Jujube: 10 benefits obtained by consuming the fruit

Jujube, also known as Chinese red date, is an attractive “drupe” fruit of Chinese origin. “Zao” as the fruit recognized in mainland China, it grows in natural wild and cultivated orchards in Korea, Japan, and many Middle Eastern regions. Dry jujube has a similar taste and nutrition profile as that of dates packed with energy, minerals, and essential vitamins.

Benefits of jujube

Aids in Sleeping –

For people suffering from insomnia or restlessness, consuming the extract of the seeds of the jujube fruit can be a good remedy. The soothing nature of the organic compounds contained in this beneficial fruit can calm the body and mind.

Regulates Circulation –

The jujube fruit is a rich source of both iron and phosphorous, which are key ingredients in the red blood cells. If one suffers from the low iron content in blood or anemia, they may experience symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, indigestion, lightheadedness, and cognitive confusion. By increasing the iron and phosphorous intake with jujube fruit, one can increase blood flow, thereby oxygenating your organ systems more effectively.

Improves Bone Strength –

By increasing minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron (all of which are prevalent in jujubes), one can ensure strong and resilient bones. As we age, we tend to suffer from osteoporosis and other bone degrading conditions, so adding jujube fruit to your diet can slow or reverse this trend.

Controls Weight –

Eating fruits and vegetables is a common suggestion for people attempting to lose weight, and jujube is another food that can easily be added to the list. With a low-calorie count and a high protein and fiber level, jujube can satisfy the nutritional needs and make one feel full, which will prevent from snacking in between meals. This will help you maintain the diet and prevent any additional weight gain.

Boosts Immunity –

Jujube is able to benefit the immune system in many different ways, namely due to its high antioxidant content, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and various organic compounds and acids. These antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals, which are responsible for many chronic diseases and illnesses within the body. Vitamin C also stimulates the production of white blood cells, the first line of defense of our immune system.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety –

Jujube has been proven to have certain anxiolytic and soothing effects on the body. Using the jujube oil extract or consuming the fruit itself can have an impact on your hormonal levels and induce a calm, relaxed sensation through your mind and body. For people who regularly suffer from chronic stress or anxiety, snacking on some dried jujubes or seeking a jujube supplement can help ease the mind and protect the body from the side effects of extended exposure to stress hormones.

May Help Prevent Cancer –

A preliminary study conducted in 2008 to evaluate the anti-cancer ability of jujube found that this fruit can help in killing the harmful tumor cells. Although the exact mechanisms and specific relationships between jujubes and cancer are still being researched, early results point to a positive correlation between the bioactive compounds in jujube and a reduction in the spread of cancerous cells. The same 2013 study suggests that sour jujube fruits may also be a potential breast cancer chemotherapy agent. A review study published by the National Institutes of Health confirms that the presence of bioactive compounds like triterpenic acids and polysaccharides, present in jujube fruits, demonstrate anticancer and antiproliferative effects on various cancer cell lines. This is a very important finding as apoptosis is one of the key tools to prevent the spread of cancer.

Skin Care –

Jujube juice and extract have been used topically to treat various skin irritations and inflammations, including psoriasis, eczema, and acne. You can consume the jujube fruit to get the same effects. It can also help prevent the appearance of wrinkles and scars, as well as keep the skin energized with oxygenated blood.

Aids in Digestion –

Jujube fruits are also linked to improving digestive processes within the body. This is mainly attributed to its fiber content, but the saponins and triterpenoids also play a part in this by optimizing the uptake of nutrients and promoting the healthy movement of food through the bowels. This can help prevent constipation, cramping, bloating, and excess flatulence, as well as severe gastrointestinal conditions.

Detoxifies the Blood –

The saponins and alkaloids found in jujube fruit have been directly linked with purifying the blood and eliminating harmful toxins from the body’s systems. This antioxidant effect can help prevent a large number of diseases and also ease the stress on the immune and lymphatic systems.

Adding jujube to your diet

Jujubes can be consumed raw or in it’s dry form or made into tea, syrup, candy, juice, etc.

The jabuticaba can be consumed any time of the day.

Word of caution

Jujubes can be dangerous for those suffering from diabetes, as it contains a number of complex carbohydrates and it can negatively affect blood sugar levels. Jujubes generally show very few side effects, except in those with a natural allergy to the fruit. Before making a major change to your fruit or supplement intake, consult a medical professional to make sure it’s a good choice for you.

Recipe for Jujubes (Red Dates) and Egg Tea

Ingredients

30 pitted jujubes (red dates)

4 rice bowls of water

1 pastured egg

Procedure

Rinse jujubes thoroughly. Drain well. Set aside.

Put water and jujubes in a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, until about 1 rice bowl of water left.

Carefully place an egg in a small saucepan. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently for three minutes for a runny yolk, or cook for a longer time according to your preference. Drain egg with a slotted spoon.

Immediately transfer to a bowl of very cold water. Leave it to cool and peel off shell.

Transfer egg into saucepan with the jujube tea. Warm egg up a bit. Serve immediately.

Recipe for Jujube ginger tea

 Serves: one large pot

INGREDIENTS

30 jujube dates – pitted

1-2 inch piece of ginger – sliced

2-4 cinnamon sticks

pine nuts – for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the jujube, ginger and cinnamon into a large pot and fill up the pot with purified water. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Simmer, covered, for 1-4 hours. Keep in mind, the longer you simmer the tea, the more concentrated the flavor will get. The volume of water will also decrease more the longer you simmer.

Drink warm or iced, garnished with pine nuts. Keep refrigerated. The tea should keep for up to 10 days.

Jujube Fun Fact

Legends in some Asian countries say that jujube trees were closely watched because their sweet smell had the reputation of making people fall in love.

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