Tezzbuzz Desk- Jamun found during the rainy season is considered very beneficial for taste as well as health. This black colored juicy fruit is rich in many nutrients. It is especially popular among diabetic patients, because it is believed that eating blackberries helps in controlling blood sugar levels. But can jamun really control diabetes or is it just a myth? To know the answer to this question, it is important to understand the opinion of experts.
Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron and many types of antioxidants are found in blackberries. The nutrients present in it help in strengthening the immunity of the body. Apart from this, many people also use blackberry seed powder to control diabetes. However, scientific evidence regarding this is limited and it cannot be considered a substitute for medicine in any way.
According to Dr. Nishant Jain, Consultant Endocrinology, Kailash Deepak Hospital, Jamun has been considered beneficial for diabetes for a long time, but it is important to understand that Jamun is not a cure for diabetes. He said that it can be included as part of a healthy diet, which can be of some help in blood sugar management. But the medicine or insulin which is being taken as per doctor’s advice should not be stopped on the basis of blackberries.
Natural elements like anthocyanin, ellagic acid, flavonoids and jambolin are found in jamun. These act as antioxidants in the body and can help protect cells from oxidative stress. Some early studies have indicated that blackberries may slow down the process of converting starch into sugar in the body. Also, it can help in better functioning of insulin. However, more large-scale research is still needed on this topic.
Jamun also has good amount of fiber and its glycemic index is considered low. Therefore, after eating it, blood sugar may rise more slowly than some sweet fruits.
According to experts, excessive consumption of anything can cause harm. Eating large amounts of blackberries may cause constipation, flatulence or digestive problems in some people. If a person is taking diabetes medicine or insulin, he should be careful about the quantity of jamun he eats. Apart from this, it is advised to avoid eating jamun on an empty stomach. Some people may also have digestive problems by taking it with milk.
To control diabetes, it is most important to have a balanced diet, regular exercise, checking blood sugar from time to time and taking medicines as per doctor’s advice. Jamun is definitely a healthy fruit and can be included in the diet in the right quantity, but it is not right to consider it as a medicine or treatment option for diabetes. For better health, it is important to consume everything in balanced quantities.
