Emerged Health Benefits of Jujube Fruit (Ber Fruit)

Ber is known as “Ilanthai” in Tamil which is a medium-sized subtropical tree belonging to the botanical species Ziziphus Mauritiana, which is famous for the tiny berry fruits delivered by this plant.

This sub-tropical tree grows over 1,400 m above from ground level, in the central hills, barren lands, and forests. Its small and beautiful fruits can also be consumed by both adults and kids. Each of the tree’s perforated branches is nearly 5m to 8m high and its trunk is 85 cm in circumference.

The bark is cracked and is very coarse, dull black, or gray. Also, in some of the oldest trees, the green algae are covered with several layers, which makes the appearance of the tree green.

Its oval-shaped leaves have a 5 mm long petiole. Besides, this plant has excellent serration with a length of 3.8 cm and a width of 2.9 cm. The dark green tops are bright and the underneaths are white.

All the yellow flowers that bloom on this tree are clustered on its leaf axils. Although these trees thrive in a short period of time, it can take at least 2 to 3 years before they begin producing fruit.

Native to South Asia, the plant grows mostly in East Asia, Europe, China, and South Asia and is popular around the world. These jujube fruits are also known as Ziziphus Jujube (scientifically), Red Dates, Chinese Dates, Indian dates, Korean dates, Tsao.

The mature fruits are purple or dark red in color and slightly concave in appearance. The fruits of this medicinal plant belonging to the family Rhamnaceae are widely used all over the world due to its numerous health benefits. This herbal fruit is used to relieve stress and improve sleep.

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Different Types of Jujube Fruits

Jujube fruits are rich in essential nutrients and various medicinal properties are available from different types of Jujube trees. They differ from each other in type and characteristics however there is no doubt that all types of fruits have high health benefits. There are hundreds of types of jujube fruits but we reveal the top and most important types.

A] Li Jujube Tree

Li jujube is a popular jujube tree amid the other types, and its fruits are larger than all other varieties. Li jujube has a low level of acidity compared to its other varieties. This type of tree produces very large, attractive, and abundant brown mahogany fruits.

The fruit is very tender and has a sweet taste, and the small egg-shaped seeds inside this fruit are almost incomprehensible. It’s widely known as the Chinese Date, besides, this Li Jujube fruit is unique in its ripeness, attractive taste, and reddish-brown color.

B] Lang Jujube Tree

The Lang Jujube tree produces pear-shaped fruits about 1 1/2 ″ long, which can grow much taller and upright than the Li variety. The tree ripens its fruit from the beginning to the middle of the season.

The Li jujube plant is used for pollination of this type of plant. Its reddish-brown fruits are pearly in appearance and are very sweet when dried and shrunken. They usually ripe in early autumn, at the time they are most attractive in color and structure.

The interesting branches of this beautifully shaped tree are called zig-zag branches. These branches are very hard in nature to prevent the drought and are not greatly affected by pests.

C] Honey Jar Jujube Tree

The fruits that appear on the Honey Jar Jujube trees, which are native to China, are often called Chinese dates. They can withstand all types of temperatures from 100°F in summer to -28°F in winter.

This autumn tree can withstand maximum temperature and cold, but this can grow up to 20 feet to 40 feet. This tree, which bears fruit especially in late spring, does not require much maintenance. This plant can grow even in severe drought, its fruits are safe and undamaged.

Its immature fruit is green, the medium-range fruit is mahogany or yellow-green, and eventually, its fully ripe fruit is red. These trees, which are high in vitamin C, have thorns to prevent drought.

D] Ta Jan Jujube Tree

The fruits of the Ta Jan Jujube tree are all oval in shape, all slightly smaller than the Lang Jujube fruit. In appearance, these fruits resemble pear, the fruits of which appear in late spring and are very easy to dry. More so, the well dried Ta Jan Jujube fruits are rich in nutrients and medicinal properties.

E] Chico Jujube Tree

The fruit of the Chico Jujube tree, native to Chico in California, has a rounded shape with small apple-like textures. Chico Jujube is a unique and rare type of tree that can provide the fruit needed for the energy of the human body.

This small attractive tree has evergreen lace, many deciduous branches, and numerous fragrant white flowers. The flowers bloom only in mid-summer. This type of jujube fruit, also known as sweet Chinese dates, is reddish-brown when ripe.

This sweet apple with a crispy texture and unique taste easily grows in all temperatures. Drought tolerant jujube trees thrive in various parts of northwestern America.

Nutrition Values of Jujube Fruits

The various nutrition contains and the value of 100 grams of Jujube Fruits

Nutrient	Value
Calories	281
Total Fat	0.5 gm
Sodium	5 mg
Total Carbohydrates	72.52 gm
Dietary Fiber	6 gm
Protein	4.72 gm
Iron	5.09 mg
Calcium	63 mg
Phosphorus	68 mg
Potassium	217 mg
Vitamin C	217.6 mg
Copper	0.07 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Manganese	0.08 mg
Sodium	3 mg
Zinc	0.05 mg
Vitamin A	40 IU
Vitamin B6	0.08 mg
Riboflavin	0.04 mg
Thiamin	0.02 mg
Niacin	0.9 mg

Health Benefits of Jujube Fruit

For the health benefits Jujube Fruits, they have become one of the most eaten foods in all households, especially in the United States. This is the reason why the medicinal Jubube Fruit is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. These medicinal fruits have numerous health benefits and we will look at some of them here.

