Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Another Day, Another Trend: What Is Fibermaxxing and What Are The Experts Saying About It?

Credits: Canva

TikTok’s health trends never seem to stop, and the latest one is <span>fibermaxxing</span>, a catchy name for something dietitians have already been preaching for years: eat your fibre. While the trend may sound like a clever hashtag, it has got people munching on lentils, oats, berries and veggies like never before. But is this just another health fad? We find out. 

Simply put, fibermaxxing is all about loading up your plate with fibre-rich foods. They include chickpeas, <span>whole grains</span>, flax seeds, fruit skins and all those leafy greens you keep ignoring. The term originated, like every other term, on TikTok, where creators began sharing fibre-loaded meals and showing off their impressive digestive health wins. 

The hashtag #fibermaxxing took off in 2023 and has since drawn millions of views. Behind the scenes, the goal of this trend is fairly wholesome: to encourage people to meet their daily recommended fibre intake. 

Why Experts Say It is Actually a Good Idea but in Moderation

Fibre has always been a nutritionist's favourite. Health experts have been saying it forever: getting enough fibre every day can seriously boost your overall health. It helps keep your <span>digestion</span> on track, keeps your blood sugar steady, and even brings down cholesterol levels. On top of all that, it has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. 

Plus, fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, which means fewer snack attacks and better <span>weight management</span> without trying too hard.

As with most TikTok trends, the issue is not the idea but the excess. Experts caution that suddenly jumping on the fibermaxxing trend without building up gradually can lead to <span>bloating</span>, gas, constipation, or the dreaded combination of all three.

Fibre draws water into the digestive tract and bulks up stool, which is great, but only if your body is used to it and you are drinking enough fluids. Adding too much too soon can overwhelm your gut and leave you feeling worse, not better.

If your stomach tends to be on the sensitive side or you have something like <span>IBS</span>, suddenly flooding your system with a ton of fibre can actually make things worse. Instead of feeling lighter and healthier, you might end up feeling gassy, bloated or straight-up uncomfortable. So while this trend is all about <span>gut health</span>, jumping in too fast can totally backfire.

How to Fibremaxx Without Wrecking Your Stomach

<ul><li>Take it slow: Do not shock your system. Add a little more fibre to your meals every few days so your gut has time to catch up.</li><li>Hydrate like a champ: Fibre needs water to do its thing. If you are not drinking enough, you could end up feeling more blocked than balanced.</li><li>Stick to real food: Go for natural, whole sources like fruits with the skin, veggies, lentils, oats, brown rice, nuts, and whole grain everything.</li><li>Mix your fibre types: Soluble fibre like oats, apples and flaxseeds helps with digestion, while insoluble fibre like leafy greens and whole grains keeps things moving.</li><li>Do not go overboard: A giant portion of lentils might look cool in a reel, but your stomach might not agree. Keep it balanced.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Swap white rice for brown or red rice</li><li>Sprinkle chia or flaxseeds on your yoghurt</li><li>Stir lentils into your soups, dals, or pasta sauces</li><li>Munch on roasted chickpeas or a handful of almonds</li><li>Do not peel your apples or cucumbers</li><li>Start your day with oats or a whole grain cereal</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

fibermaxxing

tiktok trend

fibre foods

digestion

gut health

bloating

weight management

heart health

whole grains

Loving Perfection and Cleanliness Does Not Mean You Have OCD: Here Is What The Disorder Actually Means

Daily Yoga Could Cut Diabetes By 40%, Says New Study

Does Your Metabolism Really Slow Down With Age? Here Is The Truth

Nutrition

Headache vs. Migraine: Difference Explained In 60 Seconds

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

How Many Times Do You Need To Wash Your Face?

