15 Health Benefits of Jamun - Fruit, Seeds, Bark and Leaves
Benefits Of Jamun Fruit, Seeds, Powder, Leaves And Bark
What is Jamun fruit? Benefits it provides. Let's find out.
Jamun, also popularly known as jambul is a nutritious seasonal fruit found in abundance in Asia. This fruit is eaten as a health snack in many parts of the world. Jamun is a delicious tropical plum-like fruit rich in vitamins and minerals. Fruit, seeds, bark and leaves of Jambul have medicinal properties. Jamun is loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids essential for a healthy body and mind. This article brings to light various health benefits of Jamun.
Jamun is a tasty fruit with a unique color and taste.
The sweet and tangy explosion of flavor the ripe fruit has is heavenly, cannot be described in words, you should try it to experience that feeling. The purplish patch this fruit leaves on the tongue when eaten is because of plant pigment anthocyanin, Native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal , Pakistan, Indonesia, Philippines and Sri Lanka, the Jambul tree grows in forests, alongside roads, and is also grown in backyards because of its numerous health benefits. This tree was introduced in Florida, USA by USDA in 1911. This humble fruit is loaded with nutrients essential for good health. As compared with other fruits, Jambul provides lesser calories making it the perfect choice in a healthy diet. The hybrid variety of jamun is seedless, whereas natural jambul has a single seed.
Astringent and acidic in nature, this pulpy sweet fruit is had in many parts of the world with a light sprinkle of salt. Jambul has numerous medicinal properties and is used as a home remedy in various treatments. Leaves, bark, and seeds of this tree are used as traditional medicine. Juice of Jamun is gaining momentum globally because of presence of bioactive phytochemicals that minimize the risk of liver disease and cancer. Major sugars present in this ripe fruit are fructose and glucose. Bark, leaves, and seeds of jambul have been used since ancient times to cure various diseases and ailments. Considering its numerous health benefits, it is least surprising why demand for this fruit is rising significantly.
Jamun History- Fruit of Gods
History of jamun fruit goes a long way. It is believed this exotic fruit has its origins in Neolithic times, when man consumed wild berries, wild plums, and nuts as a staple. In India, Jamun is referred to as the ‘Fruit of Gods’. The fruit is of significant importance in Hindu mythology. During his 14-year exile from Ayodhya, Lord Rama is believed to have eaten several berries and plums including jambul.
Jamun trees require partial rainfall and thrive in dry weather. Jamun that comes from various parts of the world differ in size, this because of soil and weather conditions.
Use of Seeds, Bark and Leaves of Jamun/Jambul
Seeds of jamun are used by Ayurvedic practitioners, herbalists and traditional healers in various formulations. The seeds are usually dried and powdered. Jamun powder is mixed with different herbs and spices in accordance with treatment for an ailment, illness, or disease.
Bark powder of jamun tree is mixed with jamun juice and used as a treatment for cough and cold.
In several Asian cultures, leaves of jambul are grounded into a fine paste and given to individuals suffering from dysentery. Leaves of this fruit are also used to treat frequent urine discharge, excess sweating, and healing wounds.
15 Health Benefits of Jamun / Jambul
1. Jamun is known to be an effective treatment for diabetes. Extracts of bark, leaves and seeds are used in combination with herbs to reduce levels of glycosuria and blood sugar. Powder of dried seeds is consumed with honey over a course of 2 months for beneficial changes in sugar levels. Research indicates Jamun seeds which are rich in alkaloids have hypoglycemic properties effective in reducing high blood sugar. Jamun juice should be included in a diabetic’s nutritional diet.
2. Bark of Jamun tree has antihelmintic properties, which help in treating urinary disorders. A glass of Jambul juice with 1/2 teaspoon of bark powder daily is recommended for persons with urinary infections and urinary tract disorders.
3. Bark powder mixed with water is effective in curing tapeworm infection.
4. Consumption of Jamun minimizes the risk of cancer. This fruit has several bioactive phytochemicals that include polyphenols, which contain anthocyanin known to fight cancer cells. Individuals that undergo chemotherapy or radiation sessions benefit significantly from jamun juice consumption. Anthocyanins, flavonoids, ellagic acid and gallic acid present in jambul have the capacity to prevent carcinogenesis in organs.
