Jamun is a very famous refreshing succulent fruit which anybody can taste during the summer season as it is easily available at this time in markets. The fruit is oblong which is purple. The Jamun fruit is not only known for its nutritional value but also it is a powerhouse of several health benefits. The Jamun tree grows in the Indian sub-continent and other Asian countries as well.

The Jamun tree is normally tall and it has a heavy trunk. The tree bears the Jamun fruit which is green in color when raw but after ripens turns into a purple color. They are usually harvested in summer and thereby available in Indian markets. Jamun fruit is also known as “Gods fruit” since there is a mention of this fruit in Ramayana, the Lord Rama survived by eating Jamun berries in his 14 years of Vanvasa.

The Jamun fruit is well known in Ayurveda and Unani as it helps in reducing the Pitta and Kapha dosa. There are also other parts of the tree that are also having medicinal importance are seeds, kernel, leaves, and stem bark. The Jamun plant is a rich source of different phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, glucoside, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaemferol, and myricetin.

Other Names for Jamun 

The botanical name of Jamun is Syzygium Cumini. The Jamun is known as blackberry in English, in Hindi, it is Jamun, in Marathi, it is Jambul, in Sanskrit it is Mahaphala or Jambufalam, in Tamil, it is Naavar Pazham whereas in Telugu it is Neredu.

Composition of Jamun Fruit Pulp and Seed

Macro and micronutrient composition of Jamun fruit and seed/ kernel is given as below

Ref: Ghosh P., Pradhan R. C., Mishra S., Patel A. S. and Kar A. 2017. Cur. Res. Nutr. Food Sci., 5, 25-35.

Benefits of Jamun 

• The Jamun fruit helps in the management of Diabetes. The Jamun seeds contain the two major bioactive compounds i.e. Jamboline and Jambosine which helps in the reduction of glucose levels in the blood by helping in increasing the production of insulin.
• The extracts or decoction obtained from the bark, seeds, and leaves have shown potential in decreasing the sugar level in the urine.
• The Jamun seed contains ellagic acid which is a very powerful antioxidant and it plays an important role in reducing hypertension and blood pressure-related problems.
• The phenolic compounds and flavonoids in Jamun seeds help in quenching the free radicals produced by the body during stress conditions and therefore enhances the immune system.
• Both Fruit pulp and seed/ kernel contain fibers and that helps in weight loss, improves the functioning of the digestive system, and avoids ulcer problems.
• The Jamun seeds are the best remedy for treating acne.
• The Jamun leaves possess antibacterial activity and it is useful in making the formulations for strengthening dental health.
•  The Jamun fruit contains an adequate amount of vitamin C and iron, this increases the level of blood hemoglobin.
• For treating piles and hemorrhoids, Jamun fruit juice is very effective.

Uses of Jamun

• Jamun fruits, leaves, seeds, and bark are used as ayurvedic medicine.
• The Jamun fruit extract is used in treating the common cold, cough, and flu.
• The Jamun bark is a mixture of bio components like tannins and carbohydrates, they impart as astringent to fight dysentery.
• The Jamun seed is rich in glycosides which possess anti-diabetic properties.
• Jamun juice is used in treating sore throat problems.
• Jamun fruit juice is effective in enlargement of the spleen.
• Due to the antibacterial properties of Jamun fruit juice, it is used for dandruff.
• The Jamun fruit extracts have strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties and thus it is recommended to use for treating and healing wounds.
• Bleeding hemorrhoids can be cured by regular consumption of Jamun fruit juice.
• The Jamun fruit has an antacid property and it prevents acid formation in the stomach therefore it is used in treating gastritis.

Recommended Dosage of Jamun

Precautions While Using Jamun

•  Some people have a vomiting feeling after eating Jamun, they are not supposed to take Jamun.
• The major medicinal property of Jamun is antidiabetic, therefore it should be avoided after and before the general surgery as its intake reduces the glucose level in blood.
• For the people suffering from atherosclerosis and blood clot-related problems are not recommended to take the Jamun fruit.
• Jamun should not be taken with an empty stomach and after drinking milk, due to its sour taste, it might lead to acidity.
• Jamun fruits are not recommended to pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers must.
• Excess consumption of Jamun fruit can lead to an increase in blood sugar level, fever, body pain, and sore throat.
• Overconsumption of Jamun fruit can also cause hyperacidity and stomach upset.
• People suffering from the Vata dosha should avoid consuming the Jamun fruit.

FAQs

Is Jamun good for diabetes?

Yes, Due to the antidiabetic property of Jamun it prevents the increase in the glucose level in the blood by promoting the production of insulin. It is not only preventing diabetes but also postpone the onset of diabetes.

Is Jamun fruit good during pregnancy?

Yes, Jamun fruit is a rich source of vitamin B and its different forms which are good for fetal development and well-being. It also contains different minerals, phenolic acids, and antioxidants which are essential nutrients for the growth of the fetus.

Is Jamun good for thyroid?

Yes, the Jamun seed powder is a rich source of minerals like Zinc and it helps to activate the thyroid hormones and thereby control it.

Is Jamun good for blood pressure?

Yes, the Jamun fruit contains enough potassium which helps in managing the blood pressure and hypertension-related problems. As per the survey, intake of Jamun fruit juice on a regular basis can drop down the blood pressure by 34 %.

Does Jamun help in weight loss?

Yes, Jamun is the best fruit for this as it is low calorific fruit with high fiber content. It improves digestion and increases the metabolism of the body, satisfies hunger, and gives a feeling of stomach fullness.