The benefits of jujube for the health of the body are very interesting. How not, this fruit is low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Jujube also has a distinctive look. When ripe, jujube is shaped like a date purplish red.
Jujube is a small fruit from a tree Ziziphus jujuba which grows a lot in South Asia. Because of its shape, this fruit is known as red dates or Chinese dates. Jujube has a sweet taste and a chewy texture.
Jujube Nutrition Content
You can get various benefits of jujube from the nutrients contained in it. In 100 grams or 3 jujubes there are about 79 calories and a variety of nutrients which include:
- Carbohydrate
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Vitamins, such as vitamins C and A.
Jujube is also rich in antioxidant activity from the bioactive compounds it contains, such as flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and triterpenic acid. In addition, the vitamin C in jujube also acts as an antioxidant.
Various Benefits of Jujube
Below are the various benefits of jujube that you can get:
1. Improve sleep quality
One of the most well-known benefits of jujube is to improve sleep quality, especially for people with insomnia and various other sleep problems related to stress and anxiety.
The antioxidants in jujube, specifically flavonoids and saponins, are believed to reduce nervous system activity and increase hormones that calm the mind. This property will improve the quality and duration of sleep.
2. Protect brain function
In addition to relieving anxiety, the same active compounds in jujube are also thought to protect brain function. These compounds have the potential to protect nerve cells from damage, help improve memory, and protect the brain from cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
3. Boost the immune system
Several compounds contained in jujube, such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, have benefits for strengthening the immune system.
These compounds work by decreasing inflammation and oxidation processes that are known to weaken components of the immune system and make us susceptible to disease.
4. Maintain a healthy digestive system
The fiber content in jujubes is high, even beating apples. This fiber is known to accelerate the movement of food through the digestive tract, soften stools, and increase the number of good bacteria or intestinal probiotics, so it is very good for digestive health.
In addition, the active compounds in jujube extract are thought to provide protection for the walls of the digestive system organs, from the stomach to the large intestine. This property can protect our digestive system from stomach ulcers, intestinal inflammation, and harmful bacterial infections.
5. Lowers the risk of cancer
The bioactive compounds contained in jujube, such as saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids have been shown to be able to slow down the growth and even kill some types of cancer cells. Examples are ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer.
6. Supports heart health
A study says that jujube is proven to be able to support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
In addition, jujube can also prevent the accumulation of fat or atherosclerosis which can cause various diseases, ranging from constriction of hand blood vessels, coronary heart disease, to stroke.
7. Lowering blood sugar levels
Jujube is also known to lower blood sugar. According to research, the efficacy of jujube to lower blood sugar is supported by its vitamin A content which can increase the absorption of blood sugar into the body's cells. That way, you will avoid the risk of developing diabetes.
Jujubes can be eaten raw as a healthy snack, but are often also dried to make candy, tea, and supplements. However, keep in mind that dried jujubes are generally higher in calories and sugar than fresh fruit.
If you are still hesitant to consume jujube fruit because you have certain health conditions, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first before consuming it.
