Jujube is a small shrub-like plant native to Asian and Australia and well as Southern Europe and the United States.
The shrub contains a fruit that is similar to a date.
The Jujube fruit is known to sweet and rich in fiber and contains vitamins A, C, B vitamins and minerals including iron, phosphorus, and calcium, and healthful fatty acids.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used it for thousands of years to relieve anxiety, sedative and a digestive aid.
Are there other benefits of Jujube? Yes, a clinical trial has suggested that this fruit can improve cholesterol and lipids.
How can Jujube help you sleep?
The Jujube fruit contains phytochemicals known as saponins and flavonoids that have been associated to increase GABA and serotonin.
When GABA and serotonin levels are low this can lead to increased anxiety, trouble sleeping (i.e. insomnia) and depression.
What specific phytochemicals are in Jujube?
Jujuboside A – this phytochemical has been suggested by researchers to quiet the activity of the hippocampus.
Spinosin – this phytochemical has been suggested to increase serotonin levels.
Are there other benefits of Jujube?
Yes, a clinical trial has suggested that this fruit can improve cholesterol and lipids.
Take away message:
If you are looking to try something to help with sleep or anxiety to help quite your brain you may want to consider Jujube. You could get this as a dietary supplement. This dietary supplement will typically be labelled as Jujube fruit extract. Another option is to purchase dried Jujube Fruit and enjoy it as a snack.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Mood, Plant Extracts, Plant Medicine, Sleep