Java Plum or Jamun or Naaval pazham or Black plum (its science name Syzygium Cumini) is a nutiritious seasonal fruit (in the month of June or July or August) found in Asia. Jamun is a delicious tropical plum-like fruit which is rich in vitamins and minerals and it has so many medicinal properties. It has unique colour (purplish black) and taste (sweet and tangy). As compared to other fruits, it is loaded with nutrients essential for good health and is very less in a calorie which makes it a perfect choice of healthy diet. The fruit, its seed, leaves and bark has may medicinal values and it has been used in various home remedy and ayurvedic treatments and its demand has been increasing significantly.

Health benefits of Naaval Pazham / Jamun

1. Regulates blood sugar level

Jamun fruit is very good remedy for the people suffering from diabetes because of its anti-diabetic properties which helps keeping blood sugar level under control by converting starch and sugar into the energy. Another study showed that jamun seeds could lower blood sugar levels by 30%.

2. Good for diabetics

The low glycaemic index, in Jamun, makes it a good option for diabetics. A study conducted on the anti-diabetic effects of jamun, suggests that it holds significant potential to produce safer drugs for diabetes treatment.

The fruit is associated with lowered risk of secondary complications of diabetes.

The leaves, barks, and seeds are the most useful parts among which the seeds are popular for their anti diabetic properties.

3.  Good for heart health

Jamun is loaded with nutrients like ellagic acid/ellagitannins, anthocyanins and anthocyanidins which has the anti-inflammatory property and these compounds are also powerful antioxidants that prevent oxidation of cholesterol and plaque formation that contributes to heart disease.

It is also a rich source of potassium (a 100g serving of jamun fruits contains 55 mg of potassium) which helps in preventing the hypertension, which in turn is the risk factor for heat attach, stroke etc.

4. Acts as a Blood Purifier

Black Plum has adequate amount of iron and vitamin C. The presence of iron in the black plum is good to increase the hemoglobin count. The fruit’s iron content acts as blood purifying agent.

5. Improves Bone Strength

The fruit also has healthy amount of nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium and Vitamin C, which makes it great for boosting immunity and bone strength.

6.  Treats Infections

The fruit as well as the other parts of the plant has compounds like malic acid, gallic acid, oxalic acid and tannins which makes the fruit as a anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, anti-infective and gastro protective properties.

7. Cures Digestive Disorders

Jamun has cooling property thus very beneficial for curing digestive disorders.

8.  May help prevent cancer

Several studies have investigated chemoprotective properties of the jamun. According to a study by Jagetia GC and colleagues the fruit extract has radioprotective properties, demonstrating that jamun extract inhibited radiation induced generation of free radicals that can cause cancer

9. Fights Anemia

The fruit is rich in Iron content and daily eating of this fruit, cures anemia and jaundice and also good for ladies who suffers for menstrual problems.

10. Increases Immunity 

Its high level of vitamin C availability makes body immunity system strong to fight with common seasonal problems.

As the fruit is rich in Vitamin C, it is also good for skin and prevents premature aging.

Sources:

http://www.herbsbenefits.com/content/jamun+fruit/17852

http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/health-benefits-of-jamun-sa214/