Jujube fruit originated from Southern Asia and has been used as a traditional medicine for more than 3,000 years. Today it is popular across the globe. It is popularly known as the Chinese date or red date.
The fruits are small and round with a seed inside that grows on big flowering shrubs or trees, Ziziphus jujuba. The fruit is purple or red and wrinkled when ripped completely.
It is dried and used in various cadies and desserts due to its sweet taste and chewy texture.
Jujube has been used as an alternative medicine for treating Insomnia and anxiety.
What is Jujube Fruit?
The jujube fruit is round or pear-shaped like cherry or plum. The fruit has white flesh with thin skin. But when it is ripe, it becomes red or purple and wrinkles.
The fruit is rich in nutrients like fiber, minerals, and Vitamin c, which helps in boosting the immune system [1].
It also contains potassium that balances electrolyte levels and muscle control [2].
The natural sugar in the fruit provides energy to the body. However, sugar content in dried jujubes is higher than in fresh fruits.
Jujube is low on calories, and this is good for losing weight.
100 gm provides (i.e., 3-4 fruits)
- Calories: 79
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Vitamin C: 77% of DV (daily value)
- Potassium: 5% of DV (daily value)
Jujube fruit is available in various forms of foods such as:
- Candies
- Snack item
- In Soup or puree
- Tea Syrup
- Vinegar
- Beverage
Jujube Fruit Benefits
Jujube fruit has many health benefits and has been used in alternative medicines for thousands of years. It is also used for treating conditions like Insomnia and anxiety and helps with problems related to digestion, immunity, and the nervous system.
Let us understand in detail the benefits of the fruit.
Rich in Antioxidants
It is a rich source of compounds like flavonoids, triterpenic acid, and polysaccharides with antioxidant properties.
And it also contains vitamin C, which contains betulinic acid, a chemical component that protects against oxidative stress.
Antioxidants help protect the cells and prevent damage from chemicals like free radicals. Air pollution, smoking, sunlight, natural metabolic process, etc., expose you to free radicals. Thus, consuming jujube fruits may help to resolve these problems.
Contains Anti-allergic Properties
The fruit is high in anti-histaminic properties that stabilize the cells, help to modulate the immune system, and prevent any allergic reaction.
Some studies show that it can help with allergic rhinitis.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Agent
Jujube fruits have betulinic acid that has both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It prevents the growth of Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which give rise to several bacterial infections.
Improves Sleep Trouble and Insomnia
Jujube fruit is used for treating Insomnia in Chinese medicine. The seed and the fruit have sedative and soothing qualities like flavonoids, antioxidant phytochemicals, saponins, polysaccharides, etc. Hence, It helps in improving sleep patterns by calming down your nerves. It relaxes your mind and body as a natural sleep inducer [6].
Helps with Digestion
The fruit is rich in fiber content. Thus it is a good energy source that keeps you active throughout the day. It triggers metabolism and facilitates in strengthening stomach lining. Reduces the risks of health issues like ulcers, harmful bacteria, and any other stomach issues [3].
Helps with Constipation
Jujube fruit can help if you have a constipation problem as it contains a high amount of fiber. The fiber helps to soften the stool and regularises your bowel movement.
Boosts Immunity Levels
It is rich in Vitamin C, which helps to build your immunity levels. Consuming fruit daily can boost your immune system.
Helps with Weight Loss
It is rich in nutrients and minerals but low in calorie content. You can prevent additional weight gain and belly fat as it helps decrease glucose levels [4].
You can eat 3-4 fruits every day.
Helps with Blood Pressure
Jujube fruit can help control and maintain blood pressure as it contains a high amount of potassium and less sodium. Potassium helps relax the blood vessels, which allows the blood to flow smoothly with apt pressure.
It also helps to increase your blood flow into the brain.
Relieves Cough and Cold
It can help with issues like blocked respiratory pathways and sinus cavities. The fruit contains bromelain, a particular enzyme that helps to reduce mucus build-up and phlegm.
Eating 100gms of fruit daily can resolve this issue.
Helps in Detoxifying Blood
Jujube fruits help in detoxifying the blood as it contains alkaloids and saponins. It first eliminates toxins from the blood and prevents the body from any blood-related diseases [5].
Anti-aging Agent
It can help to make you look young. The fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C, preventing your skin from forming wrinkles, pigmentation, and melanin deposition.
Glowing and Youthful Skin
It contains vitamin C and antioxidants that prevent your skin from oxidizing healthy skin. The fruit does wonders on your skin by treating conditions like acne, scars, and blemishes, giving you radiant and glowing skin.
It can slow down the premature aging process, fade your wrinkles and pigmentation, improve your skin complexion, and give you a natural glow.
