:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Health-GettyImages-1658934203-c32761fc93af490d8b098f16b1e10f15.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Jujube (Chinese Red Date): Health Benefits and Risks")
Jujube, also known as the Chinese red date, is a round fruit commonly grown in Southeast Asia. The bright red jujube fruit is about the size of a plum. Inside the fruit is a white pulp that covers the jujube seed. Jujube fruit is rich in fiber, vitamin C and anti-inflammatory plant compounds.
In traditional Chinese medicine, jujubes are consumed to improve sleep and remove toxins. Jujubes have been cultivated in China for more than 4,000 years. You can enjoy jujubes as fresh fruit and in some dessert recipes.
Jujube contains antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonols. It is also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant vitamin. Antioxidants help protect the body against harmful free radicals, which can come from things like pollution, smoke and ultraviolet radiation. These free radicals can damage healthy cells, making them weaker and more likely to cause health problems heart disease and cancer.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions that increase your risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. An imbalance of cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides mainly causes metabolic syndrome.
In a small study, participants who took jujube powder saw improvements in their HDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides in participants. However, they saw no changes in fasting blood sugar, LDL cholesterol or blood pressure.
Another study found that participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes saw a reduction in blood sugar, total cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
However, each of these studies showed mixed results on the effectiveness of jujube in treating metabolic disorders. More research is needed to know if jujube has a major effect on these health problems.
Many people use herbal supplements to improve sleep quality. One study tested a supplement called LZComplex3, which contains jujube, magnesium, vitamin B6and other ingredients. The study focused on participants with insomnia.
There was no significant difference in sleep quality between the placebo group and the participants who took the supplement. Some participants from both groups also reported experiencing side effects.
In another study, participants who consumed jujube capsules saw more improvements than the placebo group. However, more research and larger studies are still needed to confirm the effects of jujube on sleep quality.
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is the medical term for chronic hiveswhich can last more than six weeks. Second-generation H1 antihistamines are the first line of treatment, but about 50% of people do not respond to them. Interest in using herbal medicine for CSU has grown among people who do not see any improvement from antihistamines.
A small study found that jujube may help improve sleep. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group received Ziziphus jujube syrup, while the other got a simple jujube syrup. Both groups also took an antihistamine. The Ziziphus The jujube group reported better sleep than the jujube simple syrup group. This suggests that Ziziphus jujube syrup can improve sleep. However, there is limited research on the effects of Ziziphus jujube.
Jujube provides small amounts of nutrients such as potassium and copper, but is especially rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and aids in wound healing. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb it iron from plant foods.
A 100-gram serving of raw jujube provides the following calories and nutrients:
- Calories: 79
- Egg white: 1.2 grams (g)
- Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 20.2g
- Fiber: 10 g, or 36% of the Daily Value (RDI)
- Vitamin C: 69 milligrams, or 77% of the RDA
Jujube is also high in fiber, which is important for gut health. Fiber can help you feel full and keep your blood sugar and cholesterol levels stable, which can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease type 2 diabetes.
Jujube is available in several supplement forms, including capsules, gummies, liquid extracts, and powders. However, there is no standard recommended dosage for Jujube. Since supplements have not been verified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consider purchasing supplements that have been third-party tested.
Researchers generally recommend getting antioxidants from whole foods rather than supplements. But if you are considering taking a Jujube supplement or any other supplement, talk to your healthcare provider first.
Jujube is generally safe to consume. In rare cases, Indian jujube (Ziziphus Mauritiana Lam) has been associated with reports of latex fruit allergy. Indian jujube is smaller and not as sweet as regular jujube.
People with a latex allergy may also react to some fruits that contain similar proteins to those in the tree sap used to make latex. Avocado, banana and peppers are examples of foods that some people with a latex allergy may be allergic to. Symptoms can range from itchy or swollen skin and mouth to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
If you have a latex allergy, consult your doctor before using jujube.
You can enjoy jujubes neat as fresh fruit or as a sweet topping.
Ways to add jujube to your diet include:
- Blend jujube into smoothies
- Stir the chopped jujube into the breakfast cereal, oatmealor yogurt.
- Mix dried jujube into baked goods such as muffins and bread.
- Add chopped jujube to salads for a sweet contrast to savory ingredients.
- Steep dried jujube in hot water to make tea
Jujube is a sweet red fruit traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its antioxidant properties. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and fiber. Although more research is needed, jujube has been used to improve sleep quality, reduce the risk of metabolic health problems, and prevent the symptoms of chronic hives. Consult your doctor before taking jujube supplements.