Hypothyroidism Diet – What To Eat And What You Should Avoid

Stretches To Relieve Leg Pain And Numbness After Sitting For Too Long

No-Cook Healthy Meals For Lazy Days At Home

Easy Breakfast Options To Try During Calorie Deficit

How To Stop Muscle Cramps Immediately

Why You Should Go For An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Foods To Lower Cortisol Levels In Your Body

High-Fiber Dips You Can Make At Home For The Week

Weekend Warrior Exercises To Makeup For Stressful Week

Experiencing Headaches At Word? Natural Remedies To Try

Yoga Poses That Enhance Digestion

Health Benefits of Walking Backwards

No Eggs? Egg-Alternatives You Can Add To Your Diet

Savory And Smart Ways To Add Broccoli To Your Diet

Calorie Burning Habits That Can Help You Shed Extra Pounds

Yoga Poses That Can Help With Bloating

Fiber-Rich Oatmeal Dishes You Can Have For Breakfast

Signs You Must Visit A Doctor For Your Back Pain

Avocado Meal Prep Ideas To Increase Healthy Fat In Your Diet

Arm Exercises You Can Do At Home

Quick-Office Lunches That Can Keep You Full-Longer

How Increased Screen Time Affects Children's Health

Homemade Recipe To Make Protein-Rich Pancakes With Healthy Alternatives

Push-Up Variations You Can Do At Home

Common Mistakes Running Mistakes People Make

Low-Calorie Foods That Keep You Full For Long

Yoga Poses That Help You Get Rid Of Back Pain

Natural Ways To Increase Protein In Your Diet

Managing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Tips To Try

How Much Protein Is Too Much?

High Fiber Indian Foods You Should Try

10 Easy Ways To Boost Daily Fiber Intake

Adding Walnut Oil To Your Diet? Benefits You Should Know

Drinks That Soothe Headaches And Migraines

Waist Exercises For More Toned Belly

This Is How Stress Affects Your Heart

Does Digital ‘Brain Rot’ Really Affect Your Health?

TikTok’s health trends never seem to stop, and the latest one is fibermaxxing, a catchy name for something dietitians have already been preaching for years: eat your fibre. While the trend may sound like a clever hashtag, it has got people munching on lentils, oats, berries and veggies like never before. But is this just another health fad? We find out. What Is Fibermaxxing?Simply put, fibermaxxing is all about loading up your plate with fibre-rich foods. They include chickpeas, whole grains, flax seeds, fruit skins and all those leafy greens you keep ignoring. The term originated, like every other term, on TikTok, where creators began sharing fibre-loaded meals and showing off their impressive digestive health wins. The hashtag #fibermaxxing took off in 2023 and has since drawn millions of views. Behind the scenes, the goal of this trend is fairly wholesome: to encourage people to meet their daily recommended fibre intake. Why Experts Say It is Actually a Good Idea but in ModerationFibre has always been a nutritionist's favourite. Health experts have been saying it forever: getting enough fibre every day can seriously boost your overall health. It helps keep your digestion on track, keeps your blood sugar steady, and even brings down cholesterol levels. On top of all that, it has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Plus, fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, which means fewer snack attacks and better weight management without trying too hard.How Much Fibre is Too Much Fibre? As with most TikTok trends, the issue is not the idea but the excess. Experts caution that suddenly jumping on the fibermaxxing trend without building up gradually can lead to bloating, gas, constipation, or the dreaded combination of all three.Fibre draws water into the digestive tract and bulks up stool, which is great, but only if your body is used to it and you are drinking enough fluids. Adding too much too soon can overwhelm your gut and leave you feeling worse, not better.If your stomach tends to be on the sensitive side or you have something like IBS, suddenly flooding your system with a ton of fibre can actually make things worse. Instead of feeling lighter and healthier, you might end up feeling gassy, bloated or straight-up uncomfortable. So while this trend is all about gut health, jumping in too fast can totally backfire.How to Fibremaxx Without Wrecking Your StomachTake it slow: Do not shock your system. Add a little more fibre to your meals every few days so your gut has time to catch up.Hydrate like a champ: Fibre needs water to do its thing. If you are not drinking enough, you could end up feeling more blocked than balanced.Stick to real food: Go for natural, whole sources like fruits with the skin, veggies, lentils, oats, brown rice, nuts, and whole grain everything.Mix your fibre types: Soluble fibre like oats, apples and flaxseeds helps with digestion, while insoluble fibre like leafy greens and whole grains keeps things moving.Do not go overboard: A giant portion of lentils might look cool in a reel, but your stomach might not agree. Keep it balanced.Easy Ways to Add More Fibre Swap white rice for brown or red riceSprinkle chia or flaxseeds on your yoghurtStir lentils into your soups, dals, or pasta saucesMunch on roasted chickpeas or a handful of almondsDo not peel your apples or cucumbersStart your day with oats or a whole grain cereal

another day, another trend: what is fibermaxxing and what are the experts saying about it?

