Ziziphus (unabi): useful properties and contraindications for the body, application

The health benefits of unabi (Chinese date) have been surprising scientists for over 4,000 years. The exotic fruit has spread to Afghanistan, China, Australia, Japan and the Mediterranean coast. In Muslim countries, unabis are considered the tree of life, which gives extremely useful fruits.

What is "unabi"

Unabi is a thorny shrub that is cultivated in countries with warm climates. He belongs to the Krushinov family. Its fruits are considered to be truly unique creations of the world. Unabi is also called ziziphus, jujuba and Chinese date. In some regions it is considered the “tree of life”. Due to a number of useful properties, it is widely used in medicine.

What does zizyphus look like

Chinese dates grow on evergreen shrubs, reaching a height of 5-10 m. The trunk of the tree is covered with dark gray bark with wrinkles. The crown of the shrub is spreading, but rare. The root system is located underground and divided into many shoots. The leaves are lanceolate and dark green in color. They are 5 cm long and about 3 cm wide. Chinese unabi fruits ripen from the second half of September to October. In appearance, they vaguely resemble the Hungarian plum. The fruit is spherical, slightly oblong in shape. The color of the flesh of ripe fruits ranges from red to brown. It is distinguished by its fine-grained structure and juiciness. A photo of the Chinese date unabi can be seen below.

Where and how does unabi grow

China is considered the birthplace of unabi. The bush has been growing there for over 6000 years. On the territory of Russia, it is found in the Crimea and the Caucasus. In the first year of planting, the shrub is slow growing. During this period, it is inappropriate to start forming the crown. Experts recommend choosing protected, leveled areas for planting, as well as slopes in the southwestern side. It is necessary to take into account that the distance between the bushes is at least 2 m. With proper care, the plant begins to bear fruit early.It endures wintering without any problems.

Unabi value and chemical composition

Ziziphus is extremely useful for the human body due to its vitamin and mineral composition and a number of unique properties. 100 g of the product accounts for about 100 mg of ascorbic acid. This amount is enough to meet the daily requirement of the body by 50%. The chemical composition is represented by the following components:

• flavonoids;
• pectins;
• minerals;
• amino acids;
• neomyrtillin;
• organic acids;
• styrene;
• vitamins;
• essential oils;
• coumarins;
• tannins;
• alkaloids;
• glucose.

100 g of Chinese dates contain 20.23% carbohydrates and 1.2% protein. The main value of unabi lies in the rich content of minerals. These include:

• iron;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• zinc;
• phosphorus;
• cobalt;
• manganese.

Vitamin content

The beneficial properties of the Chinese date unabi are the result of its rich vitamin composition. In terms of ascorbic acid content, the Chinese fruit can even compete with lemon. With the regular intake of vitamin into the body, a significant strengthening of immunity is observed.

The following vitamins are also included in the Chinese date:

• a nicotinic acid;
• tocopherol;
• B vitamins;
• rutin;
• vitamin C;
• retinol.

Calorie content of ziziphus

Unabi can be added to the diet with dietary meals. It does not contribute to weight gain at all. 100 g of the product contains only 79 kcal. During the drying process, the calorie value increases fourfold.

How to eat ziziphus

Chinese dates are usually eaten raw. This allows you to use the maximum useful properties of the product. It is eaten with the peel, after rinsing it with running water. In large supermarkets, it can be found in the form of dried fruit. In stores in eastern countries, Chinese unabi is offered as a seasoning.

What does zizyphus taste like?

A raw Chinese date tastes like a regular apple. A distinctive feature is tart notes and dense structure. The Chinese product has the ability to quickly satisfy hunger. When dried, it looks like dates.

Useful properties of Chinese ziziphus date

Unabis have spread not only in cooking, but also in alternative medicine. In China, they are considered an effective pain reliever. In some cases, the product is used to normalize digestion and restore the emotional state.

The benefits of ziziphus for the body are as follows:

• antioxidant property;
• cleansing liver cells;
• improvement of intestinal motility;
• calming effect;
• strengthening the immune system;
• help in the fight against insomnia;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• improving the condition of teeth and bones;
• treatment and prevention of diseases of the respiratory system;
• prevention of anemia.

Useful properties of ziziphus berries

Each component of the fruit has a specific set of nutrients. The pulp is used for medicinal purposes less often than the peel and bone. But this does not diminish its benefits. It contains a huge amount of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. Eating 20 dried fruits a day daily can significantly improve the functioning of the body. It is especially useful to include the product in the diet during the demi-season with an increased risk of catching colds.

