Winter Jujube: Benefits and Effects

Winter jujube is a cultivated variety of jujube tree. Due to its late ripening season, it is called winter jujube. Winter jujube fruits are relatively large, with an average weight of 17.5g and the largest ones reaching up to 25g. They have a shape similar to apples and are recognized as the best fresh jujube, often referred to as "little apple". So what are the benefits and effects of winter jujube?

Enhancing the body's immune system

Winter jujube contains 19 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize on its own, such as threonine and isoleucine. Consuming red jujube provides the body with the raw materials for protein synthesis, promoting the synthesis of various proteins and enzymes in the body, enhancing the body's physical fitness and immune function, and resisting various diseases.

Liver protection

Winter jujube contains a considerable amount of sugar, vitamin C, and adenosine triphosphate. It can break down various harmful chemicals to the liver through oxidation, glycation, and enzyme decomposition, reducing their damage to the liver. It can also promote the synthesis of detoxification proteins in the liver. Therefore, consuming winter jujube has a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect for patients with chronic hepatitis and other liver diseases.

Detoxification and alleviating hangovers

Fructose and vitamin C are effective components for alleviating hangovers, and winter jujube contains high levels of both. Vitamin C can promote the conversion of alcohol into acetic acid, accelerating the decomposition of alcohol and relieving drunkenness. Fructose can promote the decomposition of ethanol and acetaldehyde, which is also why honey is effective for alleviating hangovers. The main component causing headaches after drinking is acetaldehyde. Consuming a certain amount of winter jujube after drinking can accelerate the decomposition of acetaldehyde, not only having a good effect in alleviating hangovers but also preventing post-alcohol headache.

Improving fertility

Although the content of vitamin E (tocopherol) in winter jujube is not very high, it still has a certain effect on reproductive regulation. It can promote the secretion of estrogen in females, increase the pregnancy rate, reduce the risk of miscarriage, and improve the quality (vitality) and quantity of sperm in males, enhancing male fertility and having a certain therapeutic effect on infertility.

Preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases

Winter jujube is rich in rutin (vitamin P), which is relatively abundant compared to other fruits. Rutin is the main active ingredient in the medication quercetin rutin for cardiovascular diseases. Rutin can effectively reduce the permeability and fragility of blood vessels, enhance the elasticity and flexibility of blood vessels, so consuming winter jujube has a certain auxiliary therapeutic and preventive effect on various cardiovascular diseases.

Slowing down aging

The content of vitamin C in winter jujube is among the highest in fruits. It is 70 times that of apples and over 100 times that of pears. As we all know, vitamin C is not only effective in preventing scurvy but also has strong antioxidant properties. It can effectively eliminate free radicals in the body and delay skin aging.

Precautions for consuming winter jujube

1. It is not advisable to eat winter jujube together with radishes, cucumbers, and other foods as it may lower the nutritional value and cause diarrhea. 2. Winter jujube is suitable for fresh consumption and not recommended for frying or boiling as it may reduce the content of its antioxidant components. 3. It is not advisable to consume winter jujube after high-protein foods as it may reduce protein absorption. 4. Winter jujube should not be consumed on an empty stomach or in large quantities to avoid obesity and oral ulcers.