5. Jamun juice is excellent for natural bowel movement.
6. Jamun has medicinal properties. Juice of this fruit is a natural astringent used as a mouthwash as it eliminates bad breath. Pulp of jambul is used as a treatment for gingivitis (bleeding gums). In some Asian cultures leaves of jamun tree are burnt to form an ash. This ash is rubbed on teeth to strengthen them.
7. Leaves and bark of jamun are used in combination with other ingredients by Ayurveda and Unani practitioners for various treatments such as diarrhea and indigestion. Traditional healers in Asia use seed, leaf and bark powder of Jambul tree is several herbal formulations.
8. Jamun seed powder and turmeric is mixed with jamun juice and applied on skin to get rid of blemishes and light scars.
9. Jambul juice with powder of its leaves is an excellent treatment for ulcerative colitis.
10. Regular consumption of jambul for 2 to 4 months helps individuals with problems of bleeding hemorrhoids significantly.
11. Jamun is known to enrich blood and also protect from liver damage. Many herbalists recommend juice of this fruit with herbs because it has antioxidants and flavonoids that play a huge role in purification of blood. Natural acids present in this fruit play a pivotal role in digestive enzyme secretion. Regular intake of jambul stimulates healthy liver function.
12. Decoction of jamun seeds that contains aromatic herbs is an excellent home remedy to relieve fatigue and strain.
13. Wine and vinegar made from jamun is used as a cure for sore throat, whooping cough, cuts, bruises, and open wounds.
14. Seed powder is used as a cure for digestive disorders, an excellent home remedy for bloating. Powder of seeds in jamun juice is excellent for individuals with a suppressed immune system.
15. Fruit pulp of jambul is used as a home remedy for asthma and chronic cough.
Nutritional Value of Jamun
Jamun is a rich source of nutrition. 3-4 calories are present in a medium sized jambul. As the calorie content is low, this makes an ideal fruit snack for individuals that want to maintain weight or are on a weight loss diet. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, this fruit is an essential of several diet plans recommended by nutritionists and dieticians. Nutritional value of Jamun is given below.
Jamun nutritional value (Per 100 g) (Source USDA)
Vitamins
• Vitamin C- 18 mg
• Vitamin A- 3 IU
• Riboflavin (B2) – 0.012 mg
• Pyridoxine (B6) - 0.038 mg
• Niacin (B3) - 0.260 mg
• Thiamine (B1) - 0.006 mg
• Pantothenic Acid (B5) – 0.160 mg
Minerals
• Calcium- 19 mg
• Iron- 0.19 mg
• Potassium- 79 mg
• Phosphorous- 17 mg
• Carotene- 48 ug
• Sodium- 26.2 mg
• Magnesium- 15 mg
• Folic Acid- 3 mg
Nutrients
• Carbohydrates- 15.56 g
• Water- 83.13 g
• Fat- 0.23 g
• Energy- 60 kacl
• Protein- 0.72 g
Other Names for Jamun/Jambul
Aside from being popularly known as jamun or jambul, this fruit has several other names. Here is a list of other names for this delicious juicy fruit.
• Jambhul
• Jamboola
• Jambula
• Jambu
• Java plum
• Jaam
• Kaalo Jaam
• Jambolan Plum
• Jamblang
• Black Plum
• Jambolan
• Malabar Plum
• Damson Plum
• Duhat plum
Culinary Uses of Jambul / Jamun
Ripe Jambul fruit can be used in a number of healthy snacks and dessert recipes. Plain ice creams (single flavors) topped with a generous amount of jambul pulp tastes divine. Jambul sauce adds a unique flavor to frozen desserts. You can top cakes, pastries, puddings, and custards with a mushy dollop of jambul pulp. If you haven’t used jamun pulp in a pie, get busy now. Single crust or bottom crust pies that are filled with jambul pulp is a memorable explosion in the mouth. Jamun sauce is also used as flavoring in various exotic dishes. Sweet and tangy Jambul pulp can also be used as a dip for various vegetarian and non vegetarian salads. Several chefs in Asian cuisine use jamun sauce for plating (presentation of dishes) because of its dynamic purple color and unique taste. You can make jamun pulp at home or buy it at a supermarket. Jambul sauce, Jambul Vine or Jambul Pulp is available in many Western supermarkets, however, jams, chutneys and vinegar made from Jambul fruit are rare mostly available in select Asian supermarket shelves.
If you haven’t sunk your teeth in this delicious juicy fruit loaded with numerous health benefits as yet, get going to your fruit seller now.
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