Can you eat jujube when pregnant?

In this article we are going to answer: can you eat jujube when pregnant, what jujube is healthy to eat when pregnant, when you should not eat jujube, and how you can add jujube to your diet. 

Can you eat jujube when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat jujube when pregnant. Jujube is a super healthy fruit to eat when pregnant. It is high in folic acid, a nutrient very important in the first trimester that promotes blood cell production and promotes proper fetal development, especially the neurological system of the fetus. 

There is no contradiction or danger in eating jujube fruit when pregnant. 

What is jujube?

Jujube is a fruit also called jujuba, red date, Chinese date, or Chinese jujube. It is known by the scientific name Ziziphus jujuba. Immature jujube is a small smooth green fruit similar in consistency to an apple with less acidity. When mature, it is a brown-purple looking like a small date. 

Jujube is originally from Asia, between Lebanon and India. It is usually picked in the autumn. Nowadays it also grows in large quantities in Madagascar and southern California. 

Leaves from the plant jujube grow to contain saponin and ziziphus, chemicals that suppress the ability to perceive sweet taste. 

Jujube fruit is freshly harvested and it can be used as dried fruit to be eaten as a snack. Also, it can be consumed as smoked jujube, especially in Vietnam and they are referred to  as black jujubes. 

In China and Korea, they are used to produce a type of sweet tea containing jujube fruit in glass jars and jujube tea in the form of teabags. Less popular, jujube is made into juice or jujube vinegar. There is a product also called Bogori in Bangladesh, where jujube is used for making pickles. 

Hong Zao Jiu is a wine made from jujube in China. Sometimes, jujube fruit is preserved in jars filled with baijiu, a type of Chinese liquor. In Vietnam and Taiwan, the fruit is sold fresh in supermarkets or local markets. 

In Australia, jujube beer is made and jujube candies are a favorite in movie theaters. 

Jujube is also used in Chinese traditional medicine. It is believed to alleviate stress, and anxiety and to be an antifungal, antibacterial, antiulcer, and anti-inflammatory. It has a lot of other uses in Chinese medicine but nothing has been backed up by science. 

Is jujube healthy to eat when pregnant?

Yes, jujube is a super healthy fruit to add to your diet when pregnant. It is a fruit low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 100 grams or 3 fruits contains 79 calories, 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of fiber. 

3 fruits of jujube can give you about 77% of your daily value intake of Vitamin C and 5% of Potassium daily value intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. 

They are an excellent source of fiber with few calories, so they make the perfect snack paired with some protein. 

Dried jujube, which is more commonly eaten, contains much more sugar naturally from the fruit and the process of drying. They may also have added sugar. Try to eat them with some protein and look for no added sugar.

If you have gestational diabetes on insulin resistance, fresh fruit is better because it contains less sugar. Always pair fruit with some protein such as yogurt or nuts to decrease glucose peak.

When should you not eat jujube?

Jujube fruit is contraindicated if you are taking antidepressants like venlafaxine or other serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Jujube interacts with this medication.

Also, some researchers have found that jujube extract strengthens the effects of some seizure medications including

  • Phenytoin
  • Phenobarbitone
  • Carbamazepine

How can you add jujube to your diet?

Jujube can be eaten as fresh fruit or dried fruit or it can be added to some desserts. In Asia, they are usually eaten as candies. 

Jujube can also be made into vinegar, juice, or marmalades. You can find these products in Asia or in specialized stores. Follow these links for the top 5 jujube products

Other FAQs about Fruits that you may be interested in.

Can dogs eat tangerines?

Can you eat fruits on a keto diet? 

Can dogs eat satsumas?

Conclusion

This article answered can you eat jujube when pregnant, what jujube is healthy to eat when pregnant, when you should not eat jujube, and how you can add jujube to your diet. 

Citation

https://www.femina.in/wellness/health/health-benefits-of-jujube-berries-fruit-211067.html#:~:text=Is%20jujube%20fruit%20safe%20to,development%20and%20improves%20cognitive%20function.

https://www.medindia.net/dietandnutrition/top-12-health-benefits-of-jujube-fruit.htm

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