pregnancy.
14. 🏋️♂️ Supports Muscle Function
Its potassium and protein content help in maintaining muscle health, energy production, and electrolyte balance.
15. 🌿 Improves Hair Growth
Jackfruit seeds are rich in iron and protein, supporting better blood circulation to the scalp and improving hair texture.
🍲 How to Eat Panasa Pandu?
Panasa Pandu can be enjoyed in many forms:
Ripe Jackfruit: Eaten raw or added to smoothies, desserts, and payasam.
Raw Jackfruit: Used in curries, pickles, and stir-fries.
Jackfruit Seeds: Boiled, roasted, or made into powder for adding to chapatis or laddus.
📚 Panasa Pandu in Different Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Telugu | Panasa Pandu |
| Hindi | Kathal |
| Tamil | Palaa |
| Kannada | Halasina hannu |
| Malayalam | Chakka |
| Marathi | Phanas |
🛒 Where to Buy Panasa Pandu or Products Online?
You can buy fresh jackfruit, jackfruit flour, seeds, and chips from:
Local organic or ayurvedic stores
E-commerce platforms like Amazon, BigBasket
MeenakshiRecipe.com for traditional jackfruit-based sweets, pickles, and flour
⚠️ Precautions
People allergic to birch pollen may experience jackfruit allergy.
Excessive consumption may raise blood sugar in diabetic individuals—consume in moderation.
🤯 Interesting Facts About Panasa Pandu
It is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world.
Jackfruit trees are drought-resistant and can bear fruit even in poor soil.
Jackfruit seeds contain more protein than chickpeas.
In South India, it’s a symbol of prosperity and is often used in temple offerings.
🌼 Final Words
Panasa Pandu is more than a fruit—it’s a gift from nature that supports your immune system, heart, skin, bones, and digestion. Its versatility in taste and use makes it an easy addition to your diet. Whether you’re snacking on ripe fruit or enjoying a spicy curry made from the raw form, jackfruit is a delicious path to better health.
So, go ahead—bring home this tropical treasure and enjoy the wholesome goodness of Panasa Pandu!