Enhance Brain Function & Mental Health

Jujube fruits have a neurological protective effect that improves memory and is highly recommended for children as they greatly increase learning ability.

These fruits have the necessary antioxidant effects on the resulting alleviate anxiety and insomnia problems, and they also have many soothing effects on the body.

They treat all neurological disorders and strengthen the nervous system. In a study conducted with jujube fruits, they can show various positive effects on stress hormones and neurotransmitters.

In addition, studies show that these fruits are helpful in preventing stress and frustration. Jujube fruits have the valuable medicinal property of the flavonoid kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, which fights against antioxidant pressure and effectively protects neuron cells.

Antimicrobial & Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Jujube fruits have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as these fruits come with a special and beneficial component named betulinic acid. It is because of this acid that anti-inflammatory & anti-microbial activities are most active in these fruits.

Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are both caused by different types of bacterial infections.

Jujube fruits greatly control the development of these two infections. In addition, these fruits are the best remedy for inflammation, rashes, red patches, itching, and redness caused by bacterial infections.

Improves & Regulate Digestive Functions

Jujube fruit, a medicinal herb, is high in fiber and has been widely used not only in Ayurveda but also in various medicines. Chronic constipation can be effectively treated by consuming a certain amount of these fruits which are high in fiber content.

Jujube fruits are also used to treat stomach aches, flatulence, and muscle cramps caused by constipation. Dietary fiber not only acts as a good laxative to alleviate constipation problems but also contributes to facilitating abnormal bowel movements.

The main reason why jujube fruits are used in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is that they improve intestinal function and increase the activity of an enzyme called AMPK. Jujube fruits contain pectin which promotes anti-diarrhea properties.

Also Read: 10 Herbs to Boost Digestion

Assists Loss Excess Cholesterol

Many people mistakenly think that the calories in jujube fruits can increase body weight, but that is a misconception. These fruits have a very low-calorie content which gives energy to the body, which in no way is conducive to your obesity.

And these fruits contain fiber and protein that nourish the body. Jujube fruits, which are a source of essential nutrients, give the body a feeling of fullness and effectively meet the body’s nutritional needs.

In particular, they inhibit the formation of cholesterol, which is the cause of belly fat and limits glucose levels. Therefore eating jujube fruit as a medicine or in your daily diet can significantly reduce excess weight gain.

Also Read: 10 Natural Herbs and Spices To Lower Cholesterol

Prevents & Treats Osteoporosis

Minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, and potassium are important contributors in bone quality and defective development. All of these minerals are high in jujube fruits so they support healthy bone growth.

Also, these jujube fruits ensure the strength and firmness of the teeth. Deficiency of essential minerals can lead to serious diseases such as Osteoporosis, Kwashiorkor, and Marasmus.

But by consuming this nutritious fruit all the bone-related diseases including Osteoporosis can be cured quickly. These fruits have all the benefits of polysaccharides, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Helps Control Blood Pressure

Jujube fruits are widely used to treat high blood pressure and its various effects. More so, these fruits greatly help to increase the level of nitric oxide in the body, this nitric oxide incrementation which regulates the blood flow inside the brain.

The balanced blood flow to the brain greatly reduces or eliminates high blood pressure. In particular, jujube fruits have a low sodium content and a high potassium content, which helps to keep both optimal blood pressure and vasodilation in balance.

Jujube fruits generally contain natural sugars called polysaccharides which enhance the antioxidant properties of the body.

Furthermore, these polysaccharides inhibit the activity of free radicals that affect the body’s immune system, reduce inflammation, and neutralize harmful cells.

Also Read: 10 Best Herbal Remedies For Blood Pressure

Prevents Cancer & Its Symptoms

Jujube fruits have anti-cancer properties, which is why they are considered to be the best strategy to treat cancer.

The pulp obtained from dried jujube fruits contains essential and unsaturated fatty acids such as palmitic, linoleic, oleic, and palmitoleic acids.

Some proved studies stated that this Jujube fruit includes different sorts of Triterpenic acids named Alphitolic, Ceanothic, Ceanothenic, Epiceanothic, Zizyberanal, Betulinic acid, Zizyberanalic, Zizyberenalic acids, Ursonic, and Oleanolic (OA).

The combination of these different compounds has the ability to modify the apoptotic process, thereby effectively treating cancer. In addition, the aforementioned mixed compounds have the potential to cause cytotoxic effects on the body.

