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Also known as the red or Chinese date, the jujube fruit is quickly becoming one of the most popular ingredients around the world. It originates from countries in Southern Asia, growing on large flowering shrubs or trees. Studies have found the fruit to be rich in nutritional compounds, particularly in micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and vitamin C.
They are also enjoyed as sweets and desserts due to their taste and texture. There are many ways to use the jujube fruit to enjoy its numerous benefits, and some may surprise you. Here are some of those benefits according to science:
It is rich in antioxidants
Jujube is rich in antioxidants, which are molecules that fight harmful free radicals in your body. Free radicals are compounds associated with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. These fruits are rich in several antioxidant compounds, mainly flavonoids and polysaccharides.
As mentioned above, they contain high levels of vitamin C, which can also act as an antioxidant. Studies have also found that the flavonoids in jujube can help reduce stress and inflammation from free radical damage in animal liver.
It can improve skin health
Most skincare products use natural ingredients like fruit extracts to provide users with various benefits. Because it is rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins C, B, and A, jujube fruit can provide a plumping effect to the skin. The fruit’s extract is used in several products specifically formulated for an anti-aging skincare routine as it helps with encouraging cell turnover, improving elasticity, and reducing the appearance of scars.
It’s often used in conjunction with other actives like vitamin A, the main ingredient found in anti-aging products like retinol, and vitamin C, a skin-brightening compound. Together, they help improve your skin health and give you a youthful glow for much longer.
It improves sleep quality and brain function
The antioxidant content in jujube fruits has also been shown to improve brain function and sleep quality. The extract from the seed of the plant was used in studies with rats to increase their sleep time and quality.
Given these qualities, medical practitioners have also been known to use this fruit to relieve symptoms of anxiety. However, more clinical research and human trials are needed to explore other ways that this ingredient helps with brain function and sleep.
It improves digestion
Apart from numerous vitamins and minerals, jujube also has a high fiber content, which is known to improve digestion. Fiber helps to accelerate the movement of food through your digestive tract and reduces constipation. Jujube extract may also strengthen your stomach and intestine lining.
This improves your overall gut health as it protects you from damage caused by ulcers, injury, and harmful bacteria. The fiber found in jujube also serves as food for your healthy gut bacteria, allowing them to multiply and defend your gut against more harmful bacteria.
It helps manage blood pressure
Jujube can also help control blood pressure. It achieves this by increasing nitric oxide levels in your blood, thus, helping blood flow in the brain and reducing blood pressure. Jujube fruit also contains a high amount of potassium while being low in sodium. This combination helps with vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, a key component in maintaining optimum blood pressure.
Natural ingredients with multiple uses can improve your health in many ways. By exploring fruits like jujube, other superfoods, and even essential oils in your beauty routine, you can remain healthy and beautiful inside and out.