Is it safe to eat Chinese cornel (Cornus officinalis) boiled with red dates (Ziziphus jujuba)?

Apr 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, it is acceptable to consume Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) cooked with red dates, but moderation is advised. Cornus officinalis contains abundant nutrients, such as ursolic acid and vitamin A, which help enhance immunity and improve fatigue. Red dates have the effects of strengthening the middle jiao, nourishing qi, enriching blood, and calming the mind, thereby helping to relieve fatigue and improve sleep quality. Eating Cornus officinalis cooked with red dates in moderation can help strengthen one's constitution.

Generally speaking, it is safe to consume Cornus officinalis cooked with red dates, but moderation is advised. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Cornus officinalis contains abundant nutrients, such as ursolic acid and vitamin A, which help enhance immunity and improve fatigue. Red dates have the effects of strengthening the middle jiao (digestive system), nourishing the blood, and calming the mind. They are rich in B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, and various minerals, which aid in alleviating fatigue and improving sleep quality. Moderate consumption of Cornus officinalis cooked with red dates can strengthen physical health.

However, both Cornus officinalis and red dates contain a certain amount of dietary fiber. Moderate consumption can promote intestinal motility, but excessive intake may burden the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, red dates themselves have a relatively high sugar content, and sugars become further concentrated during cooking. Consuming large amounts of Cornus officinalis cooked with red dates may lead to excessive sugar intake, causing fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is recommended to consume Cornus officinalis cooked with red dates in a reasonable amount according to individual constitution.

In daily diets, attention should be given to food diversity and balance, avoiding excessive intake of any single food item in order to maintain overall health.