Other important functions of the pulp include:

• slowing down the growth of malignant cells;
• normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
• detoxification of the blood;
• restoration of blood pressure levels;
• property to improve memory.

Benefits of Ziziphus seeds

The main concentration of nutrients is noted in the seeds of the Chinese ziziphus. They do an excellent job with insomnia and chronic overwork.A decoction made from seeds is often used to normalize the emotional state and get rid of headaches.

Why are ziziphus leaves useful?

The leafy part of the unabi Chinese date is often used to lower blood pressure and restore heart rate. The leaves are dried before brewing. Then they are poured with water and infused for several hours. The drink is great for coughing. It has an expectorant effect and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits of unabi compote

Compote is prepared from both dried and fresh unabi fruits. It is permissible to preserve the drink for the winter. In summer, it helps to cope with thirst, and in winter it saves from vitamin deficiency. A distinctive feature of the compote is its natural taste and the absence of synthetic components.

Why is unabi useful for the body

Unabi has a general strengthening effect on the body. It is very useful during periods of immunodeficiency and during recovery from a protracted illness. In addition, the fruit perfectly saturates, relieving hunger for a long time. It can be used as a snack between meals.

Useful properties of unabi for men

Chinese dates are good for people of all ages and genders. It is recommended for men with reproductive disorders. The fruits contain many substances that have a stimulating effect on the functioning of the genitals.

The beneficial properties of the fruit of the unabi tree include the following:

• relief of the inflammatory process in the prostate;
• prevention of ischemic heart disease;
• improving the quality of semen;
• elimination and prevention of erectile dysfunction;
• calming effect;
• strengthening of blood vessels.

Benefits of unabi fruits for women

Women are advised to include unabi in their diet due to its anti-aging properties and reproductive health support. The healthy fruit has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, nails and skin. Thanks to B vitamins, the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome are reduced.

Can ziziphus during pregnancy

Like any other fruit, ziziphus is extremely beneficial for women during pregnancy. It contains folic acid, which the fetus needs in the first trimester. She is responsible for the formation of the neural tube in the baby. Ascorbic acid has a strengthening effect on the immune system, reducing the risk of getting colds and flu. Minerals in the composition of unabi ensure the proper development of the musculoskeletal system.

Despite its beneficial properties, ziziphus can be harmful. It is considered the strongest allergen. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss the possibility of its use with a doctor on an individual basis.

Can ziziphus for a nursing mother

During lactation, it is not prohibited to add ziziphus to the diet. But it is advisable to do this no earlier than three months after childbirth. The product is eaten in small portions, no more than one piece. In the absence of allergies, you can increase the amount of fruit. If the baby changes stools or skin rashes, it is required to abandon the product.

At what age can ziziphus for children

It is permissible for children to give unabi at the age of not earlier than two years. By this time, the baby's body can fully assimilate solid food. Before introducing the product into the diet, it is advisable to make sure that there is no allergic reaction. At first, it is required to give the Chinese date in a chopped form and in very small quantities. Since unabi can stick to teeth, it is necessary to give the child water after eating it.

Healing properties of unabi

Dates are used not only to satisfy hunger, but also for medicinal purposes. This is facilitated by the beneficial properties and rich composition of the product.Unabi is used both as an independent agent and in addition to the main therapy.

Ziziphus is effective against the following diseases:

• disruption of the kidneys;
• diabetes;
• sleep disturbance;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• immunodeficiency;
• osteoporosis;
• drops in blood pressure;
• cardiovascular pathology;
• Iron-deficiency anemia.

The healing properties of the Chinese date unabi for diabetes

Unabi is often used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps to keep glucose at acceptable levels and regulate metabolism. The desired effect is achieved due to the content of neomyrtillin, which is a natural insulin. Plus, unabi has powerful antioxidant properties.

Does ziziphus help with pressure

Ziziphus is no less effective in relation to hypertension. The product is able to lower blood pressure, relieving discomfort. For medicinal purposes, take a decoction of Chinese dates. The treatment is carried out for two weeks, taking 100 ml of the product four times a day.

For insomnia

To normalize sleep, a decoction of ziziphus is taken in the evening. Single dosage - 1 tbsp. l. The therapy is carried out within a week. If there is no improvement, you need to seek medical help.

For the heart and blood vessels

Due to the content of vitamin C, ziziphus has a strengthening effect on blood vessels. It clears them of bad cholesterol and prevents thinning of the walls. For the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, a decoction based on unabi leaves is used.

To normalize the digestive tract

The pectins and tannins present in Chinese dates help to normalize the digestive system. They help nutrients to be absorbed faster and relieve intestinal inflammation. When consumed in moderation, dates can help relieve diarrhea.

