Health Benefits of Jujube Fruit!

Red or Chinese date, also known as Jujube fruit is native to most parts of the world. This sweet fruit can be dried and used for various desserts or eaten fresh for better health. The little red fruit is used as a herbal medicine for insomnia, anxiety, and other diseases. What do you know more about jujube? Different types of jujube provide various health benefits. Let’s look at more details about it. 

Jujube Fruit

Jujube is a fleshy and juicy fruit that belongs to the Buckthorn and Rhamnaceae family. It is a dark red plum-like fruit, also referred to as the Red date or Korean date. In addition, it is also savored as a hand-pound jujube along with a few other tangy and spicy ingredients which is a more delicious and popular recipe in southern India.

Health Benefits of Jujube Fruit

What makes jujube a wonderful fruit? It is because of its antioxidants and enormous health benefits. Some health benefits of Jujube fruit are listed below. 

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Jujube is rich in several antioxidants such as triterpenic acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. It also contains high levels of Vitamin C and fights free radicals or antioxidants. 

2. Boosts Immune System

Jujube fruit contains antioxidants, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C that improve the production of white blood cells. This boosts immunity and fights the cancer cells. You must maintain a healthy immune system to prevent several diseases. The study retrieved information from SciVerse Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed on immunity, nutrients, natural products, minerals, and vitamins as potential boosters.

Here are the five ways to boost your immune system.  

3. Improves Digestive Health

Triterpenoids and Saponins in jujube help the body absorb nutrients from the food and ensure faster digestion. It assists in relieving constipation and decreases the risk of damage from ulcers.
Research indicates that vitamin D offers greater benefits to digestive health than previously understood by aiding in the regulation of gut inflammation.

Jujube fruit is an excellent way to maintain normal blood pressure. It ensures the blood flow into the brain by increasing nitric oxide levels that control high blood pressure. Jujube fruits consist of low amounts of sodium and a high content of potassium that helps control optimum blood pressure. 

5. Supports Heart Health

Jujube is rich in phosphorus and Iron and helps treat anemia. The extract of this fruit lowers blood cholesterol levels which are useful for managing heart health. Jujube is known to optimize cardiac functions and uplift heart health. In the latest study, In the United States, one person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

6. Enhances Sleep Quality

Jujube fruit is an alternative medicine to improve sleep quality and brain function. It improves your memory and protects the brain cells without any damage. Recent studies reveal that stress, self-control, bedtime habits, and neighborhood environment significantly influence sleep quality.

7. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Both jujube seed oils and extract have strong anti-inflammatory properties. The jujube extract helps relieve joint pains, swelling, and muscle aches. 

Types of Jujube Fruits

There are several varieties of jujube fruits all around the world. From Chinese jujube to Sugar cane jube, here are some famous types of jujube fruits you must know. 

a. Chinese Jujube 

Chinese jujube mostly grows at a moderate pace and reaches anywhere from 15 to 35 feet in height. Ziziphus jujuba is the scientific name of Chinese jujube. This one-inch small green fruit ripens to dark red first and later turns black. It should be grown in partial shade or full sun on well-drained soil, alkaline or acid. You can eat this fruit as dried, fresh, candied, and canned.  

b. Indian Jujube

The scientific name of an Indian jujube called Ziziphus Mauritania belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. It is medium-sized and delicious during the dry months. Indian jujube is native to China, and South and Central Asia for medical purposes and as a nutritious food. 

c. Lang Jujube

Lang jujube is pear-shaped with semi-thick and smooth skin that transforms from green to red-brown when ripe. It has a high sugar content when dried, contributing to the sweet flavor. The ancient variety is native to China and contains an excellent source of antioxidants and Vitamin C that improves your immune system. 

d. Li Jujube

Li jujubes are available in round to ovate shape with a crispy flesh inside. It contains a lower amount of acidity compared to other fruits. Apart from China, it is the top plant variety grown in the United States. 

e. Honey Jar Jujube

Honey jar jujube is delicious for its sweet and apple-like flavor that withstands different climates. The fruit is reddish brown when ripe and excellent for dehydrating. Hot summer is the best climate to run the honey jar jujube. 

f. Sugar Cane Jujube

This fruit is lovely and small to medium-sized. It grows in well-drained soil and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Sugar cane jujube has many medical uses such as alleviating stress, reducing anxiety, and improving immunity and digestion. 

How to Eat a Jujube Fruit

Jujubes are sweet and small with a chewy texture similar to other dates. You can eat this as a candy, dessert, or a nutritious snack. Dried jujubes are rich in calories compared to fresh ones. Apart from these, jujube juice, honey, vinegar, and marmalades are available in the market easily. 

Side Effects of Jujube Fruit

Jujube fruit is best for most people, however, it may cause some side effects in certain cases. It may include: 

• Allergic reactions 
• Itching 
• Drug interactions 
• Gastrointestinal problems 
• Drowsiness

Jujube Fruit Nutrition Facts

• Jujube is a low-calorie fruit loaded with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. 
• Helps keep infections at bay and triggers the immune response. 
• Maintains electrolyte balance and regulates muscle functions. 
• Promotes growth and development. 
• Rich antioxidants safeguard against chronic health conditions. 

Conclusion
Jujube offers several health benefits with a rich array of Vitamins C, A, and other minerals. It’s a low-calorie fruit that serves as a healthy snack for all. Enjoy this highly nutritious fruit, available fresh or dried.