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 eliminate toxins. Jujubes have been cultivated in China for over 4,000 years. You can enjoy jujubes as fresh fruit and in some dessert recipes.

Jujube contains antioxidant compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonols. It is also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant vitamin. Antioxidants help protect the body from harmful free radicals, which can come from things like pollution, smoke, and ultraviolet rays. These free radicals can damage healthy cells, making them weaker and more likely to cause conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions that increase your risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. An imbalance of cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides primarily causes metabolic syndrome.

In a small study, participants who ingested jujube powder saw improvements in their HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, they saw no change in fasting blood glucose, LDL cholesterol or blood pressure.

Another study found that participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes saw reductions in blood sugar, total cholesterol, and blood sugar.

However, each of these studies showed different results regarding the effectiveness of jujube in treating metabolic disorders. More research is needed to find out if jujube has any major effect on these health conditions.

Many people use herbal supplements to try to improve the quality of their sleep. One study tested a supplement called LZComplex3, which includes 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 taking the supplement. Some participants in both groups also reported experiencing adverse reactions.

In another study, participants who consumed jujube capsules saw more improvement than the placebo group. However, more research and larger studies are needed to confirm the effects jujube has on sleep quality.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is the medical term for chronic urticariawhich may 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 the use of herbal medicines for CSU has increased among people who see no improvement with antihistamine drugs.

A small study found that jujube can help improve sleep. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group received Ziziphus jujube syrup, while the other received plain jujube syrup. Both groups also took an antihistamine. The Ziziphus The jujube group reported better sleep than the plain jujube syrup group. This suggests that Ziziphus jujube syrup might improve sleep. However, there is limited research on the effects of Ziziphus jujube.

Jujube provides small amounts of nutrients like potassium and copper, but is especially rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps heal wounds. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron from plant foods.

A 100-gram (3.5-ounce) serving of raw jujube provides the following calories and nutrients:

• Calories: 79
• Protein: 1.2 grams (g)
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20.2 g
• Fiber: 10 g or 36% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 69 milligrams, or 77% of the DV

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 steady, which can reduce your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Jujube comes in various supplement forms, including capsules, gums, liquid extracts, and powders. However, there is no standard recommended dose for Jujube. Since supplements are not vetted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consider purchasing supplements that have been tested by third parties.

Researchers generally recommend getting antioxidants from whole foods rather than supplements. However, if you are considering taking a Jujube supplement or any other supplement, talk to your healthcare provider first.

Jujube is generally safe to consume. However, in rare cases, Indian jujube (Ziziphus Mauritiana Lam) has been linked to reports of latex fruits allergy. Indian jujube is smaller and not as sweet as regular jujube.

People with a latex allergy might also react to some fruits that contain proteins similar to those in the tree sap used to make latex. Avocados, bananas, and bell peppers are examples of foods that some people with latex allergies may be allergic to. Symptoms can range from itching or swelling of the skin and mouth to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.

If you have a latex allergy, consult your primary care provider before consuming jujube.

You can enjoy jujubes on their own as fresh fruit or as a sweet topping.

Ways to add jujube to your diet include:

• Blend jujube into smoothies
• Mix the chopped jujube into the cereal, oatmealor yogurt.
• Mix dried jujubes into baked goods such as muffins and bread.
• Add chopped jujube to salads for a sweet contrast to salty ingredients.
• Place 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 conditions, and prevent symptoms of chronic urticaria. Consult your healthcare provider before consuming jujube supplements.