Aarushi Bhadury

Heart Healthy And Lowers Blood Pressure - This Colorful Vegetable Is Your Answer To A Healthy Future

Can Almonds Help Reverse Prediabetes Problems? Experts Have An Answer

can almonds help reverse prediabetes problems? experts have an answer

Best Sugar Alternatives That Taste Great And Keep Blood Sugar In Check

best sugar alternatives that taste great and keep blood sugar in check

Fitness

Too Much Exercise Could Hurt Your Heart - Study Finds Link Between Endurance Sport Athletes And Heart Scarring

too much exercise could hurt your heart - study finds link between endurance sport athletes and heart scarring

Health & Wellness

What Can You Expect During An Alzheimer's Test - Types of Test And How They Work

what can you expect during an alzheimer's test - types of test and how they work

Known as a silent killer, high blood pressure is a much more common issue than we believe. It is a condition where the blood pushes against your artery walls, creating pressure. It not only increases the chances of heart disease and strokes but was a contributing cause of 664,470 deaths in the US, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. So how does one tackle this issue? 

New research suggests that drinking a bit of vegetable juice every day might help older folks lower their blood pressure. <span>Beetroot juice</span> is especially good because it has a lot of something called nitrate. Nitrate is important for how our bodies work and has been linked to lower blood pressure and healthier blood vessels. 

<h2>How Beetroot Juice Might Work: A Mouth-Body Connection </h2>

Researchers at the University of Exeter believe that beetroot juice's positive effects on <span>heart health</span> could be due to changes it makes to the bacteria in your mouth. 

In their study, participants drank either regular beetroot juice (full of nitrate) or a placebo drink (with nitrate removed). When people drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice, tests showed a decrease in certain mouth bacteria called Prevotella and an increase in beneficial bacteria like Neisseria. 

Notably, older participants in the study started with higher blood pressure on average. Their blood pressure went down after drinking the nitrate-rich beetroot juice, but not when they drank the placebo. 

One of the researchers explained that this study shows how foods rich in nitrate can change the tiny organisms in our mouths. These changes could then lead to less swelling (inflammation) in the body and help to lower blood pressure in older people. This discovery is exciting because it opens the door for bigger studies to look more closely at how things like what we eat, and even if someone is male or female, affect how their body reacts to getting more nitrate from their diet. It helps us understand the hidden ways food can impact our health. 

The study involved two groups of adults: one group of 39 younger people (under 30 years old) and another group of 36 older people (in their 60s and 70s). Each person in the study tried both the real beetroot juice and the fake juice for two weeks at a time. The researchers observed that the changes in mouth bacteria happened in both the younger and older groups. However, the drop in blood pressure was only seen in the older participants. 

Another researcher from the study mentioned that we already know that eating foods rich in nitrate is good for our health. She also pointed out that as people get older, their bodies naturally produce less of something called nitric oxide, which is important for blood vessels. Older adults also tend to have higher blood pressure, and high blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. So, encouraging older adults to eat more vegetables with nitrate could offer really significant and lasting health benefits. 

