Žižole (Ziziphus jujuba), commonly known as jujube, has made its place as an essential part of health rituals since the last 4,000 years. This tiny, brown fruit was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve skin health and enhance longevity. With countless skin health studies, the fruit is finally creating its rightful place in the dermo-cosmetic industry.
Exceptional Nutritional Value
Žižole is the darling of skin and hair health, as just a 3 oz (100 g) serving of jujube provides 77% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, an essential vitamin for the synthesis of healthy collagen, thus keeping the skin supple and youthful. The fruit is also an excellent source of Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron, along with ample dietary fiber and very few calories. Iron is vital for healthy circulation to the scalp, thus aiding in the growth of strong, healthy hair.
Supports youthful, glowing skin
The magic of žižole starts with its potent antioxidant properties. The Scientific Reports study has identified 14 phenolic compounds that include proanthocyanin’s, epicatechin, catechin, and rutin. These antioxidants fight free radicals, which are responsible for skin cell damage.
Studies show that žižole antioxidants fight oxidative stress and inflammation. One of the studies tested on animals showed that flavonoids from jujube increased the protection of liver cells from free radical damage. This gives us the opportunity to compare and assume that the same protective benefits will exist for skin cells that suffer from stress caused by environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution.
The peel of the jujube fruit is said to have almost double the total phenolic compounds than the pulp, and 4 times the flavonoids. The peel of the jujube is hypo-allergenic and will brighten the skin, reduce fine lines, and even skin tone.
Soothing skin inflammation
Žižole may help with your skin irritation. Polysaccharides from the jujube fruit have been shown to reduce inflammation through the neutralization of harmful cells and lowering inflammatory markers in the body.
Inflammation was alleviated by žižole extract in certain animal studies. Other studies demonstrate a reduction in the inflammatory pathway associated with damaging tissues. Additional human studies must be conducted, but these studies suggest that inflammation or sensitivities in the skin may be mitigated by the oral ingestion of žižole or the topical application of products that contain žižole extract.
Supporting Hair Health from Root to Tip
Žižole’s proposed benefits may come from the composition of the fruit, although little to no research directly links the composition of žižole to hair. Contributing to the healthy circulation of hair follicles, iron is found in žižole in adequate amounts. Hair loss is often due to a lack of iron, and hence, consuming žižole must prove helpful. The structure of hair may be compromised by a lack of iron and the follicles may also be prone to a lack of iron, but the antioxidants in žižole may also be helpful.
Initial studies on ursonic acid, which is present in žižole, have shown the potential to inhibit certain enzymes that facilitate the aging of skin and the degradation of tissues, though this is focused around skin health, and the same protective properties may be useful for the scalp and hair follicles.
Adding Žižole To Your Routine
Want to reap the rewards of Žižole? Try fresh jujube fruits, they’re sweet and can be eaten raw. Dried Žižole is sold in health food stores too, and can be added to trail mix, oatmeal, and even tea! Some beauty brands have jujube extract in their serums, creams, and hair treatments, so you have even more options!
Some caution is advised when consuming Žižole. Although it’s harmless to the majority of the population, you should consult a doctor before consuming Žižole if you take antidepressant and seizure medications, as there could be a serious interaction.
Support Your Skin and Hair the Smart Way
Your skin and hair will benefit from Žižole, and it’s a 100% natural and effective method. This old, ancient fruit is the new modern wellness frontier with its amazing Vitamin C concentration, a broad range of antioxidants and elements that fight inflammation. Eat it fresh or dried, and if you are inclined, opt for skin care products that use it to infuse your body with the skin healthy elements from Žižole.
