'Ber’ for you: Benefits of Jujube

Winter and the rain is ready to shower us with fresh flora and fauna. Jujube or 'ber' as we call it in India is one such fruit that makes the wait for the spring worthwhile.

Cultivated mainly in South Asia, the fruit is also known as red date, Indian date, Korean date, Chinese date, around the world. Resembling a date in appearance, the slightly tarty and sweet fruit can range from brown to purplish-black in appearance.

The bite-sized fruit comes with a host of health benefits. From better digestion to better sleep, the range of benefits will pleasantly surprise you.

Here are some of the benefits of jujube fruit-

Helps You Sleep Better

Jujubes were traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat sleep troubles like Insomnia. Both the fruit and its seeds are rich in flavonoids- saponins and polysaccharides. Saponin has been touted as a natural sleep promoter by several experts in the past. Its sedative helps improve quality sleep by lending a soothing effect on the entire nervous system.

Soothes Anxiety

Jujube has been proven to have calming effects on the brain and nervous system. It helps relieve anxiety as well. The sedative effects of jujube fruit or jujube oil extract are also known to work on hormonal levels and induce a calm, relaxed sensation through your mind and body.

Rich In Vitamin C

Jujube is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and antioxidants. They are particularly very rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps vitalize skin, fights free radicals and strengthens immunity by keeping diseases at bay. 100 grams of jujube have 69 milligrams of vitamin C. Since our body cannot produce vitamin C, it is important to make the most of the natural sources that are available. Jujube could be your best bet.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Jujubes have low salt content and high potassium content, and both of these qualities about the fruit ensures that your blood pressure levels are in check. Potassium is helpful for keeping the blood vessels relaxed. When blood vessels are relaxed, there is smoother blood flow and the pressure is apt.

Improves Bone Strength

Consuming jujubes may help you have stronger bones too. Jujubes are loaded with like calcium, phosphorous, and iron which helps improve bone strength. The ones who are suffering from osteoporosis and other bone degrading conditions must consume the sweet and tarty fruit to reverse the effect or manage the condition better.

So what are you waiting for? Load up on these sweet and tarty delights and reap their benefits.