The longevity Superfood -Red Date
Da Zao (Chinese Red Dates)
Black Jujube Dates, or Da Zao, are Chinese dates harvested in autumn, and as they dry over the season, they become redder and sweeter. Da Zao has many common names, like red dates, Hong Zao, and Chinese dates. They are high in nutritional content and are beneficial for the digestive system, cardiovascular and illness. Women specially adore the red dates as they nourish the blood and are a good choice for women during menstruation and postpartum recovery [1]. Jujubes are a symbol of longevity of life. In China, a common slogan for red dates in supermarkets is "Three dates a day keep you young forever."
Health Benefits of Consuming Da Zao:
Red jujubes work by building Yang Qi, which enhances vitality and strengthens the spleen, which is beneficial for digestion and nutrient absorption. Red jujubes promote overall health and foster a calm mind by nourishing blood and Qi. Da Zao is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support various bodily functions. With its natural sugar, Da Zao gives a quick energy boost and combats fatigue. Jujube’s energetically go to all 12 meridians in Chinese medicine. This little superfood contains flavonoids which calm the spirit and help with insomnia. Using red jujubes in short nutrition plans can provide an excellent way to support health and well-being. Whether eaten as a snack or added to meals, it helps mitigate short-term nutritional deficiencies [2].
Nutrients present in Jujubes
The nutrients present in 100 grams of raw jujubes (around 3 fruits) are below [3]:
l Calories: 79 Cal
l Protein: 1g
l Fat: 0
l Carbohydrates: 20g
l Fiber: 10g
l Vitamin C: 77% of Daily Value (DV)
l Potassium: 5% of Daily Value (DV)
Medicinal Properties of Da Zao:
In Chinese herbal medicine, red jujubes are often used with Yang herbs like Ginseng to balance out the effects of Yang herbs. They help remove obstructions to the free flow of Qi. For example, overconsuming Ginseng can lead to side effects like shoulder pain and headaches, but if red jujubes are added, these side effects can be minimized while gaining the benefits from both herbs.
Red jujubes are commonly used in Chinese herbalism to treat the following conditions:
l Weakness and fatigue
l Shortness of breath
l Reduced appetite
l Loose stools due to weak spleen Qi
l Irritability and emotional fluctuations due to restless organ disorder
l Anxiety and insomnia
l Regulation of blood pressure and sugar levels
l Dry and itchy skin
l Fever, seizures
l Asthma
l Diabetes
l Anemia or lung disorders
l Eye disease
l Obesity
How to use Da Zao
Red jujubes comprise 18-24 amino acids and vitamin C, which our body needs. They can be eaten in several ways: raw, cooked, baked, boiled, and stewed. You can even make beef soup and steamed chicken with dried dates. They are also taken as a dessert with lotus seeds and used in tea. Boiling them is extra special as it brings out even more of their nutrients. Mainly, there are two types of dates in the market: one is pitted, and the other is with stone. If you want to buy good quality jujubes, look for thick, light red fruit with tiny seeds.
References
[1] Chinese Nutrition Properties of Da Zao. (n.d.). Chinesenutrition.org. Retrieved May 10, 2024
[2] Academy, A. (n.d.). Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) | Chinese Herbal Medicine. Asante Academy of Chinese Medicine. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://asante-academy.com/encyclopedia/da-zao-fructus-jujubae/
[3] What Is Jujube Fruit? Nutrition, Benefits, and Uses. (n.d.). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/jujube#nutrition