Also Read: 10 Best Herbs to Treat Cancer

Effective in Cough Relief

Jujube fruit, which has a lot of medicinal properties, was mixed with daily food in ancient times and was exported abroad for its medicinal benefits. Even today Ayurveda uses dried jujube fruits and their pulp in their medicines.

These medicinal fruits contain a unique enzyme called Bromelain, which helps to reduce the structure and impact of diseases such as cold and flu. In addition, these fruits help to clear the sinus blocks and smooth the airways.

In a study conducted on mice, the extract of this fruit was found to greatly increase the number of immune cells (natural killer cells) in the body and also has the ability to destroy invading cells that are harmful to the nervous system.

Contains Anti-Allergic Properties

Unlike other fruits, jujube fruits have maximum anti-inflammatory properties, i.e. anti-histaminic properties are more common in dried jujube fruits.

These fruits are effective in producing mast cells that help prevent all the reactions caused by allergies and inflammation.

With the help of these fruits, the immune properties can be greatly modified. In particular, various studies have shown that jujube can be used to treat anaphylaxis, a condition caused by allergic rhinitis.

Researchers also stated that the effects of antioxidant compounds present in these fruits are the primary reasons for all its benefits.

Acts as a Powerful Antioxidant

Jujube fruits are rich in vitamin C. Not only that but as I have already said it is high in a chemical component called betulinic acid. This chemical component strengthens all the anti-inflammatory properties of the body and supports a healthy body.

In addition, betulinic acid helps to increase the levels of a chemical compound called glutathione. All these help to protect the body from maximum antioxidant pressure.

Helps to Eliminate Toxins in Blood

Jujube fruit contains strong chemical compounds called Alkaloids and Saponins, which help to purify the blood by breaking down toxins mixed in the blood. These compounds, which act as blood purifying agents, also effectively work to tone the blood.

These are used to control the blood sugar and insulin levels in diabetics. Due to this, they protect the body from various infections. The seeds of this fruit are also rich in antioxidants thus it can protect you from numerous diseases and disorders.

Acts as an Anti-Aging Agent

Usually when the level of vitamin C in the body decreases it can have various effects on the skin. Eventually, it will cause the appearance of aging.

Due to the high content of vitamin C in jujube fruits, it acts as an excellent anti-aging agent and removes wrinkles. It also helps prevent pigmentation and melanin deposition.

Ways to Consume Jujube Fruit in Daily Life

Jujube Fruit Tea

Ingredients : 

• Dried Jujube Fruit – 1 pound
• Ginger – 1 inch
• Cinnamon – 1 bark
• Ice – Required cubes

Procedure : In a wide bowl, take the dried jujube fruit, a few slices of cinnamon, and an inch of chopped ginger and pour 2 cups of water over them. Place the vessel with this mixture in the stove and bring it to a boiling state. Turn off the oven after the contents are cooked well, then strain it with a strainer and set the solids aside. The jujube fruit tea thus prepared can be consumed hot or cold with crushed ice.

Jujube Fruit Candy

Ingredients : 

• Dried Jujube Fruit – 3 pounds
• Water – 5 cups
• Sugar – 5 1/2 cups
• Corn Starch – 1 tablespoon

Procedure: The 3 pounds dried jujube fruit should be thoroughly washed and cleaned. Then pour 5 cups of water in a bowl and add 5 1/2 cups of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cornflour, then bring it to a boil state. Once the mixture reaches boiling point add the washed jujube fruit to it and boil for about 30 minutes. Stir the mixture once every 5 minutes. Make sure the dried fruit is perfectly cooked and leave it all in the oven. Keep it covered overnight. The next morning again boil the jujube then cover for 30 minutes. Afterwards, strain the syrup when it cooled. This syrup should be dried in the sunlight for about 2 to 3 days. Finally when they are well tightened cut them into pieces with a knife.

Jujube Fruit Syrup

Ingredients : 

• Dried Jujube Fruit – 3 pounds
• Water – 5 cups
• Sugar – 5 1/2 cups
• Corn Starch – 1 tablespoon

Procedure: The 3 pounds dried jujube fruit should first be thoroughly washed and cleaned. Then pour 5 cups of water in a bowl and add 5 1/2 cups of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cornflour, then bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the mixture reaches boiling point add the washed jujube fruit to it and boil for about 30 minutes. Stir the mixture once every 5 minutes. Make sure the dried fruit is perfectly cooked and leave it all in the oven. Keep it covered overnight. The next morning again boil the jujube then cover for 30 minutes. Afterwards, strain the syrup when it cooled.

Jujube Fruit Cake

Ingredients : 

• Dried Jujube Fruits – 1 cup
• Water – 1 cup
• Sugar – 2 cup
• Wheat Flour – 2 cups
• Butter – 1/2 cup
• Soda – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon

Procedure: Put all the fermentation ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Put them in the oven and bring to a boil then let the contents cool slightly. Then pour the mixture on a greased plate and bake them at the temperate range of 325°F. Finally, the jujube fruit cake is ready to be eaten by children and elders.