Red dates have a high status in the female circle, with many saying it has the effect of nourishing blood, beauty, and maintaining youthfulness. They treat it as a snack, but many do not understand its effectiveness or their own constitution when eating them, leading to many people actually eating red dates incorrectly. It should be noted that red dates are not completely safe, eating them incorrectly is akin to taking “poison,” which can cause certain damage. So, how should one correctly eat red dates? Let the doctor tell you.
Eating red dates incorrectly is like taking “poison”?
In people’s impression, red dates are a very common food, and they do not think too much about it when eating them casually – just consuming a few when hungry, or adding some to soups and porridges. They are a food with medicinal properties, both used as an ingredient and as medicine. Therefore, when consuming them, one must pay attention to avoid eating them incorrectly.
First, let’s talk about who should not eat red dates
People with a heated constitution should not eat them, as red dates are warm in nature and have relatively low moisture content. Eating too many can lead to an internal heat phenomenon, causing nosebleeds. People with a heated constitution often show symptoms such as dry mouth, flushed cheeks, yellow tongue coating, dry stool, red bloodshot eyes – consuming them frequently can worsen these symptoms.
Individuals with stomach ulcers or chronic gastritis should refrain from eating red dates. Those who have eaten red dates before might have noticed that the outer skin of dried red dates is quite dry and rough when consumed. They are rich in dietary fiber that is difficult to digest, which may exacerbate bloating and stomach pains in those with poor digestion. Additionally, patients with varices in the stomach should also consume red dates in moderation as it may lead to stomach bleeding and mucosal damage.
Individuals with dampness and phlegm should also avoid eating them as they may have symptoms such as sticky stools, an inability to clean the toilet completely, thick tongue coating, frequent dizziness, chest tightness, and abdominal bloating. If one experiences these symptoms, it indicates an abundance of dampness, and as red dates are sweet and sticky, excessive consumption can further dampness accumulation.
Who should eat red dates?
Red dates are suitable for patients with “spleen deficiency, weak limbs,” who exhibit thin and tooth-marked tongue coating, constant fatigue, easy drowsiness, and feeling tired. These symptoms suggest deficiency in both qi and blood, poor spleen and stomach function, and moderate consumption of red dates is beneficial.
Moreover, red dates are suitable for middle-aged women who often experience discomfort during menopause, unstable emotions, anxiety, irritability, palpitations, and poor sleep. Trying red dates might be helpful due to their richness in iron and vitamins, which aid in improving sleep and calming the mind.
The doctor teaches you the proper way to eat red dates:
Fresh red dates can be eaten after washing, they do not require much preparation, but fresh red dates are seasonal and are not available all the time, so people mostly consume dried red dates. Dried red dates are not suitable for excessive consumption; it is best to use them for cooking porridge or soups. Cut the red dates open, remove the pit inside, this way the nutrients in the red dates can easily merge with the ingredients, providing milder effects on the body and reducing the chances of causing internal heat.
For diabetes patients, consumption should be controlled, not consuming more than 10 dates at a time. Do not eat them alone, mix them in soup or porridge to minimize their impact on blood sugar.
In conclusion, eating red dates should be done with proper methods. Eating them incorrectly or when they do not align with one’s constitution can lead to adverse consequences with prolonged use. Everyone must pay attention to this.
