33 Amazing Benefits of Jujube Fruit
Jujube fruit or jujuba grows on the small deciduous tree of the same name and is a species of the Ziziphus genus. It belongs to the buckthorn family and is known by various names such as Korean date, Chinese date, red date, and Indian date. Due to the presence of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc in them they provide many health and beauty benefits.
Health Benefits of Jujube
Following are the major health benefits of jujube.
(1) Protects Against Several Types Of Cancers
Antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in jujube protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and inhibits the growth of cancer cells to minimize the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
As per a study by the University of Cambria, jujube extract inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells, and aids in destroying them.
Another study conducted in Iran revealed that jujube extract inhibits the growth of tumor cancerous cell lines like leukemia.
(2) Aids In Treating Insomnia
Sleep plays an important role in our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and not getting proper sleep can hurt our health.
In the long run, sleep deprivation may lead to poor concentration, high blood pressure, weak immunity, weight gain, risk of diabetes, low sex drive, and risk of cardiovascular problems, etc.
The sedative and hypnotic properties of saponin ( an organic compound present in the jujube) helps in treating sleep disorders like insomnia and allows us to enjoy quality sleep.
Other nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium etc in jujube also play a significant role in improving our sleeping habits.
To help with sleep problems, enjoy a cup of jujube tea before bedtime.
(3) Regulates High Blood Pressure
Potassium present in the jujube is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.
Hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.
Zinc and magnesium in jujube also aid in regulating high blood pressure.
Consume jujube in moderation as over-intake of potassium may lower the blood pressure to an abnormally low level and may give rise to hypotension with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.
If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consume jujube after having a word with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(4) Manages Cholesterol Level
Jujube contains dietary fibers that reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
(5) Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Jujube is good for the heart and improves our cardiovascular health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in jujube protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in jujube reduce LDL cholesterol and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
Potassium in jujube relaxes our blood vessels and controls hypertension or high blood pressure which is a major cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.
Jujube lowers lipids in obese adolescents, and thus minimizes the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc in jujube also contribute to our cardiovascular health.
(6) Improves Digestive Health
Consuming jujube improves our digestive health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in jujube protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in jujube improve bowel movement, aids in stool elimination, and thus relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
Dietary fibers reduce toxicity in the stomach regions and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.
(8) Improves Blood Circulation
Jujube improves our blood circulation due to the presence of iron and potassium in it.
Iron improves our circulatory health as it increases the production of red blood cells that carries oxygenated blood to different cells of the body.
The vasodilating properties of potassium in jujube improves blood circulation by relaxing our blood vessels.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids in jujube protect our blood cells and blood vessels from free radical damage and improve their efficiency.
(9) Make Our Immune System Stronger
Consuming jujube strengthens our immune system. It is the defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as injuries, and wounds.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in jujube protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage and thus strengthens our immune system.
The anti-microbial, anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic properties of jujube minimizes the risk of various bacterial, viral and, fungal infections, and also suppress the release of histamines.
Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.
Antioxidants regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines and strengthen the immune system.
With stronger immunity, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.
Other nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate, etc in jujube also contribute to better immune health.
(10) Regulates Blood Sugar Level
With a low glycemic index of 20, jujube slows down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and thus helps in managing diabetes.
The dietary fibers in this fruit minimize sugar absorption by the bloodstream and help in controlling blood sugar levels.
Consume jujube in moderation as overeating it may drop the blood sugar to an abnormally low level giving rise to hypoglycemia with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, excessive sweating, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion, and irritability, or moodiness.
If you are on diabetic medication, consult your doctor before adding jujube to your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(11) Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in the jujube provides relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma and bronchial asthma, etc.
(12) Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, etc in jujube provide a calming effect to the body and mind and relieve stress and anxiety.
It is important to manage stress efficiently as otherwise, it may increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, headache, and accelerated aging, etc.
(13) Make Our Bones Stronger
Essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, etc in jujube strengthen our bones and teeth.
Calcium works together with phosphorus for the growth and development of the bones and reduces the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis.
Potassium neutralizes acid load, reduces loss of calcium from the bones, and thus improves bone density.
Magnesium also improves bone density and thus contributes to better bone health.
Jujube contains manganese that increases calcium absorption and improves the bone mineral density of the spinal column.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in jujube minimizes pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, a condition in which protective tissues at the ends of bones wear down.
Other nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and folate, etc also aid in making our bones healthier.
(14) Aids In Weight Loss
Eating 100 grams of jujube provides 79 calories of energy.
Because of its low calorific value consuming it in moderation helps in getting rid of some extra pounds from the body.
