The idea that red dates (jujubes) nourish the blood has been around for a long time, but can they really do the job? Experts point out that the blood-nourishing effect of red dates is not ideal. Red meat is far more effective for nourishing the blood than red dates.
Experts point out that to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, the first step is to supplement with iron. However, the iron content in dried red dates is only about 2-4 mg/100g, which is very low compared to some animal-based foods like pork liver and chicken liver.
Saltwater Pork Liver
Furthermore, not only is the iron content in red dates not high, but its absorption rate is also low. Experts have told reporters that if someone is already anemic, the "blood-nourishing" foods recommended by doctors and nutritionists are often red dates, but rather red animal organs and red meats. They will also recommend supplementing with Vitamin C, as this leads to a faster and better blood-nourishing effect. Relying solely on eating red dates makes it difficult to improve the condition.
However, experts also remind that red dates are not entirely ineffective for iron supplementation. Although they cannot compare to red meats, among plant-based foods, both dried and fresh dates are considered a decent source of iron. For the general population in preventing anemia, eating a small amount of red dates every day is a beneficial supplement, but it cannot be the primary measure for solving anemia. If one has already met the clinical diagnostic criteria for anemia, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the cause and make comprehensive dietary adjustments. In severe cases, medication is required for treatment.