Can’t Get Your Hands On Blueberries? Try This Nutritious Desi Alternative

If there is one way to make your boring breakfasts tasty it is by adding a healthy dose of blueberries to your plate. In addition to the fresh burst of flavour, the berries are also a rich source of nutrients. Explaining further, nutritionist Pooja Makhija described blueberries as the 'king of antioxidants' in her latest Instagram video. She said, “Blueberries contain anthocyanins; thus help against ageing. (Blueberries) protect against cancer, DNA damage, reduce heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, UTIs and improve memory function.”

Kala Jamun benefits you should know

However, she mentioned that the price of the berries in India as well as the lack of availability can be major issues. In her caption, she further wrote, “Blueberries are low-calorie high nutrient thus called nutrient-dense food. Great for just so many reasons but why pay 100 times the price for something that is so easily and inexpensively available to us!”

She explained that one could easily replace blueberries with its Indian king, the Kala Jamun also known as java plum. She wrote, “The Kala Jamun, also known as the Indian blackberry, is referred to as the ‘Fruit of Gods' is available in the summers, and is great for combating the sun's heat and also the whole gamut of reasons why we love blueberries so much. The fruit is diuretic, anti-scorbutic and carminative in properties, and is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. Ayurveda strongly recommends this berry for treating various conditions related to heart, arthritis, asthma, stomach pain, bowel spasm, flatulence and dysentery. The diuretic effects of Jamun flush toxins out of the kidneys, while the high fibre content aids in digestion and prevents nausea and vomiting.”

Pooja added that the fruit is very good for gum health and helps reduce acne. The caption also said, “Several studies show that the high alkaloid content present in Jamun is effective in controlling hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Apart from the fruit, extracts from the seeds, leaves and bark are useful for reducing the high levels of blood sugar in your body.”