Jamun not only acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps to improve immunity but its most profound benefit lies in its being of special use in the treatment of diabetes.
The fruit is acidic and astringent in nature and has a sweet taste. Glucose and fructose are the major sugars found in the ripe fruit, it is also laden with minerals, and provides fewer calories, as compared to other fruits, Diabetic Living India reported.
Jamun is believed to be of special use in treatment of diabetes. In Unani and Ayurvedic systems, it is used for digestive disorders. The leaves, bark, and seeds are the most useful parts among which the seeds are popular for their anti diabetic properties.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine Jambolan was used to help with thirst, diarrhoea, and in healing of wounds. The key ingredient that shows anti-diabetic action is jamboline (a chemical) in the seeds. Extracts of the bark, seeds and leaves have been found to cause a marked prolonged decrease in blood sugar and glycouria (sugar in urine).
Several studies have shown that jamun has hypoglycemic effects with up to 30 percent reduction in blood sugar. Seeds are rich in alkaloids which have the hypoglycemic effects.
Diabetic patients can consume jamun fruit daily to control their sugar levels, which certainly helps to enhance the insulin activity and sensitivity.
In addition, seeds powder can be taken as an adjuvant both for type-2 diabetes, insulin dependent or non-insulin dependent.
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The real benefit is at the stage of IFG (Impaired fasting glucose) which can be well-controlled with jamun, both with fruit as well as the seed powder. Regulation of IFG prevents the early onset of diabetes and further conditions.
Since it is a good source of vitamin A and C, so is very beneficial for eye and skin health. Jamun acts as a coolant and also possesses anti-diarrhoeal properties, so is beneficial for the digestive system.
It is also used in the treatment of sore throat and asthma in Ayurveda. Jamun leaves were used for healing pus-filled wounds in the ancient days, which suggests that it has anti-bacterial and healing properties too.
Being rich in antioxidants, it improves immunity and helps to prevent cancer.