Jujube is a versatile and beneficial plant that has played an important role in Chinese culture and medicine for thousands of years and continues to be valued for its unique flavor and potential health benefits today.
Jujube is a fruit with a delicious flavor, rich in nutrients, in addition, it is also used in many fields such as cuisine, beverage, and even medicine. In this article, VINUT will introduce the source as well as the nutrition that this interesting fruit brings
What Is Jujube Fruit?
Jujubes, also known as the Chinese red date, is a medicinal plant of the genus Ziziphus (family Rhamnaceae). They are small and round in shape when ripe they are dark red or purple and can be slightly wrinkled. Jujube has a sweet, somewhat sour, and crunchy taste and is often eaten fresh or dried for food and traditional medicine.
Jujubes are eaten fresh, dried, boiled, stewed, baked, and used to make tea. When made into fruit glacé by boiling in honey and sugar syrup.
Nutrition of Jujube
Jujube is a fruit rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A 100-gram serving (about 3 fruits) contains:
- Calories: 79
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Protein: 1.2 grams
- Potassium: 250 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 69 milligrams (about 77% of the recommended daily value)
- Iron: 0.48 milligrams
This fruit contains many vitamins such as vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, This fruit contains many vitamins such as vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin and especially vitamin C.
In addition, jujube is high in fiber but low in calories, so it is considered one of the healthy snacks. Furthermore, it also contains a moderate amount of potassium, which plays an important role in muscle control and electrolyte balance.
Benefits of Jujube Fruit
1. Antioxidant
It contains several antioxidant compounds, mainly flavonoids, polysaccharides, and triterpenes acid. These antioxidant compounds help the body prevent damage caused by excess free radicals such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
In addition, these substances may prevent or delay various types of cell damage, including damage caused by chemicals called free radicals, and may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. associated with many chronic diseases.
2. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Jujube contains compounds that have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. In addition, jujube is widely used in traditional medicine to improve sleep quality.
3. Boosts Immune System
Jujube is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, fights infections, and fights the growth of cancer cells. Several studies have demonstrated that the polysaccharides in jujube, which are natural sugars with antioxidant properties, can fight free radicals, neutralize harmful cells, and reduce inflammation.
4. Anti-cancer Properties
Jujube fruit is also rich in vitamin C, which is believed to have powerful anti-cancer properties. It contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. In addition, several studies have found that jujube extract kills several types of cancer cells, including ovarian, cervical, breast, liver, and colon cancer cells.
Various Uses of Jujube
Fresh fruit
It can be eaten fresh, either on its own or as an ingredient in salads, smoothies, or desserts.
Dried fruit
It can be dried and eaten as a snack or used as an ingredient in baked goods, trail mixes, and other recipes.
Culinary
It can be eaten fresh or dried and is often used in Asian cuisine to make jams, jellies, and desserts.
Beverage
Can be considered a nutritious ingredient with a refreshing taste to make soft drinks or as an ingredient to add to drinks such as tea.
Medicine
The fruit has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues.
