Benefits And Medicinal Importance Of Jujube Fruit 

What is Jujube Fruit? Jujube is the fruit that grows on a plant known as Ziziphus Jujuba. It is widely used as food and medicine. The plant is cultivated in Eastern part of Asia. Jujube fruit varies in size and shape depending upon the variety. The diameter of the fruit ranges from 3 cm to 6 cm. The shape of the berry is round to elongated. Jujube has an apple like sweet pulp. As it ripens, the color turns from light green to reddish brown. The mature fruit has wrinkly texture like dates.

Nutritional Benefits: Jujube is carrying multiple nutritional benefits as it is loaded with essential minerals,vitamins and nutrients. The nutritive value is given as per 100 g serving (Source: USDA National Nutrient database)

Energy: Jujube fruit is packed with energy as it contains around 79 Kcal energy along with other nutrients responsible for providing body with sufficient energy which are:

Carbohydrates: The fruit contains roughly 21 gm of carbs,which are broken down by body and used as energy.

Protein: Though only 1. 2 gm, the protein helps body to make enzymes,hormones and other body chemicals.

Sugars: Galactose,fructose and glucose are the major sugars present in jujube and are responsible for providing human body with energy with sugar content of up to 10 gm.

Minerals: In addition to the aforementioned nutrients, Jujube also contains trace amounts of important minerals,such as:

Calcium-21 mg Magnesium-10 mg Phosphorus-23 mg Plus minute amounts of Copper, Iron, Manganese and Zinc.

Vitamins: In addition to minerals,trace amounts of vitamins are also present in Jujube which are:

• Niacin
• Thiamine
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Complex Vitamin C

Pyridoxine Medicinal Benefits: Anti-Infective: Jujube fruit is known to be effective against infections as they contain tannins.

Anti-Inflammatory: The fruit is also helpful against inflammation due to its fiber content.

Anti-Hemorrhagic: Due to the presence of health benefiting gallic acids,the fruit help prevent hemorrhagic tendencies in body.

Anti-Oxidant: Vitamin C being a powerful antioxidant helps body stave off harmful free radicals and also help in synthesis of tissues.

Blood: The presence of Iron in the fruit which is the main component of haemoglobin facilitates the red blood cells and determines the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.

Bones and Teeth: Presence of Calcium, the main constituent of bones helps strengthen the body and is also important for muscle spasms and embolism.

Metabolism: The Vitamins present in Jujube facilitates the body metabolize carbs,proteins and fats.