What you need to know about jujube.
Anab (scientific name: Ziziphus jujuba) is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 10 meters in height. Jujube is native to tropical and arid regions and its small green, hairless, egg-shaped leaves fall off in winter. Jujube fruit, which has many medicinal properties, is initially green and round, and after reaching red and olive color, it becomes wrinkled.
Pomegranate is also called “red date” and “Chinese date”. South Khorasan is the center of pomegranate production in Iran.
Dispersion
Due to the widespread cultivation of jujube, the main habitat of this tree is not known, but it is thought that its natural origin must have been in South Asia between Lebanon, southwestern Afghanistan, northern India, the Korean Peninsula and southern and central China.
Iran ranks third in the world in terms of area under cultivation and production of jujube. The area under cultivation of jujube in Iran is about 3,000 hectares, of which more than 95%, ie about 2850 hectares, is located in South Khorasan and 4200 tons of jujube is produced from it. The study of the historical records of South Khorasan shows that the past of this border considered planting and caring for a tree as a necessity for its survival and today there are many old trees in this province, among which jujube trees are nearly 400 years old. .
Royesh
Jujube is a deciduous shrub that grows straight or crooked and grows to a height of 5 to 10 meters. The leaves are oval in shape, hairless and glossy green, and the margins are serrated. The flowers are greenish-yellow and very small, up to 5 mm in diameter and have 5 invisible petals. The fruits of the tree are elliptical and firm and reach 2-3 cm in length. Unripe jujube is green and slippery and has an apple-like taste that turns dark red and wrinkles when ripe.
Jujube fruit, which has a long and narrow core, ripens in full in autumn. It tastes sweet, edible and has medicinal properties.
Dried jujube fruit
In Britain, jujube is eaten dried or in the form of flavored candies with evening tea. In Korea, China and Taiwan, jujube sweet syrup is used. In some areas, jujube is used to make vinegar, and in Africa it is used to make cakes. Canned jujube and jujube-flavored tea are also used around the world, but in Iran, Pakistan and India, jujube is mostly used dried.
Nutritional Value
This fruit is a good source of vitamin C and contains significant amounts of minerals. It also contains protein, carbohydrates and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and flora. It also contains pectin (as calcium pectate) as a soluble fiber that is effective in reducing fat and blood sugar. The total fat content of jujube fruit is very low. The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to total fat in jujube fruit is high.
How to consume jujube
Fresh jujube fruit is used raw and cooked to make cakes, pastries, desserts, jams and marmalades.
Dried jujube is used to make jujube syrup and drink.
In Jordan, Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries, fresh and dried jujube fruit is eaten as a snack or with an after-meal dessert.
Smoked jujube, also known as black jujube, is one of the most delicious snacks in Vietnam.
In India, jujube fruit is used to make pickles.
What is the nature of jujube?
The nature and temperament of jujube is mild and moist. Jujube is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, zinc and fiber.
Jujube (also known as Ziziphus jujuba), also known as Chinese dates, Korean dates, Indian dates and red dates, was cultivated in China more than 4,000 years ago. It is believed that there are 400 types of jujube in the world.
The jujube tree is small and grows to a height of 12 meters, its leaves are bright green and its fruit is like a small olive with a large core in the middle. Fresh jujube fruit has a smooth skin with a yellowish green or yellow and red color that after drying, wrinkles and turns dark red.
Medicinal and therapeutic benefits of jujube for health
Cancer
Jujube is known as an anti-cancer food due to its high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids;
Juice extracted from jujube fruit helps inhibit cancer cells. A study in Iran showed that dried jujube extract has anti-cancer properties and induces apoptosis or death of cancer cells, especially leukemia in humans.
Another study from the University of Cumbria shows that jujube reduces the risk of cancer cell metastasis and even causes cancer cells to die.
Stomach and gastrointestinal tract
Fresh and dried jujube fruit is used in traditional medicine to improve digestion; A study shows that daily consumption of jujube helps improve gastrointestinal function and reduces the likelihood of toxins accumulating in the intestines.
In a study in mice, jujube was found to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
Treatment of anemia
Jujube is useful for treating anemia a nd improving blood circulation in the body; Jujube fruit contains significant amounts of iron and phosphorus, which increase the production of red blood cells and improve blood circulation in the body.
Anti-inflammatory
Topical application of jujube fruit extract is said to act as a strong anti-inflammatory and reduce muscle and joint pain.
Osteoporosis
Calcium and phosphorus in jujube help strengthen and improve bone function and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Slimming and weight loss
Jujube is one of the low-calorie fruits and due to its high amounts of fiber and protein, it reduces appetite and helps to lose weight by preventing overeating.
Constipation
Jujube is a natural remedy for constipation; Jujube fruit improves bowel movements and helps prevent and treat chronic constipation.
Stress and depression
In traditional medicine, jujube fruit is used as a natural sedative to treat stress, anxiety and depression.
The results of an animal study show that jujube extract at low doses has anti-anxiety properties and at high doses has natural sedative properties.
Insomnia treatment
In traditional Chinese medicine, jujube fruit and kernels are used to treat insomnia; One study found that high levels of flavonoids, polysaccharides and saponins in jujube and its kernels act as a natural sedative and treat insomnia at night.
Drinking a cup of jujube before going to bed can calm the nerves and treat insomnia naturally.
Strengthen the immune system
High levels of antioxidants and vitamin C in jujube help reduce free radicals and strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, colds and infectious diseases.
The flavonoids in jujube have strong antimicrobial and antiviral properties and reduce the risk of infection, especially in children.
Jujube tea has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to treat sore throats.
Treatment of ovarian cysts
A study at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran shows that shilanum (a plant product made from jujube) is useful for treating ovarian cysts.
Facial skin rejuvenation
High levels of antioxidants and vitamin C in jujube help reduce free radicals in the body and rejuvenate facial skin by removing wrinkles.
Acne and pimples
Jujube helps prevent and treat acne and pimples due to its high levels of antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Treatment of eczema pruritus
Jujube helps to treat itching caused by hot flashes due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Strengthens and enhances hair growth
A laboratory study has found that the use of jujube oil helps strengthen follicles and increase hair growth.
Blood and heart fat
Some early research has shown that jujube reduces the risk of fat deposition in blood vessels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood lipids.
blood pressure
High levels of potassium in jujube help improve the function of blood vessels, reduce high blood pressure and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blood detoxification
The saponins in jujube help detoxify the blood and reduce the risk of disease by strengthening the immune system.
Improves brain function
Jujube can help improve brain function; This amazing fruit inhibits the activity of glutamate (a neurotransmitter) that causes brain damage in people with stroke, seizures or Parkinson’s disease.
Seizure treatment
An initial laboratory study has shown that jujube extract helps treat seizures and significantly reduces brain damage.
Complications and harms of jujube
Excessive consumption of jujube can in rare cases cause drowsiness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness and discomfort.
Pregnancy and lactation
Detailed studies on the effects of jujube on pregnant and lactating women have not yet been published, so experts recommend that women avoid jujube during pregnancy and lactation.
Diabetes and blood sugar
Jujube fruit may lower your blood sugar, so it is recommended that you consume jujube if you have diabetes and control your blood sugar every time you eat it.
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