Heart Health

diet & nutrition

food that Lowers Blood Pressure

Heart Healthy vegetables

Beetroot Juice

Beetroot Juice healthy

Known as a silent killer, high blood pressure is a much more common issue than we believe. It is a condition where the blood pushes against your artery walls, creating pressure. It not only increases the chances of heart disease and strokes but was a contributing cause of 664,470 deaths in the US, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. So how does one tackle this issue? New research suggests that drinking a bit of vegetable juice every day might help older folks lower their blood pressure. Beetroot juice is especially good because it has a lot of something called nitrate. Nitrate is important for how our bodies work and has been linked to lower blood pressure and healthier blood vessels. How Beetroot Juice Might Work: A Mouth-Body Connection Researchers at the University of Exeter believe that beetroot juice's positive effects on heart health could be due to changes it makes to the bacteria in your mouth. In their study, participants drank either regular beetroot juice (full of nitrate) or a placebo drink (with nitrate removed). When people drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice, tests showed a decrease in certain mouth bacteria called Prevotella and an increase in beneficial bacteria like Neisseria. Notably, older participants in the study started with higher blood pressure on average. Their blood pressure went down after drinking the nitrate-rich beetroot juice, but not when they drank the placebo. Science Behind Why It Helps One of the researchers explained that this study shows how foods rich in nitrate can change the tiny organisms in our mouths. These changes could then lead to less swelling (inflammation) in the body and help to lower blood pressure in older people. This discovery is exciting because it opens the door for bigger studies to look more closely at how things like what we eat, and even if someone is male or female, affect how their body reacts to getting more nitrate from their diet. It helps us understand the hidden ways food can impact our health. What the Study Found The study involved two groups of adults: one group of 39 younger people (under 30 years old) and another group of 36 older people (in their 60s and 70s). Each person in the study tried both the real beetroot juice and the fake juice for two weeks at a time. The researchers observed that the changes in mouth bacteria happened in both the younger and older groups. However, the drop in blood pressure was only seen in the older participants. Another researcher from the study mentioned that we already know that eating foods rich in nitrate is good for our health. She also pointed out that as people get older, their bodies naturally produce less of something called nitric oxide, which is important for blood vessels. Older adults also tend to have higher blood pressure, and high blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. So, encouraging older adults to eat more vegetables with nitrate could offer really significant and lasting health benefits. 

heart healthy and lowers blood pressure - this colorful vegetable is your answer to a healthy future

daily yoga could cut diabetes by 40%, says new study

Health News

Dentists Are Upset Over FDA’s Plan To Ban Fluoride Supplements: What Really Happens to Your Body When You Eliminate Fluoride Completely

dentists are upset over fda’s plan to ban fluoride supplements: what really happens to your body when you eliminate fluoride completely

India is often described as the “world’s diabetes capital”. Cardiometabolic diseases have reached epidemic levels across the globe, with nearly one in three deaths attributed to <span>cardiovascular diseases</span>. It is worth noting that poor dietary choices have fuelled the epidemic of diabetes and <span>heart disease</span>. It is vital to consider how whole foods, like <span>almonds</span>, may play a role in protecting our health.

Dr. Anoop Misra, Chairman of Fortis Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol (C-DOC) and head of the National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (NDOC), recently teamed up with ten global health and nutrition experts to publish a paper that dives into decades of research on almonds. Together, they reached a unanimous conclusion: eating almonds every day can significantly improve heart health, help manage weight, regulate <span>blood sugar</span>, and boost <span>gut health</span>. 

What stood out in their findings was that almonds may be particularly helpful for Indians with <span>prediabetes</span>, who are more vulnerable to progressing to full-blown diabetes compared to other ethnic groups.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/dentists-are-upset-over-fdas-plan-to-ban-fluoride-supplements-what-really-happens-to-your-body-when-you-eliminate-fluoride-completely-article-152337246" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Dentists Are Upset Over FDA’s Plan To Ban Fluoride Supplements: What Really Happens to Your Body When You Eliminate Fluoride Completely</a>

<h2>Why Almonds Deserve Their Superfood Status</h2>

It is true that almonds are one of the most researched foods. They pack a punch with their rich nutrient profile, offering plant protein, healthy fats, fibre, and a host of vitamins and minerals. What makes them even more convenient is their portability and shelf stability, making them easy to include in any kind of diet.

