Can Chinese dates (red dates) and hawthorn be eaten together?
Under normal circumstances, red dates and hawthorn can be consumed together. Details are as follows:
Red dates are rich in vitamins and minerals, offering benefits such as strengthening the body's vital energy (Qi), nourishing the blood, and calming the mind. Hawthorn contains abundant vitamin C and hawthorn acid, which aid digestion, relieve stagnation, and promote gastrointestinal motility. There is no conflict in their properties or effects, and combining them can integrate their nutritional value and health benefits—for example, promoting digestion and enhancing physical strength—making them particularly suitable for individuals with indigestion.
However, for individuals with excessive stomach acid or a history of peptic ulcers, hawthorn may stimulate acid secretion, and excessive consumption together with red dates could worsen gastric discomfort. Additionally, patients with diabetes should consume them in moderation, as both red dates and hawthorn contain certain amounts of sugar, and excessive intake may affect blood glucose control. Some individuals may be allergic to either red dates or hawthorn, and in such cases, combined consumption is not recommended to avoid allergic reactions.
In daily diets, it is recommended to diversify food sources and ensure balanced nutrient intake while paying attention to individual responses to different foods in order to maintain good digestive health.