Dietary fibers in jujube provide stomach satiety, controls our urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a prime cause of obesity.
The abundance of water (around 77 percent) in jujube also contributes to weight management as it reduces calorie overload, controls overeating, improves digestion, and increases absorption of nutrients.
(15) Helps With The Detoxification
Because of their detoxifying properties, dietary fibers in jujube eliminates toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our bodies.
To some extent this reduces the burden of detoxification from our vital organs like the liver and kidneys, allowing them to focus on other functions they need to perform.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and glycosides like saponins in jujube also help with the detoxification.
(16) Protects Against Neurological Disorders
Jujube improves our neurological health and is good for the brain.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the jujube protects our brain cells or the neurons from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
Antioxidants help with the repair and regeneration of nerve cells in the dentate gyrus area of the brain.
Astrocytes in jujube protect our nerve cells from glutamate toxicity.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, etc in the jujube also contribute to neurological health as they provide several cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better focus, improved concentration, and reduced mental confusion, etc.
(18) Protects Against Seizures
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in jujube protect our brain cells from free radical damage and reduces the risk of seizures.
(19) Provides Anti-Microbial Benefits
The anti-microbial properties of jujube reduce the risk of various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
As per experimental studies betulinic acid present in jujube fight against HIV and influenza virus.
(20) Maintains Ovarian Health
As per a study conducted by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences( Iran), shilanum ( a herbal product made by jujube extract) maintains ovarian health, acts as birth control pills, and helps in treating ovarian cysts.
(21) Removes Breast Milk Toxins
The detoxifying properties of dietary fibers in jujube remove toxins and other harmful substances from breast milk.
As per a study conducted in Iran, nursing mothers who ate 15 grams of fresh jujube every day for two months showed a decreased levels of toxic compounds like lead and cadmium in their breast milk.
Beauty Benefits Of Jujube For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of jujube for skin are as follows.
(1) Keeps Premature Ageing At Bay
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in jujube protects our skin cells from the free radical damage, and keep various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc at bay.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
(3) Treats Skin Pigmentation
jujube improves our skin health due to essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, etc.
These nutrients nourish our skin, improves skin health, and make it soft, supple, and radiant.
Antioxidants and relevant compounds in jujube protect our skin from free radical damage and helps in bringing out the natural glow of the skin. It improves skin pigmentation and lightens skin tone.
(4) Treats Acne And Pimples
Jujube helps in the prevention and treatment of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.
The dietary fibers in jujube eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.
Not just consuming but topical application of jujube extract on the affected area of the skin is equally beneficial for treating acne and pimples.
(6) Protects From Harmful UV Rays of The Sun
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays may damage the skin and give rise to wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, etc in the jujube protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and minimizes the risk of skin cancer.
Applying jujube pulp on the sunburned area relieves pain and inflammation.
(7) Maintain Skin Health
Consumption, as well as topical application of jujube, improves our skin health because of its rich nutritious profile.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in jujube protects our skin from free radical damage, and keep various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes at bay.
Dietary fibers also improve skin health as they eliminate toxins, prevent the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances in the skin pores, and reduces the risk of acne and pimples.
Nutrients like vitamins and minerals in jujube nourish our skin and make it soft, supple, and radiant.
Beauty Benefits of Jujube For Hair
Following are the major beauty benefits of jujube for hair.
(1) Promotes Hair Growth
Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in jujube nourish our hair follicles and scalp and keep them healthy.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and improves scalp health.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, folate, and potassium in jujube improve blood circulation in the scalp, nourishes our hair follicles and scalp, and promote the growth of new hair follicles.
(2) Reduces Hair Loss
Jujube contains several essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, etc that nourish and strengthens our hair follicles.
With stronger hair follicles, the risk of hair loss diminishes automatically.
It also contains several antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds that protect our hair follicles from free radical damage.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, B vitamins, and folate, etc also contribute to scalp health and minimizes the risk of hair fall.
(3) Strong And Lustrous Hair
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in jujube protects our hair follicles from free radical damage, and minimize split ends and hair breakage.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium and B vitamins in jujube nourish our hair follicles and make them strong and lustrous.
(4) Treats Scalp Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.
It can also break out on the scalp and is then known as scalp acne.
The dietary fibers in jujube eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and scalp acne.
Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent scalp acne from worsening.
(5) Good For Treating Dandruff
Jujube helps in treating dandruff, a common scalp problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by poor scalp health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the jujube protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and make them healthy.
Vitamins and minerals in the jujube nourish our hair follicles and scalp, minimize the risk of scalp problems like dandruff, etc.
Jujube pulp can also be applied topically for treating dandruff and other scalp problems.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic and is not be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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