Despite its benefits, jujube is a fruit that is not known much and is not consumed frequently. However, jujube fruit is used both as food and in medicine. Jujube, known as the immortal fruit in China, is usually eaten dried. Jujube is also frequently encountered in Ibn Sina’s health prescriptions. The benefits of jujube fruit eaten in September and October are endless. You can add jujube fruit to your diet to prevent many diseases.
Benefits of Jujube
CONTAINS RICH ANTIOXIDANTS
Jujube fruit is rich in various antioxidant compounds, primarily flavonoids, polysaccharides and some beneficial acids. It also contains high levels of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant.
MAY PROTECT AGAINST DIABETES AND HEART DISEASE
Antioxidants are compounds that can prevent and reverse damage caused by free radicals. Free radical damage is thought to cause many chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Because of their ability to fight free radicals, antioxidants provide significant benefits.
REDUCES STRESS AND INFLAMMATION
An animal study study found that the antioxidant activity of jujube flavonoids helped reduce stress and inflammation in the liver caused by free radical damage. In fact, many of the jujube fruit benefits come from its antioxidant content.
INCREASES SLEEP QUALITY, IMPROVES MEMORY
Jujube is widely used in alternative medicine to improve sleep quality and brain function. Research suggests that antioxidants may be responsible for these effects. Jujube fruit and seed extracts were found to increase sleep duration and quality in experiments with rats. Also, this fruit is often prescribed by alternative medicine practitioners to reduce anxiety. What’s more, animal experiments and other test studies show that it can improve memory and help protect brain cells from compounds that destroy nerves.
PROTECTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
It has been stated that jujube polysaccharides, which are natural sugars with antioxidant properties, can neutralize dangerous cells and reduce inflammation. Thanks to reduced inflammation and free radical levels, chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes are also prevented. In addition, jujube lignins, a type of fiber with antioxidant properties, make another important contribution to human health by promoting the production of immune cells and increasing the rate at which these cells neutralize harmful compounds.
IT INTERESTS THE GROWTH OF CANCER CELLS
Jujube can boost immunity and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Jujube extract strengthens immune cells called natural killer cells, which can destroy harmful invading cells. Some scientific studies have revealed that jujube extracts kill various cancer cells, including ovarian, cervical, breast, liver, colon and skin cancer cells.
PREVENTS CONSILENCE
Jujube’s high fiber content helps improve digestion. About 50% of the carbohydrates found in fruit come from fiber, which is known for its beneficial digestive effects. This nutrient helps soften and bulk up your stool. As a result, it speeds up the movement of food through your digestive tract and reduces your constipation. Moreover, jujube extracts help strengthen your stomach and intestines. It reduces your risk of ulcers, injury, and damage from the bad bacteria that can be found in your gut.