Jackfruits contain several hundred seeds that are edible and nutritious. These seeds are associated with various health benefits, such as cholesterol reduction.

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit found in many parts of Asia. And its flesh isn’t the only part of the fruit you can eat — a single jackfruit may contain anywhere from 100 to 400 edible and nutritious seeds.

However, despite their beneficial nutrients, the seeds are typically discarded.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about jackfruit seeds, including their health benefits, potential downsides, and how to add them to your diet.

Jackfruit seeds are packed with numerous important nutrients, including:

  • protein
  • calcium
  • iron

100 grams (g) of jackfruit seeds contains:

  • Carbs: 25.8 g
  • Protein: 0.4 to 0.43 g
  • Fat: 0.4 to 0.43 g
  • Fiber: 1.0 to 1.5 g
  • Vitamin A: 10 to 17 IU
  • Vitamin C: 11 milligrams (mg)
  • Calcium: 50 mg
  • Potassium: 246 mg
  • Magnesium: 54 mg
  • Iron: 1.5 mg

These seeds also contain high concentrations of two B vitamins — thiamine and riboflavin. Both help your body absorb and utilize nutrients, as well as perform other essential functions.

Furthermore, jackfruit seeds offer a high amount of fiber, which can aid in digestion and help prevent constipation.

Jackfruit seeds may possess several beneficial properties.

Could have antimicrobial effects

Some studies have shown that jackfruit seeds may have antibacterial effects.

A 2019 study found that jackfruit seed extract exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and Salmonella. However, more recent, high quality studies are needed to confirm this effect.

May have anticancer properties

Jackfruit seeds are rich in antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, saponins, and phenolics.

Studies have shown that these plant compounds may help combat inflammation, boost the immune system, and even repair DNA damage.

They also contain a compound called jacalin, which has been found to exhibit anticancer activity against colon cancer, blood cancer, and breast cancer.

However, more recent and high quality research is needed to investigate whether jackfruit seeds have anticancer effects in people.

May reduce cholesterol levels

Research also suggests that jackfruit seeds may improve your cholesterol levels by decreasing fat absorption.

Elevated levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, among other effects.

Although jackfruit seeds are associated with various health benefits, there are some potential concerns.

May increase bleeding when taken with certain drugs

Individuals who are taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding should be cautious of consuming jackfruit seeds.

Jackfruit seeds have been shown to have the ability to decrease blood clotting. Therefore, jackfruit seeds may further increase the risk of bleeding when taken with these drugs.

If you’re taking medications that may increase the risk of bleeding, you should avoid consuming jackfruit seeds.

The following medications are known to increase the risk of bleeding:

  • aspirin
  • blood thinners (anticoagulants)
  • antiplatelet drugs
  • SSRIs
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or naproxen)

Contain antinutrients

Raw jackfruit seeds contain antinutrients called tannins and trypsin inhibitors. Antinutrients are compounds that may interfere with your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and insulin response.

For these reasons, jackfruit seeds should never be consumed raw. However, heat deactivates these antinutrients. Therefore, cooking jackfruit seeds by roasting or boiling them will reduce their antinutritional effects.

Jackfruit seeds can be enjoyed similarly to other seeds.

Here are some easy ways to add them to your diet:

  • add to salads
  • make jackfruit-seed hummus
  • grind them into flour for use in baking or cooking
  • add them into smoothies
  • make jackfruit-seed butter
  • eat them alone as a snack

How to prepare them

Boiling or roasting are two of the most popular preparation methods for jackfruit seeds.

You can boil jackfruit seeds in a large pot of water for 20–30 minutes. Once the seeds are tender, drain the pot and let them cool and dry.

You can also roast jackfruit seeds by preheating the oven to 400°F (205°C) and laying them flat on a pan. Bake the seeds for 20 minutes, or until they are brown and toasted.

Jackfruit seeds are not only edible but also highly nutritious. They have been associated with several health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced cholesterol levels.

That said, they may hinder nutrient absorption if eaten raw, and also increase the risk of bleeding in individuals taking certain medications.

They can be easily added to dishes or eaten on their own. Just make sure to apply heat to them before eating.