‘ Syzgium cumini, commonly known as Malabar plum, Java plum, black plum, jamun is an evergreen, tropical tree and favoured for its fruit. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, adjoining regions of SouthEast Asia, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Andaman Islands.’
Jamun is typically a summer fruit. It is a mixture of sweet, slightly spicy flavour that stands out even after eating, since it turns the tongue into purple colour.
The fruit is extremely good for medicinal purposes. The seed is used in Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese Medicine for digestive ailments. The leaves and bark are used for controlling blood pressure and gingivitis.
1- Nutritional Content of Jamun: 100 GM’s of edible jamun fruit contains 0.7 to 0.13 gms protein, 0.15 to 0.3 gms of fat, 0.3 to 0.9 gms of crude fibre, 14 gms carbohydrates, 8.30 to 15 mg calcium, 35 mg magnesium, 15 to16.20 mg phosphorus, 1.20 to 1.62 mg iron, 26.2 mg sodium, 55 mg potassium, 0.23 mg copper, 13 mg sulphur, 8 IU Vitamin A, 0.01 to 0.03 mg Thiamine, 0.009 to 0.01 mg Riboflavin, 0.20 to 0.29 mg Niacin, 5.70 to 18 mg Ascorbic Acid, 3 mcg folic acid.
2- Improves Haemoglobin count: Loaded with Vitamin C and iron jamun increases haemoglobin. Therefore the blood carries more oxygen to the organs and keeps you healthy. The iron present in the fruit also purifies the blood.
3- Heart health: Loaded with potassium, jamun is extremely beneficial for the heart. Keeping diseases like high blood pressure, heart diseases and strokes at bay. It also keeps your arteries healthy and prevents it’s hardening.
4- Prevents infection: Jamun has antibacterial, anti- infective and anti- malaria properties. The fruit also contains malic acid, tannins, gallic acid , oxalic acid, and betulic acid. Thus it is effective in preventing common infections.
5- Diabetes: Jamun has anti- diabetic and antioxidant functionality. Thus jamun helps in slowing down the process of converting starch into sugar which leads to lesser chances of a sudden spike in blood sugar levels when the starch in your food is metabolised. Jamun seeds ensure a greater availability of insulin by either increasing its secretion, or preventing it from degrading fast.
6- Digestive health: Gut problems are normal during monsoon. Well maintained hormonal balance is the foundation of good gut health and since jamun has anti-bacterial properties, it helps in maintaining gut health.
7- Skin and oral health: Jamun has astringent properties that help in treating acne and blemishes. It is a natural antioxidant due to its high levels of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed to keep your skin clear and wrinkle free. Vitamin C also helps with oral problems and keeps bad breath at bay. Due to its nutritional content, jamun is also a great immunity builder.
8- Respiratory problems: Jamun has anti – inflammatory and anti – biotic properties that help in treating asthma, bronchitis, and the common cold and flu.
9- Weight loss: Low calorie and high in fibre, jamun helps in weight loss. It also contains gallic and ellagic acid that improves metabolic dysfunction.
10- Side effects: Over consumption of jamun – eat 100 gms of jamun per day without any side effects and to reap its benefits – can cause flatulence, inflammation in the lungs, laryngitis and emphysema. So please eat in moderation. It is a delicious fruit so very easy to overeat.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!