Jujube Fruit Natural Health Benefits

The Jujube is indigenous to India and China. It is a round or oblong shaped fruit that grows on trees that can reach heights of 25 feet to 34 feet. They are typically the same size as an olive but some species can grow to be larger. The two most common species of jujube are the Chinese jujube (or Chinese date) and the Indian jujube (or bher). The Chinese variant is more popular than the Indian due to the fact that it is sweeter in taste and grows in a larger variety of climates. However, while more prevalent than the Indian variant they are still difficult to find fresh and are expensive to harvest and store because they are very susceptible to disease and pests.

Natural Health Benefits

Depending on whether you are consuming fresh jujubes or dried jujubes will affect the nutritional intake. For instance dried jujubes are rich in phosphorus, iron and calcium. They are lower in fiber than fresh jujubes but higher in carbohydrates. Fresh jujubes are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C and are rich in magnesium, niacin and iron.

The jujube has been used in Chinese traditional medicine practices as a treatment for stress and anxiety. Nutrition scientists research support this use as they have found that jujubes contain spinosin and swertish which are flavoniods with sedative properties. Researchers have also found that jujubes contain puerarin, which is a plant phenol that has been found to help lower cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Also, jujubes contain the flavonoid apigenin. This flavoniod is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor phytochemical and may reduce the risk of cancer and help treat allergies. In conclusion, the jujube is an excellent natural remedy fruit that has many uses but is best used as it has been for centuries by the Chinese - as a treatment for stress and anxiety.

Sources: Reich, Lee. Uncommon Fruits Worthy of Attention. 1991. pp 139-146.