For immunity

By adding unabi to your diet, you can significantly increase the activity of the immune system. This is due to the abundance of vitamins in the composition. The fruit is recommended to be consumed both fresh and as a dried fruit in the mid-season. This helps prevent catching colds and flu.

For kidneys

The medicinal properties of ziziphus are relevant for diseases of the urinary system. The product eliminates puffiness, ridding the body of excess fluid. In addition, it helps to stop the inflammatory process and the accompanying symptoms.

With anemia

Prevention and treatment of anemia is achieved by replenishing the body's iron stores. To normalize well-being, date-based compote is used. Take it 100 ml three times a day.

With osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease with decreased bone density. Dates contain many minerals to prevent further complications. They strengthen the structure of bones and joints.

Does unabi help cancer

The beneficial properties of the fruit of the unabi tree are also applicable to malignant processes in the body. They cannot eliminate the focus of the disease. Due to its antioxidant effect, dates remove toxins from the body that are formed as a result of drug therapy.

How to take unabi for medicinal purposes

For medicinal purposes, Chinese dates are used according to a specific algorithm. For each disease, a dosage and application schedule is provided. To achieve a lasting therapeutic effect, it is imperative to carry out treatment from beginning to end.

How much zizyphus can you eat per day

When eating fresh fruits, the person's weight must be taken into account. For every 70 kg of body weight, there are 10 dates. This amount is divided into 3-4 doses.

Healing tea with unabi

The drink made from fruits and leaves of ziziphus has a sweet aroma and rich composition.It has a calming and restorative effect on the body. Experts recommend taking it before bed.

The use of ziziphus

Unabi has a fairly wide range of applications. It is used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for solving cosmetic problems. The beneficial properties of the Chinese date are preserved even after heat treatment.

In folk medicine

In non-traditional treatment, unabi is used not raw, but as a prepared product. Not only fruits have a healing effect, but also leaves, bark and seeds.

Ziziphus decoction

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe unabi fruits;
• 500 ml hot water.

Cooking process:

1. Chinese dates are poured with liquid and placed in a water bath for half an hour.
2. After removing from the stove, the drink is cooled and filtered.
3. The broth is taken in ½ tbsp. three times a day.

Unabi infusion

Components:

• 1 tbsp. l. dry leaves of Chinese dates;
• 300 ml hot water.

Cooking steps:

1. The leaves are poured into a deep container and filled with water.
2. The container is closed with a lid and left for 1 hour.
3. Filter the drink before use.
4. Reception is carried out in 50 ml three times a day.

Healing ointment

Ingredients:

• 50 ml olive oil;
• 5 g of unabi leaves.

Recipe:

1. The components are mixed and put on fire.
2. The mixture is heated to a temperature of 90 ° C, and then put away in a secluded place.
3. After 10 days, the resulting product is filtered and used for medicinal purposes.

In cooking

Chinese dates are often consumed dried. To do this, they are dried. It is strongly not recommended to carry out it in the oven, as the risk of overdrying the product increases. Ziziphus is in demand in the manufacture of sauces and alcoholic beverages. It goes well with meat and rice. Dried unabi fruits can be ground into flour and used later for baking.

In dietetics

When taken in dosage, unabi promotes weight loss. This effect is achieved due to the fruit's ability to accelerate metabolism. Plus, it has powerful antioxidant properties.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology practice, the Chinese date is usually used externally. It is crushed to the state of gruel and spread over the skin. This mask gives elasticity and relieves dryness. You can mix the date mixture with other ingredients. This will increase the effectiveness of the procedure.

Limitations and contraindications

Chinese dates unabi can bring health not only benefits, but also harm. This happens if you do not take into account the contraindications and eat an excessive amount of the product.

It is not recommended to introduce it into the diet in the following cases:

• allergic reaction;
• taking antidepressants;
• treatment with anticonvulsants.

Selection and storage rules

When buying a zizyphus, it is advisable to find out in what area it was grown. It is believed that the fruits of the shrubs growing in the mountains are of the greatest benefit. Uneven color is not considered critical. A slight yellowness may be present on the lateral surface. In addition, the Chinese unabi should not be damaged or dents.

The product can be stored both at room temperature and in the refrigerator. In the second case, its shelf life will increase to a month. Dried and cured, the fruit can be stored for a whole year. As part of conservation, it is suitable for 1-3 years.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties of the Chinese date unabi are extremely important for the human body. The inclusion of the product in the diet strengthens the defenses by replenishing minerals and vitamins. But it is extremely important to take into account the presence of contraindications and possible side effects.