The most prominent feature of red dates is their high vitamin content. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that red dates can replenish qi, nourish the blood, and promote the production of body fluids. Red dates are effective in diet therapy, and here are the six most nourishing ways to eat them.
Fresh red dates are richer in vitamins; however, they are seasonal, not always available, and eating too many may impair digestion. Although dried red dates have a lower vitamin content, their iron content increases, and their nutrients are more easily absorbed, making them more suitable for dietary therapy. Here are several dietary therapy methods using red dates.
Soaking red dates in water to nourish the liver and detoxify
Experiments have shown that drinking red date water daily for one week by people with poor liver function can increase human serum protein, thereby achieving the effect of protecting the liver and detoxifying.
Red date tea to replenish qi and protect the throat
Red dates stir-fried until black and then steeped as tea can treat stomach cold and stomach pain. Adding longan makes it a blood and qi replenishing tea, suitable for people who use their throats frequently, such as teachers and sales clerks.
Red date soup to relieve cough and moisten the lungs
The "Bi Xiao Fang" (Effective Formulas), written by Meng Shen in the Tang Dynasty, records that boiling red dates, tremella, rock sugar together in a soup can relieve coughs and moisten the lungs.
Glutinous rice red dates
Red date eggs to nourish blood and beautify
Using red dates and longan to boil brown sugar water, until the dates are soft and the longan is tender, then add an egg; continue to simmer on low heat until the egg is cooked. Red dates, longan, and brown sugar all have blood-nourishing effects, and the resulting eggs are very nourishing.
Red date congee to calm the mind and aid sleep
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, for women with symptoms of irritability, anxiety, and restlessness, an appropriate amount of lily seeds and lotus seeds can be used with red dates to regulate the body. If cooked with millet, the sedative effect of red dates can be enhanced.
Red date wine to maintain clear blood vessels
During the soaking process, nutrient-rich organic substances in red dates are more easily dissolved in the wine. It has a certain effect on keeping blood vessels clear. Dried red dates come in various sizes. Although there is little difference in nutritional and therapeutic value, for taste, it is recommended to use large red dates for soaking in water or tea, especially those from Xinjiang, which are very sweet; it is best to tear them in half before use. For congee or wine, any size can be chosen.
Red date paste filling