As people pay more attention to health preservation, many snacks have become associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for their health benefits, such as donkey-hide gelatin dates, Guilinggao (herbal jelly), herbal tea drinks, Poria cakes, and mint candies. With their appealing taste, nutritional value, and packaging, these snacks are very popular with consumers. However, experts point out that snacks, as light foods for leisure time, should not be eaten excessively. Snacks containing TCM ingredients require more caution and should not be consumed随意ly to avoid health risks.
Donkey-hide gelatin dates nourish yin and enrich blood; those with stomach heat or indigestion should consume them in moderation.
In supermarkets, a type of date is particularly popular, especially among women. The special feature of these dates is that they are made with donkey-hide gelatin. Since both donkey-hide gelatin and red dates have the effect of nourishing the blood, and donkey-hide gelatin also benefits the spleen and stomach, replenishes qi, calms the mind, and nourishes yin to moisten dryness, many office ladies keep a bag or two in their purses or offices as a nutritional snack. Experts note that for people with qi deficiency or blood deficiency constitution, eating donkey-hide gelatin dates regularly can be beneficial, helping to improve symptoms like listlessness, fatigue, and weak limbs. However, although dates are good, they should not be eaten in large quantities. Especially for donkey-hide gelatin dates, eating too much is not good for digestion and absorption. If you have stomach heat or poor digestion, eating too much of this rich, greasy food can hinder stomach function, reduce appetite, and over time, may easily lead to "internal heat." Therefore, it is best not to eat more than 7 donkey-hide gelatin dates at a time.
Guilinggao clears heat and detoxifies; those with a cold stomach, pregnant women, and women during menstruation should consume it in moderation.
Guilinggao is a traditional health snack with a long history. Legend has it that it was originally a delicacy reserved for the emperors in the Qing palace. Authentic Guilinggao is mainly made from precious ingredients like the snail-shell turtle and Smilax glabra, refined with other medicinal herbs such as Rehmannia root, dandelion, honeysuckle, and chrysanthemum. It has the effects of clearing heat and toxins, nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys, eliminating acne, and moistening the intestines to promote bowel movements. Guilinggao is very popular among young people and is also a favorite TCM health snack for some elderly friends.
Some office workers are busy with work all day, especially those with sedentary jobs. They lack exercise and their diet is often not scientifically managed, which can easily lead to symptoms like dry mouth, irritability, and constipation. For those who are beauty-conscious, the most distressing issue is that it can cause "face problems"—acne. This type of person is more suitable for eating Guilinggao, but generally eating two or three boxes a week is enough; it should not be eaten in excess.
Experts explain that because Guilinggao has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, it is relatively "cool" in nature. People with a cold stomach or weak spleen and stomach should eat less in moderation. Some reports have stated that tortoise shell has the effect of stimulating the uterus and promoting blood circulation, so pregnant women and women during their menstrual period should also avoid eating too much.
Herbal tea drinks remove dampness and reduce fire; those with a cold constitution or yang deficiency should consume them in moderation.
In ancient times, herbal tea was generally a summer treat for relieating heat, but now it has almost become a year-round TCM health beverage. Why? This is mainly related to people's eating habits and changes in their constitution. For example, many friends like to eat spicy and grilled foods but are afraid of "getting internal heat." What should they do? Naturally, herbal tea with its fire-reducing effects has become their first choice for drinks when dining out. In addition, due to busy work, many friends have the habit of staying up late to work overtime. After being a "night owl" for a long time, the "fire" in the body increases. At this time, herbal tea seems to become an emergency remedy.
However, herbal tea is still a relatively "strong" TCM-based beverage and cannot be drunk like water. Drinking too much or drinking it if it's not suitable for you can cause some damage to your health. Experts explain that the main ingredients of herbal tea currently on the market often contain Chinese medicinal herbs such as chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, Prunella vulgaris, and licorice. It has the effects of clearing heat and removing dampness, and nourishing yin to reduce fire, which helps relieve symptoms like swollen gums, mouth ulcers, and dry stools. However, people who often have cold hands and feet, a cold stomach, yang deficiency, or loose stools should try to drink less herbal tea to avoid aggravating their existing symptoms.