In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that hawthorn only dispels without nourishing, so people with weak spleen and stomach should not eat too much. Even healthy people should consume it in moderation, especially children, as they are in a period of tooth replacement. Prolonged overconsumption of hawthorn, hawthorn slices, or hawthorn cakes can be detrimental to dental development. Furthermore, hawthorn slices and hawthorn rolls contain a large amount of sugar. Excessive consumption by children can keep their blood sugar levels high, leading to a lack of appetite and affecting their regular meals. Long-term, large consumption can result in malnutrition and anemia. Diabetics should avoid it, but fresh hawthorn fruit can be consumed in moderation. It is important to rinse the mouth and brush teeth promptly after consumption to prevent tooth damage.
Because hawthorn contains a significant amount of organic acid and has astringent and blood-stasis dispelling effects, it also has a uterine-contracting effect. Therefore, pregnant women with habitual or threatened miscarriage should not consume it to avoid harming the fetus.
I. Suitable Population
1. Generally suitable for all people;
2. Suitable for those with indigestion, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and enteritis;
3. Not suitable for pregnant women, children, those with excessive gastric acid secretion, those recovering from illness, and those with dental diseases.
II. Food Incompatibility
Hawthorn should not be consumed with seafood, ginseng, or lemons.