#52 of 96 in Fruit · scored 84/100
Jujube is a small, nutrient-dense stone fruit rich in vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenols, offering immune support and cardiovascular benefits with minimal calories.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 84.
Native to China and cultivated across Asia, the Middle East, and increasingly in Mediterranean regions, jujube has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for over 4,000 years. Modern nutritional analysis reveals why: jujubes deliver exceptional vitamin C content (69mg per 100g, comparable to oranges) alongside substantial potassium (250mg), supporting cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation. The fruit's polyphenol profile—including flavonoids and phenolic acids—provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity relevant to aging prevention and chronic disease risk reduction. Unlike many fruits, jujubes offer a favorable carbohydrate-to-nutrient ratio, making them suitable for stable blood sugar management when consumed in moderation. The presence of compounds like cyclopeptide alkaloids and saponins documented in ethnobotanical research suggests potential anxiolytic and sleep-supportive properties, though human evidence remains limited. Fresh jujubes are firmer and more nutrient-dense than dried varieties, though both retain bioactive compounds. Their low sodium profile and mineral diversity make them particularly valuable for individuals managing hypertension or seeking electrolyte balance. Jujubes represent an underutilized longevity food offering multifaceted benefits with minimal metabolic burden.
High vitamin C content (69mg/100g) supports neutrophil function, collagen synthesis, and antibody production, strengthening mucosal and systemic immunity
Potassium (250mg/100g) promotes vasodilation and counteracts sodium's hypertensive effects; polyphenols reduce arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction
Polyphenolic compounds including flavonoids neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress implicated in aging and age-related diseases
Traditional use supported by emerging research on cyclopeptide alkaloids and saponins potentially modulating GABA receptors and nervous system tone
Low glycemic impact despite carbohydrate content due to fiber and polyphenol-mediated slowed glucose absorption, supporting insulin sensitivity
Midday consumption aligns with peak alertness and metabolic function; the vitamin C and polyphenol boost supports afternoon energy without sleep disruption, while post-meal consumption moderates blood sugar spikes
Breaks a fast
Evening consumption may support sleep quality due to emerging evidence for nervous system-calming compounds, making jujube flexible for mid-afternoon snacks or pre-bedtime consumption (1-2 hours before sleep)