Hawthorn is rich in nutrients, including vitamins, hawthorn acid, minerals, flavonoids, sugars, carbohydrates, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, etc., which can regulate the body.
Hawthorn is rich in nutrients, and its medicinal effects are also very strong, making it a dual-purpose food and medicine.
Medicinal value of hawthorn
Hawthorn has a warm, slightly sour nature and can enter the spleen, stomach, and liver meridians. Many ancient medical works record the efficacy of hawthorn. “Tang Materia Medica” records: Hawthorn, sour taste, cold, non-toxic. “Daily Materia Medica”: Digests food, relieves Qi stagnation, strengthens the stomach, broadens the chest, and disperses blood stasis and Qi stagnation.
It can be seen that consuming hawthorn in ancient times had many health benefits; so, what are the benefits of eating hawthorn?
Benefits of eating hawthorn
Aids digestion: Hawthorn contains a high amount of organic acids, which can enhance gastric acid secretion, improve pepsin activity, and promote protein digestion. The sour taste stimulates continuous secretion of gastric mucosal, enhancing digestive capabilities.
Prevents cardiovascular diseases: Consumption of hawthorn can absorb flavonoids, which can dilate blood vessels. By promoting blood flow, common cardiovascular diseases can be effectively prevented.
Lowers blood pressure: Hypertensive patients can lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides by consuming hawthorn, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Protects the liver: Fatty liver is a common liver disease, and hawthorn’s digestive aid capabilities are high. Consuming hawthorn can help remove excess fats, thus preserving the liver.
Although consuming hawthorn has many health benefits, it does not mean that one can consume it indiscriminately. Neglecting certain aspects can harm the body.
Precautions for eating hawthorn
Children should consume hawthorn in moderation: Children generally like sweet and sour foods, but hawthorn’s sour taste is quite strong. Excessive consumption by children can damage their teeth, especially during the teething period, as it can affect tooth growth and development.
Avoid eating hawthorn on an empty stomach: Despite being highly nutritious, some precautions should be taken when consuming hawthorn, such as avoiding it on an empty stomach. This is because the organic acids, fruit acids, and hawthorn acid in hawthorn can cause a rapid increase in gastric acid, leading to strong irritation of the gastric mucosa and discomfort in the stomach.
This concludes the description of the nutritional value, medicinal value, and benefits of eating hawthorn. It is recommended to consume hawthorn scientifically to maintain good health.
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