Jamun is available for only a short time in summer, and once you start eating this tasty fruit it can be hard to stop. Along with its taste, its qualities boost the body's immunity, and it also has anti-bacterial properties.

The iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium in jamun strengthen bones and teeth. Jamun also helps prevent cancer, purify the blood and fight various infections. Despite all these qualities, eating too much of it can make you ill. And it is not only about eating too much: you also need to watch what you eat before and after jamun.

Nutritionists writing on the health website Healthy Shots have listed five mistakes to avoid when eating jamun:

Drinking water with jamun or immediately after eating it can cause digestive problems. Drink water at least 30 minutes after eating jamun.

Taking turmeric with jamun can be seriously harmful. The curcumin in turmeric and the acidity of jamun can cause gas, indigestion or acidity. Jamun and turmeric both help thin the blood, so for people on blood thinners the risk of bleeding rises. To avoid these problems, nutritionists advise avoiding any food containing turmeric after eating jamun.

Eating jamun on an empty stomach in the morning can cause gastric trouble, heartburn and digestive problems. It is better to eat jamun on a full stomach.

Eating dairy foods such as milk, yoghurt or cheese after jamun can be risky. Milk or yoghurt after jamun can cause digestive problems for some people. The tannins and acidic compounds in jamun can react with milk proteins, causing heaviness, gas or acidity. The lactic acid in yoghurt, mixed with jamun's acidity, can also cause bloating or diarrhoea. In some cases jamun's tannins hinder the absorption of calcium and iron from milk. These effects are usually mild and vary from person to person. People with sensitive stomachs or lactose intolerance should avoid the combination. To avoid problems, it is best to leave 30 to 60 minutes between jamun and milk. Ayurveda advises against this combination.

Many people are used to eating pickles with meals, but sour or spicy foods such as pickles after jamun can cause a reaction in the body, leading to heartburn and indigestion.

Many people make these mistakes when eating jamun, and they can lead to anything from gastric trouble and heartburn to serious stomach illness. By following these simple precautions, you can enjoy jamun's nutritional benefits without trouble.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.