Safed Jamun, Jaam fruit, Love apple, Bell fruit
Safed jamun or jaam is a lesser known locally grown seasonal fruit. As a specialist in health and nutrition, I frequently get the question, “What is the common name of Jaam? Safed jamun is also known as “White jamun,” “bell fruit,” or “wax apple” in English. Jaam is also known as wax jambu, rose apple, love apple, java apple, and Semarang rose-apple. In the summer, you can find jaam fruit in portions of India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Syzygium samarangense tree bears this particular species of tropical fruit. Typically oval or shaped like a pear, the fruit has a thin, waxy skin that is either white, green, or pink in colour. The safed jamun’s translucent white flesh has a luscious, faintly sweet flavour.
Love apple has a host of health benefits as it is packed with antioxidants, essential nutrients. It provides juicy hydration. Jaam fruit is easily available but it is not as popular as black jamun which is more commonly eaten. One can eat the fruit raw, or use in salad preparations. The raw fruit can be used in making vinegar or wine as it is dry and tangy in taste.
What is the benefit of Jaam fruit?
Jaam fruit health benefits
1. Good for diabetes patients
White jamun or safed jaam fruit is good for diabetes management as it is low in glycemic index. This keeps blood sugar levels under control.
2. Summer hydration fruit
Jaam fruit has a high water content – about 93 gm per 100 gm of the fruit. This along with high potassium content makes it excellent for electrolyte and fluid balance in the body.
3. Digestive and Gut Health
Jaam fruit is rich in dietary fiber. First, the fiber content promotes digestive regularity, prevents and relieves constipation and flatulence. It also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help support overall gut health. Secondly, safed jamun is believed to have astringent properties, meaning it can help tighten and tone the tissues in the digestive tract. This can help alleviate diarrhea and other digestive issues.
4. Weight control
It also helps in weight management as it provides roughage (fibre). Weight loss tips can help in understanding weight control better.
5. Hypertension
Jaam fruit is rich in potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure levels. Potassium is known to counteract the effects of sodium in the body, which can lead to high blood pressure.
In addition to potassium, safed jamun fruit is also rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which have been found to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. These compounds help to relax blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of the bell fruit on blood pressure in humans, its potential as a natural remedy for high blood pressure is promising.
6. Other nutrients
It is a good source of Calcium, vitamin C, potassium and has a host of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties.
Jaam fruit Summary
Safed jamun is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diabetes, weight management & obesity, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Its leaves and bark also have medicinal properties and are used to make herbal remedies.
In summary, Safed jamun is a unique and flavorful fruit that offers several health benefits, making it a valuable addition to one’s diet and traditional medicine practices.
Pallavi Pinge is a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian | Content Director & Editor for health websites | has a passion for digital health and enjoys promoting health and wellness. She’s the founder and director of Ambrosia Wellness, where she provides personalized nutrition counseling, education, and coaching to individuals with various health conditions. You can follow her on her social media channels below to stay tuned in with the latest in health and wellness | Health Blog | Contact her for appointments |
