The jambo (Syzygium jambos) is the fruit of the jambeiro, a tree native to Asia and rich in benefits for the health of the body. Regular consumption of this fruit resolves constipation problems and reduces bloating caused by gas.
Allied to these advantages, there is an abundance of vitamins and minerals capable of strengthening the body’s defenses and preventing diseases in general.
Learn more about this fruit, the advantages and ways to consume it and the types available below.
Benefits of jambo
Both the pulp and the leaves of this fruit are very rich sources of nutrients, such as vitamins C , B1, B2 and the minerals calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, there are many benefits offered by it.
Strengthens the immune system
“Thanks to the high amount of vitamin C, equivalent to cashew , one of the fruits that has the largest portions of this nutrient, its intake helps improve the body’s response to problems,” says Lícia D’Ávila, functional nutritionist.
“In addition, its bark and fibers have a substance that has an immunomodulating action”, adds Lícia. This means that it boosts the immune response to certain microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Prevents chronic diseases
In its bark are also found many bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
They are also known to help prevent and combat some chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, heart disease and those related to aging.
Helps prevent cancer
In this part of the fruit we still find in greater quantity phenolic compounds, oleanolic acids, betulinic acids, cardamonins.
All of them have an anticancer action , fighting the proliferation of disease cells.
Give it a go with diabetes
Jambo is full of fiber , which helps control blood glucose , making it anti-diabetic.
It is thanks to the fibers present in the fruit that the gastrointestinal health is in days. In addition to fighting constipation and improving digestion, jambo can reduce abdominal bloating caused by excess intestinal gas.
Fights obesity
A study by the Federal University of Campinas (Unicamp) also showed that jambo fights diseases associated with obesity and also increases satiety , making the person only eat what is necessary.
Types of jambo
There are four variations of the fruit: yellow, white, pink and red , the last two being the most common in Brazil.
All of them have a white, firm and crunchy pulp, what changes between them is the skin color, shape and flavor, which is less intense in white.
How to make the juice
To prepare the drink, cut the fruit, remove its seeds and the underside, which is shaped like a navel.
Then place the pulp in a blender with water and sweeten to taste. But, this recipe can have many variations . An example is to add ingredients such as lemon, honey, mint, among others.
The drink must be made on the day it will be ingested, as it oxidizes easily, which means that it loses some of the nutrients and looks and tastes bad when in contact with oxygen.
What are Jambo leaves for?
As with fruit, they have a long list of benefits.
Jambeiro leaves can modulate blood glucose in the long term, which helps to fight diabetes .
In addition, they have substances with a powerful effect in fighting inflammation and free radicals, which in large quantities lead to premature aging, damage the immune system and favor the emergence of diseases such as arthritis .
They even reduce gastric damage such as ulcers. And its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions are effective in treating acne .
It is also verified the hepatoprotective effect, improving the regeneration of liver cells and the organ’s resistance to toxins.
Finally, they have an antinociceptive action, which means that they decrease pain signaling in the skin and muscles.
Other forms of use
In addition to being consumed natural and in the form of tea and juice, jambo can serve as an ingredient for jams and sauces.
It is also used in the form of flour, which can be added to sweet and savory recipes, such as: cakes, pancakes and cookies, for example.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.