Hawthorn is a seasonal fruit in winter, with effects of aiding digestion, invigorating blood, and resolving stasis. Many people like to eat some during this time. The hospital's gastroenterology department has recently treated 4 cases of gastric bezoar patients, all caused by eating hawthorn.
Isn't the sweet and sour hawthorn supposed to be good for digestion? Why does it cause trouble for the stomach?
Patients with "chronic stomach problems" who eat a large amount of hawthorn on an empty stomach are prone to developing gastric bezoars, so these individuals should stay away from hawthorn.
Hawthorn contains a large amount of pectin and tannic acid. These substances have a characteristic affinity for stomach acid. When they encounter stomach acid, they "closely embrace" each other and coagulate into precipitates. In winter, the sharp drop in temperature stimulates the secretion of large amounts of stomach acid. Some patients with "chronic stomach problems," such as those with gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers, already have excess stomach acid. If they consume large amounts of hawthorn, it can easily become a trigger for a gastric bezoar attack.
In addition to those with "chronic stomach problems," it is also not recommended for others to eat hawthorn in excess, especially on an empty stomach, as it will surely upset the stomach. The digestive benefits of hawthorn only work within a specific quantity, for example, eating no more than 10 at a time. For those who like it, it's better to have it in moderation. You can eat it daily, but don't "eat your fill in one go."
Of course, among winter fruits, hawthorn's health benefits are quite prominent, such as helping to lower blood lipids, provide antioxidants, and improve skin. Therefore, don't completely negate the benefits of hawthorn just because of the worry of gastric bezoars. Consuming it correctly and eating an appropriate amount daily is still highly recommended.
The health benefits of hawthorn are quite prominent, such as helping to lower blood lipids, provide antioxidants, and improve skin.
It is especially important to emphasize that you should not drink strong tea when eating hawthorn, because the tannic acid in tea will also form precipitates with pectin and tannic acid. It is best to have a two-hour interval between consuming the two.