When summer comes, the tasty and nutritious jamun (black plum) appears in the market. Its sweet-and-sour taste makes the mouth water, and it is also very good for the body. Jamun contains many important nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

It helps raise haemoglobin in the blood, improves digestion and plays a part in controlling blood sugar. But like any good thing, jamun should be eaten in moderation, because eating too much, or eating it the wrong way, can do harm instead of good.

Jamun is good for heart health and can help control blood pressure. But eating too much may lower blood pressure below normal in some people. Those who already have low blood pressure should eat jamun in moderation, and should see a doctor if they feel dizzy, weak or tired.

Although jamun is high in fibre, eating too much can in fact cause digestive problems. Eating large amounts can sometimes lead to a heavy stomach, slow digestion or constipation, so it is best to eat a moderate amount rather than a lot at once.

Jamun is popular with people with diabetes because it helps lower blood sugar. But for those taking diabetes medicine, too much jamun can lower blood sugar more than needed. Before any surgery in particular, it is important to control diet as a doctor advises.

Eating too much jamun can cause acne or allergy-related skin problems in some people. People with certain inflammatory conditions or rheumatic pain may also find that too much increases their discomfort. These problems do not affect everyone, but jamun should be eaten with an eye on how the body reacts.

Many people drink water straight after eating jamun, but experts say it is better avoided. Drinking a lot of water right after eating jamun can cause stomach discomfort, gas and indigestion in some people, so it is a good habit to wait a while before drinking water.

Many people eat jamun on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, but this does not suit everyone. The natural acids in jamun can irritate the stomach of some people when it is empty, causing acidity or heartburn. People who already have gastric problems should be especially careful.

Many also like to have milk, yoghurt or cheese right after jamun, but this habit may not be good for everyone. In some people the combination can cause digestive problems and stomach discomfort, so it is better to wait a while after jamun before eating dairy foods.

Jamun is a nutritious and healthy fruit, but the idea that eating more brings more benefit is wrong. As with any food, moderation matters most with jamun. Eaten at the right time and in the right amount, it gives its full nutritional value. To stay healthy, the wisest course is to balance taste and health when eating jamun.

Sources cited: Healthline, India Today and Verywell Health.

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