Description

Jamun, the highly nutritious, refreshing and succulent fruit flooding the summer markets has innumerable health benefits. Commonly known as Java plum or Indian blackberry in English, Jamun or Jambul in Hindi, Jambufalam or Mahaphala in Sanskrit, Naavar Pazham in Tamil and Neredu in Telugu, it goes by the botanical name Syzygium cumini.

Jamun, the tall tree with a heavy trunk is native to the Indian sub-continent but is also widely found in various Asian countries. The tree bears fruits which are oblong in shape – that are green when raw but turn pink or purple as they ripen.

This juicy fruit holds a great significance in holistic treatments like Ayurvedic, Unani and Chinese medicine as it attenuates Kapha and Pitta.

In fact, jamun found a special mention in Ramayana and is prized as the ‘Fruit of Gods’ as Lord Rama survived eating this berry during his 14 years of exile in the forest.

Available in two varieties – Jamuns with white toned flesh and has a good amount of pectin while the other one with dark purplish flesh has lower amounts of pectin. Pectin is a polysaccharide substance present in the flesh of berries, fruits like apples that serves as a thickening agent, while making jams and jellies.

Benefits of Jamun Seeds

1. Low On Calories:

Jamun is the first choice for those on low calorie diet as it has a very minimal amount of glucose and fructose. With sucrose completely being absent, it makes an ideal snack or fruit for those suffering from diabetes and is highly recommended for those on a weight loss diet plan.

2. Fibre Rich:

Jamun is loaded with fibre that prevents chronic diseases, aids in digestion and cures several gastrointestinal problems like constipation, bowel disorders, nausea, diarrhoea and dysentery.

3. Loaded With Vitamin C:

Jamun being an excellent source of Vitamin C has numerous benefits. The antioxidant properties of vitamin – C or ascorbic acid help in healing wounds, strengthen teeth, bone and cartilage. It is also widely referred as an immune booster as it prevents several respiratory infections like common cough, cold, asthma and other contagious infections. Thanks to vitamin C, regular consumption of this fruit also contributes towards healthy skin and hair.

4. High On Iron:

Jamun being loaded with iron is highly beneficial and is recommended for people suffering from anaemia. The abundance of iron in Jamun makes it one of the natural foods to purify blood, increases red blood cells and haemoglobin count of blood. Traditionally, jamuns are must-have fruit for women and girls during menstruation to balance the huge amount of blood loss. It helps body to recover from weakness and fatigue.

Jamun For Various Health Conditions:

1. Diabetes Management:

Ayurveda suggests Jamun as a highly effective fruit while fighting against diabetes. The seeds of the fruit have active ingredients called jamboline and jambosine that slow down the rate of sugar released into the blood and increases the insulin levels in the body. It converts starch into energy and reduces the symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination and thrusting.

2. Healthy Heart:

Jamun is laden with high amounts of potassium. It is extremely beneficial in keeping heart related ailments at a bay. Regular consumption of Jamun prevents hardening of arteries which leads to atherosclerosis, reduces the various symptoms of high blood pressure thereby controlling hypertension and prevents strokes and cardiac arrests. A serving of 100 gm jamun contains 79 mg of potassium which makes this juicy fruit appropriate for a high blood pressure diet.

3. Weight Loss:

Being low on calories and high on fibre, makes Jamun an ideal fruit in all weight loss diets and recipes. It improves your digestion and the pharmacological properties help in minimizing water retention besides boosting body metabolism, satiating your hunger and gives you a feeling of fullness.

4. Oral Hygiene:

Dried and powdered leaves of Jamun have anti-bacterial properties and is used as a tooth powder for strengthening teeth and gums. The fruit and leaves possess strong astringent properties, making it highly effective against throat problems and in eliminating bad breath. The decoction of the bark can be used as a mouth wash or gargled regularly to prevent mouth ulceration and gingivitis.

5. Radiant Skin:

Drinking Jamun juice regularly gives you a healthy, glowing skin. It detoxifies and purifies the blood and makes your skin glow from inside. The high index of Vitamin -C blesses you with a blemish free radiant skin.