By Do you remember the purple stain left on our tongue whenever you eat Jamun?
The unique taste of the fruit is another thing which we will never forget.
Whenever we see these black glossy fruits in the shops or on the roadsides we can’t stop ourselves buying them. Considering the childhood memories, nutritious values, and health benefits we will somehow end up having them in our cart. Besides these, Jamun is a great source that can protect against several health ailments from diabetes to digestive disorders.
Since ancient times, Jamun is a part of traditional medicine used for treating infections, improving digestion, breathing problems, wound healing and relieving tiredness. It is also believed Jamun is highly effective in treating diabetes.
Jamun or Java Plum
In brief about Jamun
Jamun, also known as Java plum or Jambolan is a slow-growing evergreen tropical tree native to South Asia. This tree is now cultivated across tropics due to the commercial value of the fruits. Jamun is one of the widely planted avenue trees in India. The tree blooms during the onset of summer and the fruits will be available till the end of the season.
Unripe fruits are green in color and changes to black as they ripen.
Benefits of Jamun for diabetes
Jamun is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Several studies conducted had also proven that almost all the parts of the tree especially the seeds are known to possess antidiabetic properties (1,2).
Jamun seeds can help you treating diabetes
Jamun seeds are well known to have anti-diabetic nature mainly in lowering the blood sugar levels. The seeds are also even known to lower the complications caused by diabetes like cataracts and neuropathy.
In a study conducted, oral administration of alcoholic extract of Jamun seeds at a dose of 100mg kg-1 body weight on alloxan-induced diabetic rats had shown a significant reduction in blood glucose and urine sugars (3).
Several other studies had also shown that Jamun seed extracts have hypoglycemic activity and also said that the extract can be even more effective than Glibenclamide, a standard antidiabetic drug (4).
Fruit pulp can reduce blood sugar levels
The fruit pulp of Jamun may also help you in decreasing your blood sugar levels and can also act as a nephroprotective agent (5).
Research conducted by administering water and ethanolic extracts of Jamun fruit pulp on alloxan induced rabbits had resulted in a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and increased blood glucose tolerance. The study said water extract is effective than ethanolic extract and also said that insulin production in the treated animals is two and half times more than untreated ones (6).
Apart from the pulp and the seed, studies conducted on Jamun bark also said to have promising anti-diabetic properties (7,8).
What Ayurveda says
In Ayurveda, Jamun fruits are considered as a great source for controlling diabetes and its complications. The seed powder is given as a medicine for treating diabetes. Ayurvedic texts also recommend eating Jamun fruits for treating complications of diabetes like tiredness and hormonal problems.
How to use Jamun for treating diabetes
Although the fruit pulp is great for controlling blood sugar levels, Jamun seed powder is believed to be more effective.
You can prepare the seed powder in your home by separating seeds, washing them and sun drying for a day.
Then remove the outer shell of the seeds and dry the remaining green inner part (cotyledons) till they are completely free from water or moisture. Now powder these dried ones. That’s it, you have your own home prepared seed powder.
Or you can even buy Jamun seed powder online.
How to select the best Jamuns
While buying Jamun fruits gently press and check whether they are hard or soft textured, and select the fresh and ripe fruits (soft textured). Avoid buying or consuming unripe or damaged or deformed or off-smelling fruits. Also, don’t forget to wash the fruits thoroughly before eating.
Dosage and Interactions
There is no appropriate dosage recommended scientifically on the use of Jamun seed powder. However, in traditional systems like Ayurveda, 1-3 grams of seed powder is normally given as a dosage for diabetic patients depending upon their age and health condition.
Jamun fruits or its juice should be avoided before or after consuming tea or milk. It is also suggested not to consume these fruits on empty stomach and also avoid consuming too many fruits at a time.
Although these fruits are possibly safe, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can avoid to stay on the safe side.
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