Why Eating Jujubes Might Just Be the Secret to Staying Young

There’s an old saying in South Korea: “If you see jujubes and don’t eat them, you’ll age.” This wisdom feels particularly relevant this season. As chilly breezes blow and we crave warm beverages, jujube tea wins hearts with its sweet yet crisp flavor.

Chinese folklore claims that eating three jujubes daily is the secret to eternal youth. Legends even attribute the youthful appearances of Emperor Wu Zetian and Empress Dowager Cixi to their jujube-rich diets. Then, is there any truth to Jujube’s anti-aging powers?

Traditional Korean medicine has long revered jujubes as a miraculous anti-aging herb. The fruit’s beta-carotene content fights off age-accelerating free radicals, while its vitamin C and polyphenols boost collagen production for firmer, more elastic skin.

Jujubes pack a serious nutritional punch, with about 70mg of vitamin C per 100g. The same amount of vitamin C is in an apple, which is 4 mg. They’re also loaded with B vitamins and vitamin E, surpassing apples by four to five times. Their vitamin E and P content strengthens capillaries and combats free radicals.

Stress and anxiety are major culprits in premature aging, but jujubes act as nature’s chill pill. Their natural sugars, including galactose, sucrose, and maltose, help calm frazzled nerves and promote a sense of zen.

These wonder fruits also work wonders for your blood. Their phytosterols boost cardiovascular health and circulation, potentially easing respiratory issues and allergies. Jujubes even boast anti-allergic and anti-cancer properties while helping clear congestion and purify the blood.

Kang Hyo Jung, a team leader at the Jujube Research Institute, explains, “Jujubes are a goldmine of anti-aging compounds. Beyond vitamin C, they’re packed with saponins like jujubeside and flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol.”

Traditional Korean medicine advises people with diabetes to avoid jujubes due to their high sugar content. They’re also not recommended for those with digestive issues, bloating, or a tendency to retain water. Unripe jujubes can cause upset stomachs, so stick to the fully ripened fruit.

Why not treat yourself to a steaming cup of jujube tea today? Its subtle aroma and sweet flavor offer a moment of calm in your hectic day while giving your body a youth-boosting, health-enhancing treat.