Black plum

The goodness of black plum

Those jamuns being sold at every nook and corner have many health benefits. 

    The monsoon is yet to hit the capital, but the little jamun bandis have already made their appearance. This sweet and sour fruit that leaves your tongue purple, is not just tasty, but comes with a host of health benefits. 
    Nutritionist Shabana Sayeeda says, “It has fewer calories when compared to other fruits and is a good source of iron, apart from its mineral content. According to a study done by the Biochemistry department of Annamalai University, the fruit extract helps increase 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 preclinical studies have shown jamuns to possess anti-neoplastic, chemopreventive and radioprotective properties. These studies, for the first time, talked about the effects of jamun in treatment and prevention of cancer, and the mechanisms responsible for these effects.” 
    According to Ayurveda expert Dr Ch Murali Manohar, even the bark, seeds and leaves of the fruit have healing properties. “Since ancient times, the leaves of the tree have been used to treat diarrhoea and ulcers. The leaves have anti-bacterial properties and are used for making medicines for strengthening of teeth and gums,” he adds.