<h2>Tackling the Cardiometabolic Crisis</h2>

Cardiometabolic diseases account for nearly one in three global deaths, says Dr. Misra, stressing the importance of finding simple dietary solutions. Whole foods like almonds could be the key to preventing and managing these conditions. He and his co-authors outlined four major benefits of almond consumption in their research.

<h3>1. Almonds are Good for Your Heart</h3>

Dr. Misra says that almonds are particularly good for the heart. They help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure. There is strong evidence that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats like the ones found in almonds can decrease the risk of heart disease. This heart-healthy swap could be a game-changer for people across India and beyond.

<h3>2. Almonds Help You Lose Weight</h3> 

Almonds can also aid in <span>weight management</span>. Dr. Misra says that eating more than 50 grams a day may even result in slight weight loss. Thanks to their protein and fibre content, almonds help control hunger, which might lead people to naturally consume fewer calories throughout the day.

<h3>3. Almonds are Great for Your Gut</h3> 

Your gut loves almonds too. According to Dr. Misra, daily almond intake can positively alter the gut microbiome by encouraging the growth of good bacteria and increasing the production of short-chain <span>fatty acids</span>. These changes can help reduce body fat and promote overall wellbeing.

<h3>4. Almonds Help Regulate Blood Sugar</h3>

When it comes to managing blood sugar, almonds show powerful effects. “Research shows a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and HbA1C with daily almond consumption”, especially in Asian Indians with prediabetes, says Dr. Misra. The research spans various populations in India, from adults with <span>type 2 diabetes</span> to adolescents with prediabetes, all showing notable benefits with regular almond intake.

<h2>Cracking the Code of Prediabetes Reversal</h2>

Calling the reversal of prediabetes to normal blood sugar levels “the holy grail of medicine”, Dr. Misra shares exciting findings from two recent studies by his team at NDOC. Participants ate a small handful of almonds three times daily before meals. Results were promising: short-term gains in just three days and longer-term benefits over three months, where nearly 23.3 per cent of people reversed their prediabetes.

“These findings underscore the potential of almonds as an accessible and nutrient-dense food to combat the growing burden of cardiometabolic diseases,” Dr. Misra concludes. 

prediabetes

cardiovascular diseases

heart disease

almonds

blood sugar

type 2 diabetes

fatty acids

almonds LDL cholesterol

India is often described as the “world’s diabetes capital”. Cardiometabolic diseases have reached epidemic levels across the globe, with nearly one in three deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases. It is worth noting that poor dietary choices have fuelled the epidemic of diabetes and heart disease. It is vital to consider how whole foods, like almonds, may play a role in protecting our health.Dr. Anoop Misra, Chairman of Fortis Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol (C-DOC) and head of the National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (NDOC), recently teamed up with ten global health and nutrition experts to publish a paper that dives into decades of research on almonds. Together, they reached a unanimous conclusion: eating almonds every day can significantly improve heart health, help manage weight, regulate blood sugar, and boost gut health. What stood out in their findings was that almonds may be particularly helpful for Indians with prediabetes, who are more vulnerable to progressing to full-blown diabetes compared to other ethnic groups.Also Read: Dentists Are Upset Over FDA’s Plan To Ban Fluoride Supplements: What Really Happens to Your Body When You Eliminate Fluoride CompletelyWhy Almonds Deserve Their Superfood StatusIt is true that almonds are one of the most researched foods. They pack a punch with their rich nutrient profile, offering plant protein, healthy fats, fibre, and a host of vitamins and minerals. What makes them even more convenient is their portability and shelf stability, making them easy to include in any kind of diet.Tackling the Cardiometabolic CrisisCardiometabolic diseases account for nearly one in three global deaths, says Dr. Misra, stressing the importance of finding simple dietary solutions. Whole foods like almonds could be the key to preventing and managing these conditions. He and his co-authors outlined four major benefits of almond consumption in their research.1. Almonds are Good for Your HeartDr. Misra says that almonds are particularly good for the heart. They help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure. There is strong evidence that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats like the ones found in almonds can decrease the risk of heart disease. This heart-healthy swap could be a game-changer for people across India and beyond.2. Almonds Help You Lose Weight Almonds can also aid in weight management. Dr. Misra says that eating more than 50 grams a day may even result in slight weight loss. Thanks to their protein and fibre content, almonds help control hunger, which might lead people to naturally consume fewer calories throughout the day.3. Almonds are Great for Your Gut Your gut loves almonds too. According to Dr. Misra, daily almond intake can positively alter the gut microbiome by encouraging the growth of good bacteria and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. These changes can help reduce body fat and promote overall wellbeing.4. Almonds Help Regulate Blood SugarWhen it comes to managing blood sugar, almonds show powerful effects. “Research shows a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and HbA1C with daily almond consumption”, especially in Asian Indians with prediabetes, says Dr. Misra. The research spans various populations in India, from adults with type 2 diabetes to adolescents with prediabetes, all showing notable benefits with regular almond intake.Cracking the Code of Prediabetes ReversalCalling the reversal of prediabetes to normal blood sugar levels “the holy grail of medicine”, Dr. Misra shares exciting findings from two recent studies by his team at NDOC. Participants ate a small handful of almonds three times daily before meals. Results were promising: short-term gains in just three days and longer-term benefits over three months, where nearly 23.3 per cent of people reversed their prediabetes.“These findings underscore the potential of almonds as an accessible and nutrient-dense food to combat the growing burden of cardiometabolic diseases,” Dr. Misra concludes. 

