The goodness of black plum

With the monsoon just round the corner, it’s time for those heavenly purple-black jamuns. Read on to find out the health benefits of this indigenous fruit
The monsoon is yet to hit the city with full force, but the little jamun bandis have already made their appearance. This sweet and sour fruit that leaves your tongue purple, is not just great on taste, but comes with a host of health benefits.
Nutritionist Shabana Sayeeda says, “It has fewer calories when compared to other fruit and is a good source of iron, apart from its mineral content (see box). According to a study done by the Biochemistry department of Annamalai University, the fruit extract helps increase total haemoglobin. Studies were also done to evaluate its anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidaemic effects. Also, the juice of the ripe fruit or a decoction of it is administered in spleen enlargement, chronic diarrhoea and urine retention.”
A study done by the Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, says that the preclinical studies have also shown it to possess anti-neoplastic, chemo preventive and radio protective properties. Here, for the first time, the effects of jamun in treatment and prevention of cancer, and the mechanisms responsible for these effects were appraised.” According to Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Ch Murali Manohar, it’s not just the fruit, but the tree bark, seeds and leaves that are loaded with healing properties and have been used extensively in traditional streams of medicine. “Since ancient times the leaves of the tree have been used to treat diarrhoea and ulcers. The leaves have anti-bacterial properties and they are used for making medicines for the strengthening of the teeth and gums.”
Dr Murali also reveals that jamun vinegar or juice of the fruit is a traditional cure for digestive problems and is known to be good for reducing menstrual problems in women.
Nutrition facts (for 100gm of jamun)
Protein:0.70 gm
Carbohydrates: 14.00 gm
Calcium: 15.00 mg
Iron:0.30 mg
Potassium:55.00 mg
Sodium:26.20 mg
Carotene:48.00 mg
Vitamin C:18.00 mg
Energy: 62 kcal
jemima.margaret@timesgroup.com