Vitamin C in the fruit gives you an acne-free glow on your face and helps clear and brighten the dull skin. While, antioxidants fight with free radicals and prevent cell damage, giving you glowing skin.
Prevents Hair Loss
Jujube fruit has many nutrients and minerals that have hair-growing properties. You can mix jujube seed oil and a carrier oil like coconut, which stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Enhances Blood Circulation
It is essential to have good blood flow for adequate oxygen supply and energy. Jujube fruits help regulate the proper blood flow and improve hemoglobin levels in the body.
It is rich in nutrients like potassium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, iron, etc. This helps maintain heart health.
Helps in Purifying the Blood
The saponins and alkaloids’ antioxidant compounds help in detoxifying the blood. It extracts any harmful toxins and throws them out of the system, thus lowering the risk of blood-related disorders.
Helps with Stress and Anxiety
Research studies show that jujube fruit has a calming effect on the brain and nervous system. It has been used in traditional medicine for decades to cure health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression.
The sedative properties work on the hormonal level and balance the cortisol hormonal, further relaxing the body and mind.
Helps in Strengthening the Bones
Dried jujube is rich in nutrients like phosphorous and calcium, which help develop and maintain bone density. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help in reducing swelling and gives relief to joints.
Helps in Preventing Cancer
Research study shows that jujube fruits possess anti-cancer properties that can prevent from spreading of cancerous cells for tumors and leukemia. The antioxidants can help fight against free radicals and oxidative stress, thus lowering the risk for cancer.
Jujube Fruit Side Effects
Jujube is unusually safe to consume for everyone.
You should avoid eating jujube fruits if you are on medications for seizures or antidepressants, as they may interact with them and can have side effects.
Jujube Fruit Benefits in Pregnancy
Jujube is high in folic acid and antioxidants, which help develop fetal and help generate blood cells. It is also rich in zinc, which also helps in the fetus’s brain development and cognitive functions.
You should avoid overeating during pregnancy as it may lead to constipation.
Jujube Fruit Benefits in Diabetes
Research studies suggest that it may be beneficial for people with diabetes as it is rich in many nutrients and minerals, especially fiber.
However, it is pretty high in sugar content. Therefore, you should consult a professional before consuming it.
Jujube Fruit Taste
Jujube fruit, when fresh and raw, tastes like a sweet apple. In contrast, dried jujube tastes like dates due to its chewy texture.
How To Eat Jujube Fruit?
You can consume Jujube fruit in either raw, fresh, or dried form. It can be roasted or smoked.
You can eat this fruit as a snack with tea. And can be used in soups or tea.
Jujube is also used while making desserts, candies, juices, jams, vinegar, honey, etc., in many parts of Asia.
Bottom Line
Jujube fruit is popularly known as chines dates or red dates. The fruit is high in nutrients, minerals, and fiber and low in calories.
It has many health benefits and helps in enhancing blood circulation and stress levels, regulates blood pressure, is suitable for skin and hair, etc.
Jujube can be consumed in any form, fresh or dried.
The fruit is safe for anyone to consume but in limited quantity. However, people who are on antidepressant or seizure medication should avoid them.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Meščić Macan, A., Gazivoda Kraljević, T., & Raić-Malić, S. (2019). Therapeutic Perspective of Vitamin C and Its Derivatives. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(8), 247. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8080247
- Miklavčič Višnjevec, A., Baruca Arbeiter, A., Hladnik, M., Ota, A., Skrt, M., Butinar, B., Nečemer, M., Krapac, M., Ban, D., Bučar-Miklavčič, M., Poklar Ulrih, N., & Bandelj, D. (2019). An Integrated Characterization of Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Grown in the North Adriatic Region. Food technology and biotechnology, 57(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.17113/ftb.57.01.19.5910
- Abdoul-Azize S. (2016). Potential Benefits of Jujube (Zizyphus Lotus L.) Bioactive Compounds for Nutrition and Health. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2016, 2867470. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2867470
- Sharafi, M., Alamdari, N., Wilson, M., Leidy, H. J., & Glynn, E. L. (2018). Effect of a High-Protein, High-Fiber Beverage Preload on Subjective Appetite Ratings and Subsequent Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Overweight Men and Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study. Current developments in nutrition, 2(6), nzy022. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzy022
- Al-Reza, S. M., Yoon, J. I., Kim, H. J., Kim, J. S., & Kang, S. C. (2010, February). Anti-inflammatory activity of seed essential oil from Zizyphus jujuba. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48(2), 639–643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2009.11.045
- Cao, J. X., Zhang, Q. Y., Cui, S. Y., Cui, X. Y., Zhang, J., Zhang, Y. H., Bai, Y. J., & Zhao, Y. Y. (2010). Hypnotic effect of jujubosides from Semen Ziziphi Spinosae. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 130(1), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.03.023