Ishita Roy

Can A Jackfruit Get You Drunk? 3 Kerala Drivers Failed Breath Analyzer Test After Consuming This Fruit

Coca-Cola To Launch Cane Sugar Version In US: Is It Really Healthier?

coca-cola to launch cane sugar version in us: is it really healthier?

It’s not every day that a fruit finds itself at the center of a public transport controversy. However, in Kerala, three KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) drivers faced an unusual predicament: they failed a mandatory breathalyzer test before duty, despite claiming complete sobriety. The surprising culprit? Overripe <span>jackfruit</span>.

This bizarre incident has stirred questions across health, <span>nutrition</span>, and law enforcement circles—can jackfruit actually make you drunk?

<h4>The Incident That Sparked It All</h4>

The confusion began at the Pandalam depot in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district. Three KSRTC drivers tested positive for alcohol during their routine breath test. Shockingly, they swore they hadn’t consumed any alcohol. One of them, in a state of disbelief, even volunteered for a blood test to prove his innocence.

Officials were initially skeptical—until a surprising experiment cleared the air. A staff member who had tested negative earlier was asked to consume the same jackfruit. Post-snack, he too registered a positive breathalyzer reading. This led the officials to conclude that the overripe jackfruit, not alcohol consumption, was behind the results.

<h4>Blame It on Natural Fermentation</h4>

The variety in question was ‘thenvarikka’—a jackfruit known for its honey-like sweetness. 

Experts explained that overripe jackfruit undergoes a natural fermentation process due to its high sugar content. The glucose and fructose in the fruit can convert to ethanol, especially when the fruit is overly ripe or improperly stored.

This fermentation can result in trace levels of alcohol, enough to confuse a sensitive breathalyzer but not nearly enough to cause intoxication in humans. It’s similar to what happens with overly ripe bananas or fermented foods like kimchi and idli batter.

<h4>Foods That Can Trigger False Positives</h4>

This isn’t the first time food has clashed with technology. Breathalyzers, although useful, aren’t always foolproof. According to experts, several foods and drinks can skew test results:

<ul><li>Overripe fruits such as bananas, mangoes, durians, and of course, jackfruit.</li><li>Fermented foods including kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and dosa/idli batter.</li><li>Alcohol-based mouthwash or non-alcoholic beer.</li><li>Vinegar-rich dishes or food cooked in alcohol (like rum cake).</li><li>Protein bars and energy drinks with sugar alcohols.</li></ul>

The common factor? Trace ethanol or fermentation byproducts. While these generally don’t impair your faculties, they can momentarily confuse breathalyzer sensors.

