What Is Žižole Fruit?
Žižole has been consumed and used in traditional medicine for over 3,000 years. Today, it is popular worldwide.
Žižole (Ziziphus jujuba) is also known as the Chinese date, Jujube, or red date. Native to China, this plant has been cultivated in the United States for over 175 years.
Žižole fruit varies in shape from round to pear-shaped. It can be as small as a cherry or as large as a plum. Its skin is thin and edible, and its flesh is whitish. When ripe, it turns dark red. Once fully red, it begins to wrinkle and soften, but remains edible.
Žižole vs. Dates
Although also known as the Chinese date or red date, the Žižole is not a date. It is a species of ziziphus in the buckthorn family.
The date palm belongs to the Arecaceae family and grows in Southwest Asia, North Africa, Australia, Mexico, South America, southern Africa, and the United States.
Nutritional Values of Žižole
Ziziphus fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories.
A 100-gram serving (about three fruits) contains:
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Protein: 1.2 grams
- Potassium: 250 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 69 milligrams (about 77% of the recommended daily intake)
- Iron: 0.48 milligrams
Calories in Žižole
Each 100-gram serving of Žižole contains 79 calories.
Benefits of Žižole
Žižole has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. More research is needed to determine its effects on humans.
Rich in Antioxidants. Žižole is a rich source of compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and triterpenic acids. Some of these compounds have antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or delay cellular damage, particularly that caused by chemicals called free radicals. We are exposed to free radicals from air pollution, cigarette smoke, and sunlight. Our bodies also produce free radicals during normal metabolic processes.
May improve sleep. Chinese Ziziphus fruit is used in traditional medicine to promote sleep. Preliminary research suggests this may be due to the fruit’s antioxidant properties.
May aid digestion and constipation. This Chinese date is rich in fiber. A 100-gram serving of dried Jujube contains 6 grams of dietary fiber.
You should consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. A diet rich in fiber has many benefits, including:
Prevents constipation
- Prolongs feelings of fullness, which can promote weight loss
- Helps improve blood sugar levels
- Reduces the risk of diseases such as colorectal cancer
- Lowers cholesterol, which lowers the risk of heart disease
It extract may also help relieve constipation. A small study found that people taking liquid jujube extract experienced improved constipation symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.
May boost the immune system. Chinese date may strengthen the immune system thanks to its high vitamin C content.
Depending on the size of the fruit, eating one to three Jujube’s covers the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women.
Side Effects of Žižole
Žižole has traditionally been used medicinally as a laxative. Although little research has been conducted on its laxative effect, it is important to be cautious about the amount of jujube consumed.
Experts recommend avoiding Žižole if you are taking antidepressants such as venlafaxine, as jujube may interact with these medications.
Preliminary animal studies have shown that Jujube extract may interact with certain anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.
Consult your doctor if you are taking any of these medications and also wish to consume it or its extracts.
How to Consume Žižole
Chinese date can be eaten raw. When fresh, it is sweet and has a texture similar to that of an apple.
Jujube is also commonly found dried. These dried Chinese jujubes are known as red dates. The dried fruit can be eaten as is, but they are also often cooked in soups and teas. Dried red dates can be used as a substitute for raisins or palm dates in cakes and other desserts.
Dried red dates can also be roasted, smoked, soaked in alcohol, candied, juiced, and made into jams and spreads.
Žižole Tea
Žižole tea is a type of tea made from dried jujubes. Just like eating the fruit on its own, adding it to tea can relieve constipation, strengthen the immune system, and promote sleep.
Nutritional Values of Žižole Infusion
This type of tea contains vitamin C, polyphenols, potassium, iron, and B vitamins.
How to Prepare Žižole Tea
You can prepare a tea with dried jujubes alone or add spices and other ingredients such as cinnamon and ginger.
Ziziphus fruit Candies
Jujube candies are soft, fruit-flavored candies found at movie theaters, supermarkets, or candy stores. Although originally made from Jujube’s, they are no longer found in candy stores today.
Conclusions
Žižole has been consumed and used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories, it is rich in antioxidants and may offer health benefits, such as improved sleep, improved digestion, and a potential boost to the immune system. It can be enjoyed fresh, dried, roasted, juiced, or in various recipes. If you are taking medication for depression or seizures, consult your doctor before consuming gummies.
