One of the less known tropical fruit here on Earth is jamun or the black plum. However, because of its high nutrient content and amazing health benefits, this fruit is a must try. Most especially to those who seek more improvement to their health. This very mouth watering, deliciously sweet fruit is not only there to fulfill your sweet tongue and your cravings, the health benefits of jamun or black plum are also something to look out for. To know this and more information about jamun, feel free to give this article a read.
Jamun: What is this fruit?
Jamun or what they scientifically called, Syzygium cumini –is an evergreen tree that bears a delicious and appealing fruit. This is more commonly known as the black plum, however, it also has some other names in various countries. This fruit is relatively native to India and has spread to some other Asian countries.
Primarily, this tree is nurtured for its fruits, which looks the same as large berry or a small plum. Its color changes from light green to pink up to dark purple when it becomes entirely mature. The fruit has a sweet and sour taste, and quite mordant. This is even though the taste of it may vary depending on the time you pick it. For centuries now, it has been part of the religious, culinary, and cultural traditions in various parts of the world.
When you eat jamun, it usually leaves its purple color on the tongue. This fruit is oozing with so many compounds like tannin, anthocyanin, ellagic acid, flavonoids, organic acid, phenol, and many more. Because of its massive range of usability, there is an increase in the demand for this fruit for the past years even though there’s an increase in the price.
Nutrition Facts of Jamun
The black plum or jamun have ample amount of dietary fiber, B-vitamins, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamin C. Furthermore, it also contains quite a small amount of protein, vitamin A, as well as potassium. There is a reasonable amount of calories, in fact, there are about 75 calories per cup of it. However, there is a small amount of fat in it with no cholesterol in it.
Here are more nutritional facts about jamun:
- Iron: 4%
- Calcium: 2%
- Vitamin C: 45%
- Vitamin A: 0%
- Protein: 1 gram
- Sugars: 5 grams
- Dietary fiber: 1 gram
- Total carbohydrates: 14 grams
- Potassium: 79 milligrams
- Sodium: 40 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligram
- Trans fat: 0 gram
- Monounsaturated fat: 0 gram
- Polyunsaturated fat: 0 gram
- Saturated fat: 0 gram
- Total fat: 0 gram
- Calories: 80
Health Benefits of Jamun or Black Plum
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of jamun or black plum:
- Helps in losing weight: the rich fiber content of the black plum is beneficial in losing weight. Furthermore, it also helps in satiating and optimizing the digestion. this is one of the best health benefits of jamun, especially to those who want to get fit and fab.
- Helps in improving blood circulation: some of the components of jamun are beneficial for the production of hemoglobin. This is what the body needs in maintaining a healthy circulation as well as for the delivery of nutrients and oxygen.
- Helps in boosting the immunity: the ample amount of vitamin C and various antioxidants in jamun are beneficial in stimulating the production of white blood cells and increase the strength of the immune system.
- Helps in protecting the cardiovascular health: the regular consumption of jamun juice or the fruit itself may help in lowering the high blood pressure. This is since the fruit has rich levels of potassium. We know that potassium is a vasodilator and help in reducing the risk of heart attacks as well as atherosclerosis.
- Helps in taking care of the skin: because of its ample amount of various antioxidants as well as vitamin E and vitamin A, it is beneficial in improving the appearance of the skin. this is by reducing the oxidative stress and lowering the levels of inflammation.
Uses of Jamun or Black Plum
Jamun or the black plum can be used in various ways, as a juice, as a fruit itself, or in the form of an extract. Talking about the extracts, the fruits seeds, leaves, as well as its barks can be extracted. Moreover, the leaves of the fruit may also be used in salads or as a poultice. The jamun juice as well as the fruit can be used in different culinary applications, such as desserts, smoothies, and many more.
Side Effects of Black Plum or Jamun
The major side effects of jamun comprise negative effects on people who have blood clots, fever, respiratory problems, and hypoglycemia. Furthermore, it is also known to have an effect in lowering the blood sugar levels. This is dangerous for those who are diabetic, hence, it can be bad for those with atherosclerosis or history of the like conditions.
