Haims: Jujube(s) have health benefits for sleep, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
If you’re old enough to remember enjoying a box of Jujubes at the movie theater, you’re old enough to question this article’s title. If not, here’s the scoop.
For decades, Jujubes candy was a movie theater staple. They look like very short rabbit pellets, similar in size and shape of a pencil eraser. They are quite firm, chewy and brightly colored red, green, yellow and purple. Since the 1920s, when Henry Heide introduced them to the U.S., they’ve been made with corn syrup, sugar and modified food starch. However, the original “pate de jujubes” recipe from the early 1700s actually contained jujube fruit (Chinese red dates) — known for providing many health benefits. Quite the antithesis of Jujubes candy.
I learned this not long ago while talking with a friend of my daughter who is studying sustainable agriculture. While having lunch with them, the topic of my sleep came up. When my daughter’s friend suggested I look into Jujube, I laughed and thought the suggestion was a joke — wrong Jujube(s) I learned.
The jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba) she had referred to is an ancient, nutrient-dense fruit cultivated for over 7,000 years, originating in China before spreading to Europe and Asia. Traditionally used in medicine to boost immunity and calm the mind, research has found it is rich in antioxidants (vitamin C, polyphenols), promotes better sleep, aids digestion, and is used to treat fatigue.
Intrigued about this fruit, I chose to talk to one of my medical providers about trying it to improve my sleep. I made tea out of the powder and drank it shortly before going to bed. While I did find that it assisted in my ability to get to sleep more quickly, it did take a couple of weeks for me to see consistent improvement in the ability to get to sleep and sleep quality.
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Happy with this newly learned sleep aid, I started to read more about the benefits of the jujube fruit. What I have learned is exciting.
Studies presented at the 2nd International Conference on Medical Health Science (2nd ICMEDH), published in the National Library of Medicine (NIH), and conducted at Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Medicine have found that, in preclinical research using cell cultures and animal models, jujube exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects help protect neuronal cells against stress and reducing neuroinflammation, which have long been associated with aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
Coverage from Parkinson’s News Today noted that treated mice showed lower buildup of alpha-synuclein, a protein closely linked to Parkinson’s progression. While experts caution that these findings are still limited to laboratory and animal studies, and that human clinical trials are still needed, the growing body of research suggests that the jujube fruit may hold promise as part of future strategies to support brain health.
Early findings offer a hopeful reminder that nature continues to hold untapped potential. As scientists explore how traditional plants like jujube may support memory, movement and overall neurological resilience, this is not as a miracle cure — rather an exciting frontier of discovery. As ancient remedies and modern neuroscience intersect, new questions, new research, and perhaps new solutions for some of today’s most challenging diseases will develop. For those curious about brain health and prevention, the story of jujube is a compelling example of why staying informed and open to emerging science truly matters.
Please consult your physician before trying jujube. While jujube is generally considered safe when eaten as a fruit or used in traditional amounts, there are important medical precautions to consider — especially if you may use concentrated extracts, powders or supplements. If you have diabetes or take medications such as insulin or metformin, combining them with jujube supplements could increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. He is an advocate for our elderly and is available to answer questions. Connect with him at jhaims@visitingangels.com.
