5 Amazing Health Benefits of Jujube
Jujube fruits improve sleep, boost immunity, aid digestion, prevent metabolic conditions, and help chronic hives.
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Health Benefits of Jujube: Jujubes, also known as Chinese dates or red dates, are sweet and chewy fruits native to Southern Asia. They have been enjoyed for over 3,000 years and are gaining popularity worldwide due to their health benefits and culinary versatility.
Jujube fruits grow on large shrubs or trees (Ziziphus jujuba) and are typically round or pear-shaped, ranging in size from a cherry to a plum. They have thin, edible skin and whitish flesh. When ripe, they turn a deep red or purple and may appear slightly wrinkled.
Fresh jujubes are a low-calorie snack high in fiber and antioxidants. They are often dried and used in candies, desserts, and traditional medicines across Asia.
Jujube fruit is particularly valued in alternative medicine for its purported ability to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
While commonly referred to as dates, jujubes are not related to the date palm tree. They belong to the buckthorn family, making them more closely related to apples. There are hundreds of varieties of jujubes, ranging in taste from sweet to tart.
Jujube fruits are available fresh in some parts of the world, including parts of Africa, South Korea, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and Sicily. Dried jujubes can be found online. Dried jujubes can be enjoyed in various ways, including adding them to jams, breads, dessert fillings, or trail mixes.
5 Health Benefits of Jujube
Following are some of the impressive health benefits of jujube.
1. Improves Sleep: Ziziphus jujube, commonly known as jujube, has been found to improve sleep quality and brain function. Studies on rats indicate that jujube fruit and seed extracts can increase both sleep time and quality. Furthermore, the fruit is commonly used in alternative medicine to alleviate anxiety and protect brain cells from damage by nerve-destroying compounds. Emerging research suggests jujube's unique antioxidants may cause these effects.
2. Boosts Immunity: Jujube may also play a role in boosting immunity and fighting cancer cells. Test-tube studies highlight the potential of jujube polysaccharides to combat free radicals, neutralize harmful cells, and reduce inflammation. These effects suggest that jujube could aid in preventing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the fruit is rich in vitamin C, a well-known antioxidant with potential anticancer properties.
3. Improves Digestion: The high fiber content of jujube makes it beneficial for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate digestion, softens stools, and promotes the movement of food through the digestive tract. Furthermore, jujube extracts may strengthen the lining of the stomach and intestines, potentially reducing the risk of ulcers and other damage. Jujube fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to outgrow harmful bacteria.
4. Prevents Metabolic Health Conditions: Jujube may also help prevent metabolic health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A small study found that participants who ingested jujube powder saw improvements in their HDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides. However, they did not see any changes in fasting blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, or blood pressure.
5. Aids in Chronic Hives: A small study found that jujube may help improve symptoms of chronic hives (CSU). Participants who consumed Ziziphus jujube syrup reported better sleep than those who received a simple jujube syrup.
(Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated by AI and published after the content was editorially modified and verified by a human based on their own judgement and expertise. The Quint does not publish AI-generated content without direct human involvement and oversight).