Today we are talking about jujubes, the fruits of the Ziziphus jujuba plant, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family. Jujubes have a shape that resembles that of olives but a sweet taste. They are generally found in dried form in well-stocked stores and online and are a true concentrate of antioxidants, vitamin C and health-promoting properties. So let's see what science says about jujubes!
Jujube, nutrients
Jujube contains antioxidant substances such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic and catechins. Jujubes are also a source of vitamins, especially C, mineral salts, such as iron, zinc, manganese, selenium and potassium, but also fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and proteins (Gao et al, J Agric Food Chem, 2013).
Jujube for the well-being of the whole organism
Studies have shown that jujubes tone the blood and stimulate the production of red blood cells (Chen et al, Planta Med, 2014). Not only that, being rich in polyphenols with antioxidant action, jujubes help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver and neurodegeneration. Jujubes also regulate the immune system and act with antiviral, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties (Bao et al, J Zhejiang Univ Sci B., 2021). In particular, jujubes help to counteract some cellular degeneration by inducing apoptosis, that is, the programmed death, of diseased cells (Lu et al, J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2021).
Jujube against obesity
Jujube counteracts obesity. Not only that, associated with aronia berries, jujubes have helped reduce the effects of a diet high in fat and sugar. Given that a diet of this type is to be avoided or at least limited since it increases the risk of inflammation, in any case it is noteworthy that jujubes are able to counteract weight gain and the accumulation of visceral fat, the most dangerous. Not only that, jujubes have also been able to reduce triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol (Jeong et al, Nutr Metab, 2019).
Jujube and brain
Jujubes show neuroprotective properties. In particular, jujubes protect neuronal cells from oxidative stress, stimulate neuroplasticity, counteract the formation of beta amyloid aggregates, the hallmark of Alzheimer's, and support memory and learning (Chen et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2017).
Jujube and insomnia
Some substances contained in jujubes, such as flavonoids, have been shown to act with sedative and relaxing properties. Jujubes are also able to improve sleep quality (Chen et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2017).
