Jujube, also known as Chinese red date, is a round fruit commonly found in Southeast Asia. It is about the size of a plum and has a bright red appearance. The inside of the jujube consists of white flesh covering the seed. Red dates are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory plant compounds.

In traditional Chinese medicine, red dates are believed to improve sleep and aid in detoxification. Jujube has been cultivated in China for over 4,000 years. You can enjoy red dates as a fresh fruit or add them to various desserts.

Red dates contain antioxidant compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonols. It is also rich in antioxidant vitamin C.

Antioxidants help protect the body from harmful free radicals, which can come from pollution, smoke, and ultraviolet rays. These free radicals can damage healthy cells, making them weaker and more susceptible to health problems such as heart disease and cancer.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of disorders that increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Imbalances in cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides are the main causes of metabolic syndrome.

In a small study, participants who consumed jujube powder showed improvements in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and triglycerides. However, they did not observe any changes in fasting blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or blood pressure.

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

However, these studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the effectiveness of jujube in treating metabolic disorders. More research is needed to determine whether jujube has a significant impact on these health conditions.

Many people use herbal supplements to improve sleep quality. A study tested a supplement called LZComplex3, which contains jujube, magnesium, vitamin B6, and other ingredients. The study focused on patients with insomnia.

There was no significant difference in sleep quality between subjects who took the placebo and those who took the supplement. Some subjects in both groups also reported side effects.

In another study, participants who took jujube capsules showed more significant improvements in sleep quality than those who took the placebo. However, more research and larger-scale studies are still needed to confirm the effect of red dates on sleep quality.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is the medical term for chronic hives that can last for more than six weeks. Second-generation H1 antihistamines are the first-line treatment, but about 50% of patients do not respond to them. There is a growing interest in using herbal treatments for CSU among those who do not see any improvement with antihistamines.

A small study found that jujube might help improve sleep. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group took jujube syrup, and the other took a simple jujube syrup. Both groups also took antihistamines. The jujube group reported better sleep quality than the simple jujube syrup group. This suggests that jujube syrup can improve sleep. However, research on the efficacy of jujube in this regard is still limited.

Red dates contain small amounts of nutrients such as potassium and copper, but it is especially rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, can support the immune system and help with wound healing. It can also help the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.

100 grams (3.5 ounces) of raw jujube provides the following calories and nutrients:
Calories: 79
Protein: 1.2 grams (g)
Fat: 0.2 grams
Carbohydrates: 20.2 grams
Fiber: 10 grams, accounting for 36% of the daily fiber requirement
Vitamin C: 69 milligrams, accounting for 77% of the daily intake
Red dates are also rich in fiber, which is important for gut health. Fiber can make you feel full and keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels stable, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Red dates are available in various supplement forms, including capsules, gummies, liquid extracts, and powders. However, there is no standard recommended dosage for red dates. Since supplements are not certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is advisable to consider purchasing third-party tested supplements.

Researchers usually recommend obtaining antioxidants from natural foods rather than supplements. However, if you are considering taking jujube supplements or any other supplements, consult your healthcare provider first.

Red dates are generally safe to eat. However, in rare cases, Indian jujube (Ziziphus Mauritiana Lam) has been associated with latex fruit allergy.

Indian jujube is smaller and not as sweet as regular jujube.

People with latex allergy may also have allergic reactions to certain fruits that contain proteins similar to those in the sap used to make latex. Avocado, banana, and bell pepper are some of the foods that people with latex allergy may be allergic to. Allergic symptoms include itchy or swollen skin and mouth, and even severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.

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

You can enjoy red dates directly as a fresh fruit or as a sweet ingredient.

Methods of adding jujube to your diet include:
Mixing red dates into a smoothie
Stirring chopped jujube into cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt
Mixing dried jujube into baked goods such as muffins and bread
Adding chopped jujube to a salad to create a sweet contrast with savory ingredients
Soaking dried jujube in hot water to make tea

Red dates are a sweet and red fruit that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its antioxidant properties. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and fiber. Although more research is needed, red dates have been used to improve sleep quality, reduce the risk of metabolic health problems, and prevent the symptoms of chronic urticaria. Consult your healthcare provider before taking red dates supplements.