Red dates, as an excellent tonic, not only have the effects of nourishing health and replenishing blood, but are also a beloved tonic for many women. However, there are important considerations when consuming red dates, and many people choose to eat raw red dates to replenish blood, but this method has little effect. The following seven taboos require special attention.
Taboo 1: Not suitable to be eaten with cucumbers or radishes
Radishes contain anti-heat ascorbic acid enzymes, and cucumbers contain vitamin-decomposing enzymes. These two ingredients are the nemesis of red dates, as they destroy the vitamins in red dates, leading to a loss of their nutritional value.
Taboo 2: Do not consume excessively
The "Compendium of Materia Medica" states: "Excessive consumption can cause chills and fever, and those who are emaciated should not eat it." It is not advisable for people with abdominal bloating and poor appetite. Due to its high sugar content, diabetatics should avoid it. Red dates have a sweet, pungent, and hot nature, tending to produce phlegm and dampness. For people with excessive phlegm and dampness, consuming red dates can easily aggravate their original symptoms, leading to adverse reactions such as chills, fever, thirst, and stomach bloating. When eating red dates, also pay attention to protecting your teeth. It is advisable to eat no more than 50 grams per day.
Taboo 3: Eating raw red dates alone for blood replenishment
Red dates contain a large amount of iron, which is indeed very effective for iron-deficiency anemia, and can also promote white blood cell growth, increase serum albumin, and protect the liver. However, relying solely on eating red dates for blood replenishment has a minimal effect. To achieve the best blood-replenishing effect, it should be paired with foods such as raisins and longans. More importantly, if you rely on eating raw red dates for blood replenishment, not only is the effect insignificant, but it can also cause bloating and diarrhea. When eaten raw, the skin of red dates can easily remain in the intestines and is not easily excreted, affecting digestion. A large intake can cause abdominal bloating and is likely to lead to obesity. It is recommended to consume them only 2 to 3 times a week.
Taboo 4: Best not to decoct in water
Because when the temperature exceeds 80°C, the vitamin C in the red dates is destroyed. After washing them clean, eating them raw is the most nutritious, and eating 5 to 8 red dates daily is very beneficial to the body.
Taboo 5: After eating red dates, do not immediately eat high-protein foods
After eating red dates, do not immediately consume high-protein foods such as seafood and dairy products. Because vitamin C can cause the protein in these two foods to coagulate into lumps, making them difficult to absorb. Therefore, you should wait 1 to 2 hours after eating red dates before consuming high-protein foods.
Taboo 6: Contraindicated when taking antipyretic drugs
Consuming high-sugar foods like red dates while taking antipyretic drugs can easily form insoluble complexes, reducing the initial absorption rate. Red dates are a high-sugar food, so their consumption is contraindicated.
Taboo 7: Should not be taken when taking bitter and digestive-aiding drugs or carminative and digestive-aiding drugs
Bitter and carminative digestive-aiding drugs work by stimulating the taste organs with the drug's bitterness, which reflexively increases the excitability of the central nervous system to food, thereby helping digestion and increasing appetite. If red dates are taken with the above drugs, they will significantly affect the drug's efficacy.