When I was young, my mom bought black colored fruits which looked similar to grapes. It happened usually on the way when we travelled to Madurai(city in TamilNadu) –Purple Beads
Fruit tasted like a sweeter and more sticky. After you eat Jamun fruits your tongue and mouth will turn violet in color. We just looked at each other and wondered how it turned so violet. My mom said they were good for diabetic patients. I was surprised.
What fruit is this?? How does it help to manage diabetes?? Where does this fruit originate?? Let us explore about this wonderful purple bead fruit more
Black jamun: craze among diabetic people
It is a native Indian tree which is tall with a heavy trunk. The shape of the fruit looks like an ellipse. The raw fruit looks green, after ripening it looks blackish-red or purple. Black Jamun is highly nutritious and mostly holds summer market, possessing various health benefits.
Local names like “Jambul” in Hindi, “Jambufalam” in Sanskrit, “Neeredu” in Telugu and “Naavar pazham” in Tamil.
Nutritional Composition of Black Jamun leaves ( per 100g)
| Component | Amount |
| Water | 60-70 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25 g |
| Protein | 3-5 g |
| Fiber | 7-10 g |
| Calcium | 110-180 g |
| Phytochemicals | Anthocyanins, Polyphenols |
Health benefits of Jamun
Role in Diabetics
A compound called “Jamboline” helps in increasing the insulin sensitivity. It also has a very low glycemic index.
Gut health
This purple powerhouse, known to be rich in fibre, helps with constipation and improves gut absorption. The astringent properties possessed by this fruit help to resolve diarrhea-related issues.
Strengthens Immunity
With Vitmin C known for its immune enhancing process, this fruit also possess ascorbic acid. The fruit helps to build up innate immunity and supports absorption of iron which plays a role in maintaining level of haemoglobin.
Heart
Jamun seeds and its flesh contain potassium and it helps regularisation of blood pressure and the function of the heart. Antioxidant properties of this fruit help to burnout oxidative stress and enhance the cardiovascular system.
Chills us in summer
Jamun possesses phosphorus and iodine, which helps us to maintain osmotic balance in our body during the hot summer, when we face heavy sweating. It has 84% of water content, which saves us from dehydration.
Impact on integumentary organs
Do you know it is a beauty regime individuals to have glowing skin ? Jamun fruit conatains a mixture of vitamins and minerals that help us to glow. Iron, along with minerals protects hair and property. Its antioxidants have an impact on ageing.
Soothes inflammation
Jamun fruit give relief from body pain. It’s antidote property infilters inflammation and is suggested for arthritis patients by doctors.
Purifies blood
Because of its iron content, Jamun fruit provides some support to blood cells and this works along with vitamins, flavonoids and anthocyanins.
Bust out laziness and fatigue
People who feel fatigued in the morning may have iron deficiency. Iron content in the jamun fruit helps to increase haemoglobin count and Vitamin C neutralize efforts of antioxidants for a brisk and healthy lifestyle.
Cholesterol
High amount of potassium plays a vital role in converting LDL(low density lipid) into useable glucose. Its property against free radicals supports the neutralization of negative impact on the body.
In ayurvedha and Unani believe that Jamun fruit hold and attenuate kapha and pitta. This fruit is mentioned as “Fruit of the gods” in Ramayana. Eating this black jamun, Lord Rama survived 14 years in the forest.
Thouh Jamun fruit is known to be used benefecial for sugar patients, recommendations from an Ayurveda doctor are a must. Different parts of this plant help to repair ailments in our body. So my mother’s choice seems to be the best one.
Have you heard about this sacred instance that happened between Lord Muruga, the Tamil God and the famous Tamil Poetess Ovvaiyar ?
Ovvaiyar after walking a long distance sits down to rest under the shade of a tall, thickly grown Jamun tree. Jamun fruits filled all branches of the tree. After walking in the hot Sun, she felt thirsty. She wanted to eat those juicy Jamun fruits. But she could not reach those fruits.
The old poetess saw a little boy sitting on the branch of the tree and asked him to pull down some fruits. The little boy asked her if she wanted hot or cold Jamun fruits. She replied cold fruits. The boy shook the tree and let the fruits fall on the ground. The old woman picked the fruits and tried to remove the dust on the fruits by blowing air with her mouth. The little boy laughed and asked her if the fruits were not cold but hot.
Inspired by : Vedachandur bus stand fruit vendors, madurai district, TamilNadu
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