<h4>Is Jackfruit Dangerous to Eat? Not at All</h4>

Before you panic and toss your jackfruit stash, let’s get one thing clear: jackfruit is perfectly safe and nutritious. In fact, it’s rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports digestion, boosts immunity, and may help regulate blood pressure.

The issue here lies not in the fruit itself, but in the ripeness and timing. Most people don’t eat jackfruit at the overripe, fermented stage. But when they do, especially in large amounts, and shortly before an alcohol test—there’s a slim chance of triggering a false reading.

<h4>Lessons for Breathalyzer Policies</h4>

The KSRTC episode highlights an important need for contextual judgment in zero-tolerance systems. While breathalyzers are crucial for road safety, depending solely on them without investigating anomalies can wrongly penalize innocent individuals.

Transport authorities may need to revise protocol: conduct secondary tests like blood alcohol analysis, or allow for food-history reporting before taking disciplinary actions.

3 Kerala Drivers Failed Breath Analyzer

nutrition

toxication by jackfruit

jackfruit

fermented jackfruit

It’s not every day that a fruit finds itself at the center of a public transport controversy. However, in Kerala, three KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) drivers faced an unusual predicament: they failed a mandatory breathalyzer test before duty, despite claiming complete sobriety. The surprising culprit? Overripe jackfruit.This bizarre incident has stirred questions across health, nutrition, and law enforcement circles—can jackfruit actually make you drunk?The Incident That Sparked It AllThe confusion began at the Pandalam depot in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district. Three KSRTC drivers tested positive for alcohol during their routine breath test. Shockingly, they swore they hadn’t consumed any alcohol. One of them, in a state of disbelief, even volunteered for a blood test to prove his innocence.Officials were initially skeptical—until a surprising experiment cleared the air. A staff member who had tested negative earlier was asked to consume the same jackfruit. Post-snack, he too registered a positive breathalyzer reading. This led the officials to conclude that the overripe jackfruit, not alcohol consumption, was behind the results.Blame It on Natural FermentationThe variety in question was ‘thenvarikka’—a jackfruit known for its honey-like sweetness. Experts explained that overripe jackfruit undergoes a natural fermentation process due to its high sugar content. The glucose and fructose in the fruit can convert to ethanol, especially when the fruit is overly ripe or improperly stored.This fermentation can result in trace levels of alcohol, enough to confuse a sensitive breathalyzer but not nearly enough to cause intoxication in humans. It’s similar to what happens with overly ripe bananas or fermented foods like kimchi and idli batter.Foods That Can Trigger False PositivesThis isn’t the first time food has clashed with technology. Breathalyzers, although useful, aren’t always foolproof. According to experts, several foods and drinks can skew test results:Overripe fruits such as bananas, mangoes, durians, and of course, jackfruit.Fermented foods including kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and dosa/idli batter.Alcohol-based mouthwash or non-alcoholic beer.Vinegar-rich dishes or food cooked in alcohol (like rum cake).Protein bars and energy drinks with sugar alcohols.The common factor? Trace ethanol or fermentation byproducts. While these generally don’t impair your faculties, they can momentarily confuse breathalyzer sensors.Is Jackfruit Dangerous to Eat? Not at AllBefore you panic and toss your jackfruit stash, let’s get one thing clear: jackfruit is perfectly safe and nutritious. In fact, it’s rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports digestion, boosts immunity, and may help regulate blood pressure.The issue here lies not in the fruit itself, but in the ripeness and timing. Most people don’t eat jackfruit at the overripe, fermented stage. But when they do, especially in large amounts, and shortly before an alcohol test—there’s a slim chance of triggering a false reading.Lessons for Breathalyzer PoliciesThe KSRTC episode highlights an important need for contextual judgment in zero-tolerance systems. While breathalyzers are crucial for road safety, depending solely on them without investigating anomalies can wrongly penalize innocent individuals.Transport authorities may need to revise protocol: conduct secondary tests like blood alcohol analysis, or allow for food-history reporting before taking disciplinary actions.

can a jackfruit get you drunk? 3 kerala drivers failed breath analyzer test after consuming this fruit

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.