Of course, just like its name the jujube seeds are the seeds of the jujube tree. For those who still don’t have an idea of what jujube is, it is a small sized shrub measuring 5 to 12 meters with thorny sharp branches.
The leaves are shiny green with an oval-like shape, while the flowers are small with 5-mm five green-yellowish petals. The fruits resemble dates, with brown to purplish black in colour, tasting like apple. Read:Â Health Benefits of Jujube Fruit
The jujube is native to Asia, particularly China, Japan, Korea and India. Its places of origin have also earned jujube numerous nicknames such as the red date, Chinese date, Korean date or the Indian date. And now, what are the health benefits of jujube seeds?
Nutritional Facts of Jujube Seeds
(Per 100 grams)
- Calories – 79
- Total Fat – 0.2 g (0% of DV)
- Cholesterol – 0 mg (0% of DV)
- Sodium – 3 mg (0% of DV)
- Total Carbohydrate – 20 g (6% of DV)
- Protein – 1.2 g (2% of DV)
- Calcium – 2%
- Magnesium – 2%
- Iron – 2%
- Vitamins
- Vitamin A – 0%
- Vitamin B6 – 5%
- Vitamin B12 – 0%
- Vitamin C – 115%
All data presented are the percentages per daily value (DV) based on a 2000-calorie diet.
These are also the other vitamin A benefits and also vitamin C benefits.
What are the Health Benefits of Jujube Seeds?
Here’s the health benefits of jujube seeds along with jujube fruits:
- Very High Vitamin C Content
Jujube has surprisingly high vitamin C content, with the data above indicating that it possesses as much as 115% of vitamin C reserves. Vitamin C is both an antioxidant and a water-soluble vitamin that works to improve immunity, form, repair, replace and maintain vital tissues such as the bones, skin and our internal organs. Aside from that, vitamin C also helps to combat cancer-causing free radicals.
It is a known fact that our body cannot produce vitamin C, therefore we must rely on consumption in order to get some. With the high amount of vitamin C jujube has, I’m pretty sure that you could easily achieve the daily recommended value of it.
- Reduces Anxiety
It is interesting totake note that jujube seed extract is as effective as established drugs like diazepam (valium), benefits of gaba supplements for anxiety or buspirone when it comes to reducing anxiety levels.
Besides, jujube seems to be a more organic and healthier option compared to these two to fight anxiety, and by that it could also mean less exposure to its side effects. Other than that, it can be used anytime and any day without specific doses, with much less risk of dependencies.
- Improves Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleeps
The Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is a unique phase of sleep wherein it is characterized by the random and rapid movement of the eyes, accompanied by low muscle tones distributed throughout the body, which leads to vivid dreams occurring mostly at this stage.
REM could possibly be achieved easily with the help of jujube, which on its own already treats insomnia naturally.Â
- Treats Insomnia
If you suffer from insomnia or any other rest problems, consumption of jujube may seem to be a good idea due to the soothing nature of the organic compounds found inside the jujube fruits. At the end, your mind and body can be calmed greatly, which makes you way easier to get into a quality sleep.
One Chinese study found out that the saponins of jujube proved an effective sedative as well as hypnotic function, which are needed to get health benefits of deep sleep.
- Detoxifies the Blood
The saponins and alkaloids inside jujube have been directly related to blood purification and eliminating hazardous toxins from our body, which is also an antioxidant process on its own right.
This effect can prevent a range of diseases in the long run and also eases the burden and stress carried by our immune and lymphs.
- Can Also Be Used for Skin Treatment
Jujube juice and seed extracts have been utilized to treat various derma-infections or irritations, among them are acne, eczema as well as psoriasis. It can also help to prevent the sudden appearance of wrinkles, fade scars, as well as oxidize the skin.
Aside from drinking the juice or utilizing the seed extracts, consuming fresh jujube fruits also help you to obtain the benefits on skin above.
- Enhances Our Immunity
Jujube is able to increase our immunity being a natural antioxidant content, with plentiful reserves of vitamins A and C, as well as various organic compounds and acids.
It is these antioxidants that help to drive away cancer-causing free radicals and stimulate the production of white blood cells that also act as the front line of our defense system.Â
- Increases Digestion Efficiency
Jujube fruit is also regarded to be successful in improving the flow of our digestive system. This is mainly attributed to its high fibre content, but then other compounds such as saponins and triterpenoids also played a vital role by optimizing the absorption of nutrients and supporting the healthy flow of digestive system through bowels. At the end of the day, common digestive problems such as constipation, cramps, excess flatulence or bloating can be prevented at best.
Precautions and Warnings
Jujubes can pose harm to diabetic people, since it also contains a reasonable amount of complex carbohydrates which can negatively affect the blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, jujubes have almost no other side effects, except if one is allergic to the fruit.
Symptoms of jujube allergy include abdominal pains, suffocation, diarrhea, hives, red itchy eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and wheezing. Jujubes can also cause intense headache as a side effect, and it is best to not consume one at an empty stomach.
Before taking jujube, it is wise to consult a medical expert first hand.
These are also the health benefits of jujube fruit.