Jujubes, otherwise known as Chinese dates, have been grown across the U.S. for over 175 years, with different varieties spread across Pennsylvania, California, and other regions. While its sweetness may differs slightly based on the variety, there is no disputing their status as a healthy, quick snack. With just a quick rinse of water, these fruits are completely edible, save for the pit.[1]
Why are they an amazing superfruit?
In addition to being easy to prepare in a variety of ways, jujubes are low in calories and fat. While jujubes contain over 15 vitamins and minerals, it is most well-known for containing high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
Can You See the Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, your immune system, and the Vitamin-C-rich are just peas in a pod! One serving of about 3 jujubees has 77% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C [2]. Outside of your immune system, it also prevents wrinkles in your skin [3].
Antioxidants – From Flavonoids to Polysaccharides
The antioxidants in jujube fruits critically counteract free radicals, which are molecules that disrupt the DNA in our cells through a chemical process called oxidation [4]. By preventing oxidation in our cells (hence its name), the antioxidants in jujubes protect us from various diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, breast cancer, etc. [5]. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, but jujube fruits also contain other antioxidants such as flavonoids, which are also found in blueberries [6].
A Healthy Stomach Feeds on Fiber
Fruits with high fiber content helps relieve constipation and keep you full for longer; just one serving has 6 of the recommended 25-35 grams of fiber recommended daily [7]. In addition to helping general digestive processes, jujube lignins are a type of fiber with antioxidant properties that promotes the production of immune cells [8].
Where does it stand relative to other fruits?
Jujubes aren’t the only dates on Leprendo; check out medjool dates, the “fruit of kings.” Both jujubes and medjool dates are convenient, healthy snacks, but differ most drastically in sugar content (27 grams in one serving of 2 medjool dates to 0 grams in one serving of 10 jujubes) [9]. Because of its high sugar content, medjool dates can be a healthy energy booster when eaten in moderation. However, the sugar content for jujubes can vary; when dried, sugar is concentrated, so both fruits should be eaten in moderation [10].
[1] https://crfg.org/wiki/fruit/jujube/
[2] https://www.webmd.com/diet/are-there-health-benefits-of-jujube-fruit
[3] https://www.medindia.net/dietandnutrition/top-12-health-benefits-of-jujube-fruit.htm
[4] https://theconversation.com/what-are-antioxidants-and-are-they-truly-good-for-us-86062#:
[5] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/jujube#nutrition
[6] https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-flavonoids#1
[7] https://www.webmd.com/diet/are-there-health-benefits-of-jujube-fruit
[8] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/jujube#benefits
[9] https://leprendo.com/blog/a-date-with-the-medjool-dates/
[10] https://www.webmd.com/diet/medjool-dates-health-benefits#