Are you looking for a powerful and tasty fruit for your smoothies and snacks? Look no further than the Indian jujube fruit! This small, round fruit, also known as Indian ber or Chinese date, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its numerous health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the anti-inflammatory properties, bone health effects, nutritional profile and immune system benefits of this amazing fruit.
The Nutritional Profile of Indian Jujube Fruit
Before we dive into the health benefits of Indian jujube fruit, let’s take a look at its nutritional profile. According to the US nutritional database, 100 grams of fresh jujube fruit contains approximately:
- 79 calories
- 20 grams of carbohydrates
- 1.2 grams of protein
- 0.2 grams of fat
- 1 gram of fiber
- 69 milligrams of vitamin C
- 8 milligrams of calcium
As you can see, Indian jujube fruit is low in calories and fat but high in vitamin C, which is crucial for a healthy immune system, and calcium, which is essential for strong bones.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Indian Jujube Fruit
In recent years, anti-inflammatory foods have become more and more popular due to their ability to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Indian jujube fruits contain numerous anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenic acids.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that an extract of Indian jujube fruit reduced inflammation and pain in rats with induced arthritis. Additionally, another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that Indian jujube fruit extract had a protective effect against oxidative stress, which is a major cause of inflammation in the body.
Bone Health Effects of Indian Jujube Fruit
As noted earlier, Indian jujube fruit is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. Calcium helps to maintain strong bones and teeth, and also plays a role in muscle function and nervous system health.
In addition to calcium, Indian jujube fruit contains other bone-building nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research found that Indian jujube fruit extracts increased bone formation and density in rats, making it a promising food for improving bone health in humans.
Immune System Benefits of Indian Jujube Fruit
Another major benefit of Indian jujube fruit is its immune system-boosting properties. As mentioned earlier, Indian jujube fruit is high in vitamin C, which is crucial for a healthy immune system.
In addition to vitamin C, Indian jujube fruit contains other powerful immune-boosting nutrients such as vitamin A, zinc, and iron. A study published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry found that Indian jujube fruit extract had antibacterial and antifungal activities, making it a powerful food for fighting infections.
Food Combining with Indian Jujube Fruit
To maximize the health benefits of Indian jujube fruit, it’s important to consume it in combination with other healthy foods. One of the best ways to enjoy Indian jujube fruit is by adding it to your smoothies. Try combining it with other anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, ginger, dark leafy greens, and berries for a delicious and nutritious drink.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe
Here’s a recipe for a delicious and anti-inflammatory smoothie featuring Indian jujube fruit:
- 1 cup of fresh spinach
- 1 small Indian jujube fruit, pitted
- 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 inch of fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 cup of coconut milk
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and enjoy!
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits like Indian jujube fruit, be sure to check out the rest of our fruit section and our anti-inflammatory herbs section for more powerful goodness to add to your autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article informative and enjoyable. Come back again soon for more health and wellness content.