Just like licorice and marshmallow, jujubes were a natural plant first before the candy manufacturers reinvented the name. Jujubes are a type of fruit, also called Chinese red dates. They grow and are commonly consumed in Asian cultures as syrups, pickles, wine, teas, desserts, soups, jam, snacks, and as medicine for blood disorders, anxiety, and digestive disorders.
In Australia, they make beer from jujubes!
Research has shown that jujubes may slow the occurrence and development of certain cancers. One example is when tested on cervical and breast cancer cells, jujube significantly inhibited those cancer cells. Other studies have shown promise in repairing the intestinal barrier. In another study, jujubes made rats very sleepy as the fruit had a "hypnotic effect," increasing total sleep and REM sleep dramatically and inducing a calm state. In another rat study, jujube enhanced the rat's learning and memory capabilities significantly when they underwent maze tests. Hopefully, the effects can be replicated in humans! How else are we supposed to compete with the jujube-rat anomalies?
Jujubes are a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, immune regulator, and neuro-protective!
