Introduction

Flick through any glossy magazine page in your local supermarket, and you will most likely stumble across images of models with beautiful hair and clear skin. In short, the perfect picture of health. 

The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is the UK trade association representing all companies involved in making, supplying, and selling cosmetics and personal care products.¹ According to the CTPA, in 2023, the toiletries and beauty industry in the UK was worth an estimated £9.56 billion.² 

More recently, however, the focus has shifted from the products we apply to our skin to what we eat and how this affects our overall health. Enter superfoods. Superfoods refer to foods with high nutritional value and may provide additional health benefits such as reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Some of the foods which scientists have classified as superfoods include:³

• Berries 
• Fish 
• Leafy greens
• Nuts
• Olive oil 
• Whole grains

As diets vary across the continent and science evolves, new foods constantly emerge as superfoods in some regions and countries. One such food is Breadfruit. 

What is breadfruit?

The Breadfruit tree is an evergreen tree (meaning that it is a plant whose leaves do not fall during winter). The Breadfruit tree typically grows in regions like the Pacific Islands, except New Zealand and Easter Island. In addition, species of Breadfruit trees can be found in countries like the Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. In total, there are hundreds of known varieties of Breadfruit.⁴

Breadfruit is also a common staple in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, where it is typically eaten as a side dish.⁵ Breadfruit is described as having a bright green outer appearance, whilst the inner part of the fruit is pale green.⁶

Scientifically referred to as Artocarpus altilis,⁷ Breadfruit seeds may offer numerous health benefits, including nutritional value, disease prevention, and support for overall well-being. 

Nutritional value of breadfruit seeds

Full of carbohydrates, Breadfruit seeds are reportedly packed with nutritional value.⁸ In addition to carbohydrates, Breadfruit also contains dietary fibre, protein, and large amounts of nutrients⁹ like calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin B3.

Daily, our bodies need foods containing carbohydrates to work and function. Carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet because they provide the body with energy.¹⁰

In the body, carbohydrates from food are turned into a product called glucose, which is then converted into the energy the body needs. 

In addition to carbohydrates, Breadfruit contains high levels of protein.¹¹ Protein is an important part of our diet because it helps the body make hair, blood, and other essential products. 

Essential vitamins in breadfruit

Breadfruit is also noted to contain Vitamin C. When we think of foods that contain Vitamin C, we often imagine citrus fruits such as oranges. However, one study found that Breadfruit contains, on average, 8.57-16.35mg of Vitamin C.¹²

The human body is complex and made up of trillions of cells. Each day, our cells face potential threats and damage from chemicals called “free radicals”.¹³ Free radicals can damage cells and genetic material. 

Free radicals can be formed as a byproduct of cell reactions, but we can also be exposed to them from our environment, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight. Antioxidants are powerful agents or chemicals that protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.¹⁴

Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid, is an important nutritional vitamin involved in many processes within the human body. It plays a role in controlling infections and wound healing and helps maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, and cartilage. Oranges, other citrus fruits, and strawberries are all excellent sources of Vitamin C.¹⁵

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant, and the levels of Vitamin C found in Breadfruit may contribute to its powerful antioxidant capabilities. Vitamin C's role in fighting infection and wound healing may also contribute to an overall improvement in individual well-being.¹⁶

Vital minerals in breadfruit

Breadfruit seeds contain vitamin C and other trace minerals. Minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium were reported in various quantities.¹⁷

• Iron: Iron is an essential vitamin the body requires to make red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body. Liver, red meat, beans and nuts are all great sources of Iron¹⁸
• Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral found in abundance within the body. Magnesium is also present in many foods and medicines, such as antacids and laxatives. As a mineral, magnesium is involved in helping to transform the food we eat into energy; more importantly, magnesium helps to make sure the glands (parathyroid glands) which produce hormones for bone health work properly¹⁹
• Potassium: Potassium is another essential mineral that the body uses. Potassium helps control the fluids within the body and assists the heart muscle with its function²⁰

Support for heart health

Cholesterol is a product found in every cell within the human body.²¹ Cholesterol is a vital product as it helps to maintain bodily functions and plays a particularly important role in the brain, nerves and skin.²²

You may have heard of the term “good cholesterol,” also called HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol has been proven good for the body because it takes cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is broken down. HDL cholesterol prevents the build-up of cholesterol in cells and helps prevent diseases associated with high cholesterol levels.²³

Conversely, “bad cholesterol” is also known as LDL cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries and diseases such as heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.²⁴

Breadfruit may also have some benefits in controlling cholesterol levels, due to its high fibre levels.²⁵ Fibre may decrease “bad cholesterol”, potentially reducing the risks associated with high cholesterol levels. 

Summary

This article briefly explored the role of vitamins, minerals, and cholesterol in heart health. Whilst it is clear that Breadfruit is a nutritional plant packed with various vitamins and cholesterol-lowering properties, there are many other factors involved in maintaining and contributing to our overall health and well-being. However, eating Breadfruit as part of a healthy and balanced diet may contribute to an overall feeling of increased well-being due to its nutritional properties. So next time you go shopping, consider adding some breadfruit to your shopping list.