The scientific name for jujube fruit tree is Ziziphus zizyphus and it is also known as red date or Chinese date. It is mainly cultivated in Asia and southeastern Europe. Jujube is known and grown in the Indian subcontinent since 9000 BC. The freshly harvested and dried jujube fruits are eaten with tea or as snack. Red and black jujube are popular varieties of jujube fruit. Jujube tea syrup, jujube juice, jujube wine are some of the popular products of jujube fruit. Let us first take a look at the jujube fruit nutrition facts.
Jujube Fruit Nutrition
100 gm of jujube fruit contain:
* Calories - 79
* Total Fat - 0.2 gm
* Saturated Fat - 0
* Cholesterol - 0
* Sodium - 3 mg
* Total Carbohydrates - 20.2 (7%) gm
* Protein - 1.2 gm (2%)
* Vitamin A - 1%
* Vitamin C - 115%
* Thiamin - 1%
* Riboflavin - 2%
* Niacin - 4%
* Vitamin B6 - 4%
* Iron - 3%
* Calcium - 2%
* Potassium - 7%
* Magnesium - 2%
* Phosphorus - 2%
* Copper - 4%
* Manganese - 4%
Jujube fruits are also loaded with 18 out of the 24 important amino acids. From the above figures, it is safe to conclude that jujube fruit is very low in sodium and cholesterol and it is a very good source of vitamin C. It is packed with various vitamins and minerals. Let us see what health benefits are offered by the nutrients present in jujube fruit.
Jujube Fruit Health Benefits
Jujube fruit is being used for thousands of years in Asian countries as a herbal medicine.
* Jujube fruit helps in the wound healing process.
* Jujube can help increase body weight.
* Jujube fruit boosts your immune system.
* Jujube helps cure some of the liver diseases.
* Jujube fruit is used to treat anemia and purpura.
* It helps to reduce the stress level and encourages sleep.
* Jujube fruit helps lower blood pressure and also cures sore throats working as an analgesic.
* The alkaloids and other chemicals present in the jujube seed can help you get rid of anxiety and provide antioxidant protection to cells.
* The amino acids present in jujube fruit help with the maintenance and formation of proteins, bones, skin, muscle, bloods, hormones, neurotransmitters and enzymes in the body.
* One of the most important jujube fruit benefits is that it inhibits the growth and movement of free radicals. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant and helps to control the growth of the tumor causing cells and cells that can lead to cancers.
* Jujube fruit extract can help reduce the toxicity of various drugs. Jujube fruit extract is used to treat skin disorders, hysteria, fatigue, insomnia, loss of energy and lack of appetite. Jujube extracts are also used to manufacture skin care products to reduce wrinkles, dryness, redness, swelling and for relief from sunburn.
Jujube Fruit Side Effects
There are no known side effects of jujube fruit caused due to over-consumption of the fruit. But it is better to consult your physician before eating jujube fruit if you are suffering from bloating, intestinal parasites and/or excessive phlegm and also if you are a pregnant or a lactating women.