Consuming jujube notably reduces waist circumference, triglycerides, and stress, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
In this parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, sixty participants diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to either receive 30g of dried jujube powder or a placebo for an eight-week period. They were instructed to consume half of their given powder at two different points in the day. Four measurements were taken as primary outcomes: lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Additionally, mental health measures, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, were evaluated as secondary outcomes.
The data analysis showed that consuming jujube didn't lead to significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, or depression and anxiety scores. However, compared to the placebo group, the group consuming jujube showed a key reduction in waist circumference and triglycerides, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, an improvement in stress scores was observed in the jujube group. The study, however, had methodological shortcomings regarding effective blinding and testing for herb purity and potency.
