Diabetes is a chronic condition which results in abnormally high blood sugar levels. The main types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes: Your blood sugar levels are controlled by a hormone known as insulin. In people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys cells which produce insulin.
• Type 2 Diabetes: In people with this condition, either sufficient insulin is not produced by the body or the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin.
• Gestational Diabetes: where some women experience very high levels of blood sugar during pregnancy.

Many people also experience blood sugar levels which are above normal levels but not high enough to be categorized as diabetes. This is known as prediabetes. People who are prediabetic have a higher risk of getting diabetes.^[1][Diabetes]( https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/ “Diabetes”).NHS,UK.

In Ayurveda, diabetes is described as madhumeha, a condition where a person passes sweet honey-like urine. It is considered one of 20 urinary disorders (prameha). Depending on your body constitution, Ayurveda might recommend different treatments for this condition:

• Apatarpana (de-nourishment) treatments: For heavily built or obese people, typically those with kapha body types.
• Santarpana (replenishing) treatments: for those who are lean, typically those with pitta or vata body types.^[2][Diabetes: Ayurvedic Treatment, Remedies, Prevention Tips](https://www.easyayurveda.com/2013/11/25/madhumeha-ayurvedic-understanding-diabetes-mellitus/ “Diabetes: Ayurvedic Treatment, Remedies, … Continue reading

Ayurveda also uses various herbs and beneficial plants to control diabetes. Jamun for diabetes is considered to be particularly useful.

What Are The Nutrients In Jamun?

Jamun (Syzygium cumini), is a seasonal fruit that’s available from June to August, and has a rich nutritional profile. It contains iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and vitamin c. It also has B vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, vitamin B6, and niacin.^[3]Jahan, A. F. I. F. A., and M. J. Reddy. “Syzygium cumini: A plant with high medicinal and nutritional value.” International Journal of Botany and Research 8, no. 6 (2018): 1-4.

According to Ayurveda, jamun is easy to digest and has sweet, sour, and astringent taste (rasa). It is thought to increase vata and balance kapha and pitta doshas. It is used for tackling a range of conditions such as malabsorption syndrome, diarrhea, worm infestations, infections, breathing problems (like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, wheezing), cough etc. It also considers jamun good for diabetes.^[4]Dagadkhair, Amol Changdeo, Komal Nivrutti Pakhare, Ashok Dattatray Todmal, and Rajkumar Ramrao Andhale. “Jamun (Syzygium cumini) Skeels: a traditional therapeutic tree and its processed food … Continue reading

Which Part Of Jamun Tree Is Used For Treating Diabetes?

Research shows that both the fruit pulp and the seeds of jamun have antidiabetic properties.

Jamun seeds have been found to be more potent than the fruit pulp. It has also been observed that jamun seeds have higher phenolic compounds than the pulp. Since phenolic compounds have antidiabetic effects, the seeds are more potent.

One study observed that jamun varieties with smaller fruits exhibited greater antidiabetic properties than those with larger fruits.^[5]Gajera, H. P., Shila N. Gevariya, Darshna G. Hirpara, S. V. Patel, and B. A. Golakiya. “Antidiabetic and antioxidant functionality associated with phenolic constituents from fruit parts of … Continue reading

Why Is Jamun Good For Diabetes?

An animal study looked at the effect of adding jamun seed and fruit extracts to the diet of diabetic and normal rats for 60 days. It was found that extracts from both the seeds and the fruit pulp of jamuns reduced blood sugar, improved insulin levels and were able to control diabetes in both groups. But blood sugar and insulin levels changed by a greater percentage in the diabetic rats. This suggests that not only is jamun good for diabetes, but it can also help prevent this condition.^[6]Raza, Ahmad, Masood Sadiq Butt, and Hafiz Ansar Rasul Suleria. “Jamun (Syzygium cumini) seed and fruit extract attenuate hyperglycemia in diabetic rats.” Asian pacific journal of tropical … Continue reading

Let’s take a closer look at the mechanism through which jamun for diabetes may bring about these beneficial effects.

1. Jamun Blocks The Breakdown Of Starch

When we consume foods which contain starch, our digestive system breaks it down into sugar which is released into the bloodstream. That’s why we experience a spike in blood sugar levels after having a meal. A digestive enzyme known as α-amylase plays a key role in breaking down starch and converting it into sugar. Research indicates that jamun can inhibit this enzyme and therefore can be helpful in managing high blood sugar levels and hence control diabetes.^[7]Gajera, H. P., Shila N. Gevariya, Darshna G. Hirpara, S. V. Patel, and B. A. Golakiya. “Antidiabetic and antioxidant functionality associated with phenolic constituents from fruit parts of … Continue reading

2. Jamun Contains Compounds With Anti-Diabetic Properties

The phenolic compounds make jamun good for diabetes though the composition and concentration of these compounds can vary according to the variety:

• Catechin: This compound has been found to be effective at increasing insulin levels. It may also afford protection against long term complications that develop due to diabetes.
• Chlorogenic acid: May delay the absorption of glucose in the intestine as well as decrease the release of glucose by the liver to the bloodstream.
• Caffeic acid: Can significantly reduce blood sugar levels.
• Ferulic acid: Enhances insulin secretion and reduces blood sugar.
• Quercetin: Can decrease blood sugar levels after a meal (postprandial glucose level).
• Ellagic acid: Stimulates secretion of insulin and reduces glucose intolerance.^[8]Fatima, Noor, Rahman M. Hafizur, Abdul Hameed, Shakil Ahmed, Maliha Nisar, and Nurul Kabir. “Ellagic acid in Emblica officinalis exerts anti-diabetic activity through the action on β-cells of … Continue reading ^[9]Gajera, H. P., Shila N. Gevariya, Darshna G. Hirpara, S. V. Patel, and B. A. Golakiya. “Antidiabetic and antioxidant functionality associated with phenolic constituents from fruit parts of … Continue reading

How Much Jamun Should A Diabetic Eat?

In order to deal with diabetes ayurvedic practitioners may typically recommend having

• 1 – 3 g of jamun seed powder a day or
• 0.5 – 2 tsp (2.5 – 10 ml) of ripe jamun fruit juice thrice a day.^[10]Shrikant Baslingappa, Swami, Thakor Nayan Singh J, Patil Meghatai M, and Haldankar Parag M. “Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.)): a review of its food and medicinal uses.” Food and Nutrition … Continue reading

However, do keep in mind that dosages can vary according to individual needs and characteristics. Please speak to your Ayurvedic doctor for the right dosage.

Precautions While Consuming Jamun

• Jamun fruits are generally considered safe for consumption. You can have as many as 10 or 12 a day when they’re in season according to your taste. However, it is best not to have them on an empty stomach. Since these fruits are sour it is also best to avoid having milk an hour before and after consuming them.^[11]Jahan, A. F. I. F. A., and M. J. Reddy. “Syzygium cumini: A plant with high medicinal and nutritional value.” International Journal of Botany and Research 8, no. 6 (2018): 1-4.
• Jamun can lower blood sugar levels, you’ll need to make sure that they don’t go too low if you have diabetes and take anti-diabetic medicine.
• Stop consuming jamuns 2 weeks before surgery so that blood sugar control is not affected during the procedure.
• There is not enough data to be certain that it’s safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.^[12]https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-530/jambolan