Jamun Health Benefits & Uses
Jamun is one of the less known tropical fruits, but due to its high nutrient content and unique health benefits, it is a fruit that more people should be seeking out to boost their overall health.
What is Jamun?
Jamun is an evergreen fruiting tree bearing the scientific name Syzygium cumini. It is more commonly known as a black plum, but may also be called jambul, java plum or jamblang, depending on where you are in the world. This tree is native to the Indian subcontinent but has spread to other Asian nations and islands, in addition to being naturalized in the United States and some parts of South America. This tree is primarily cultivated for its fruit, which bears the same name and looks similar to a small plum or a large berry. The color changes from light green to pink to dark purple when it is fully mature.
The jamun fruit has a sweet and sour flavor and is known to be quite astringent, although this taste can vary depending on when you pick the fruit from. While it has been a part of cultural, religious, and culinary traditions in certain parts of the world for centuries, it is only recently becoming popular in the rest of the world.
Jamun Nutrition Facts
Black plums contain a significant amount of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, B-family vitamins, and dietary fiber, as well as potassium, vitamin A and small amounts of protein. There is a moderate amount of calories, roughly 75 per cup, but there is a minimal amount of fat and no cholesterol to speak of.
Jamun Health Benefits
Jamun is a black plum that aids in skin care and weight loss, relieves stomach pain, and boosts immunity. It can be used in salads, desserts, juices, and smoothies.
Protects Heart
Regular consumption of jamun fruit or juice will help with high blood pressure, as the fruit contains notable levels of potassium, which is a vasodilator and reduces your risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
Improves Circulation
Some of the components of this fruit are critical for the production of hemoglobin, which the body needs to maintain healthy circulation and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
Skin Care
With plenty of vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidants, this fruit can improve the appearance of the skin by reducing oxidative stress and lowering inflammation levels.
Weight Loss
Some people use jamun to lose weight, as the high fiber content satiates and optimized digestion.
Boosts Immune System
There is a good amount of vitamin C and other antioxidants in this fruit, which can help to stimulate the production of white blood cells and increase the strength of the immune system.
Jamun Uses
Medicinally, jamun is used in a number of ways, as a juice, in its raw fruit form, and in the form of an extract (from the bark, leaves, and seeds). The leaves are also used in salads, and as a poultice, while the juice and raw fruits are used in a number of culinary applications, namely desserts and in fruit juices/smoothies.
