Most commonly known as ‘Red Date’ or Korean Date, Jujubes have been cultivated in China for thousands of years. Although named as red dates, they do not belong to the dates family. It is a powerful fruit packed with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. It serves as a potent blood cleanser, protects the liver, keeps the skin healthy and most important strengths the immune system.
Here are a few health benefits of Jujubes:
1 . Aid Sleep
For people suffering from insomnia and restlessness, consuming the jujube fruit could prove beneficial. The soothing nature of the organic compound contained in this versatile fruit can calm the body and mind and induce relaxation and sleep.
-Deseed a few jujubes and boil them. When cool, crush them with very little water to make a paste. Mix this in yoghurt for a differently flavoured yoghurt dish.
2 . Strengthen Bones
Mineral intake should be at its optimum to ensure bone health. Adding jujube fruit, which is a rich source of calcium, phosphorous and iron to your diet, can slow down the degeneration and even reverse the trend to a very large extent.
-Chop jujubes into medium sized bits and add to a bowl of tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots and olives. Add salt and squeeze some lemon juice. A sweet salty salad.
3 . Aid Weight Loss
The jujube fruit has very low calorie count and is rich in protein and fibre content. It can help you stay satiated, fulfills your nutritional needs and prevent the urge of snacking in-between snacks.This helps maintain your diet and check weight gain.
-Chop a few jujubes into equal sized bits and transfer to a bowl. Add little salt, pinch chat masala, pinch red chilly powder and a little lemon juice. Mix it well and enjoy it as it is.
4 . Improve Digestion
The high fiber content of the fruit, along with saponins and triterpenoids, help to improve the digestion process. It optimizes the uptake of nutrients and promote movement of food through the bowels thereby helps prevent constipation, bloating, flatulence as well as more serious gastrointestinal conditions like colorectal cancer.
-Boil 2 eggs and roughly chop them. Separately boil a few jujubes and mix them with egg with very little salt and black pepper. Include this protein filled dish along with your meals.
5 . Boost Immunity
Good source of antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin A and other organic compounds and acids, they help neutralize free radicals which cause several chronic diseases and illnesses. Vitamin C also encourages the production of white blood cells that play a vital role in our immune system.
-Jujubes can be cooked and used in desserts, soups, stuffing and stews. Jujubes can be used to make jams too.
So, go ahead and add this nutritional fruit to your daily diet and reap its countless benefits. Eat Well, Stay Healthy.