Have you ever seen jambu before? Do you know how healthy it is for you? If you answered no, then now’s the time for you to learn more about this fruit. Jumbu resembles guava, and it has a lot of essential nutrients that give it the ability to detoxify the liver, prevent epileptic seizures, reduce fever, eliminate bacterial and fungal infections, prevent cancer, lower cholesterol levels, boost the immune system and protect against diabetes, among other things. There is more to jambu than meets the eye! If you want to learn more about it, keep reading!
What is Jambu?
Although it may look like it, jambu is not related to apples or roses. Its closest common-knowledge fruit relative is the guava. There are many species of jambu, but the Syzgium jambos is the most commonly eaten. It is native to Southeast Asia, but it has spread to various parts of the world as an ornamental plant. Because it grows very rapidly and outpaces local flora, jambu is considered an invasive species.
The fruit has a very unique texture, colour, scent and flavour. It contains 1 or 2 large seeds in its central cavity. Jambu, which is shaped like a bell, can be eaten raw or used to prepare a variety of desserts and meals.
Nutritional Values of Jambu
Jambu has a lot of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of essential vitamins like vitamin B2, vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B3. Not only that, but it also has lots of carbs, calcium, potassium and dietary fiber. The minerals that are found in the fruit include potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, sulfur and chloride. Please refer to the figure below to learn more about the nutritional content of jambu.
| Principles | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Water | 93 grams | N/D |
| Energy | 25 Kcal | N/D |
| Energy | 105 kJ | N/D |
| Protein | 0.6 grams | 1.20% |
| Total Fat | 0.3 grams | 0.86% |
| Ash | 0.4 grams | N/D |
| Carbohydrate | 5.7 grams | 4.38% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 grams | 3.95% |
| Minerals | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calcium | 29 milligrams | 2.90% |
| Potassium | 123 milligrams | 2.62% |
| Copper | 0.016 milligrams | 1.78% |
| Manganese | 0.029 milligrams | 1.26% |
| Magnesium | 5 milligrams | 1.19% |
| Phosphorus | 8 milligrams | 1.14% |
| Iron | 0.07 milligrams | 0.88% |
| Zinc | 0.06 milligrams | 0.55% |
| Chloride | 4 milligrams | 0.17% |
| Sulphur | 13 milligrams | N/D |
| Vitamins | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 22.3 milligrams | 24.78% |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.8 milligrams | 5.00% |
| Vitamin A | 17 micrograms | 2.43% |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.03 milligrams | 2.31% |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.02 milligrams | 1.67% |
Health Benefits of Jambu
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of jambu:
- Helps boost the immune system. The volatile and active components in jambu may have anti-fungal and antimicrobial effects. Studies actually show that it can protect the skin against infections and may boost immune strength against various infectious diseases.
- Boosts cardiovascular health. The nutrient combination and fiber content of jambu are essential in lowering cholesterol. This lowers the risk of developing atherosclerosis, thus preventing cardiovascular complications like coronary heart disease, stroke and heart attack.
- Helps reduce toxicity. For over a hundred years, jambu decoctions have been used as a diuretic substance, helping clear out kidney and liver toxicity while boosting the overall metabolic efficiency and health of the body.
- Helps prevent cancer. This is one of the greatest health benefits of jambu. Its combination of vitamins A and C have made it popular as an effective cancer prevention treatment. Some research and traditional therapeutic texts actually claim that it can reduce breast and prostate cancer.
- Aids in digestion. The rich fiber content of jambu is essential in regulating the passage of food through the digestive tract and relieving constipation. Furthermore, in traditional medicine, the seeds are used to prevent dysentery and diarrhea.
- Helps control diabetes. The jambosene in jambu is a type of alkaloid that is essential in blocking or regulating the conversion of starch into sugar. This is important for diabetics or those at risk of developing diabetes.
Possible Side Effects of Jambu
The leaves, seeds and stems of jambu may be toxic and contain trace amounts of cyanide. Only purchase the fruit from trusted markets and avoid eating any other part of it besides its skin and flesh.
