What are the health benefits of drinking hawthorn-infused water?
Disease description:
My father hasn't been drinking tea recently; he's been drinking hawthorn-infused water all day. I'd like to ask, what are the general benefits of drinking hawthorn-infused water?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Hawthorn is a plant that offers various health benefits. Its effects can primarily be summarized as follows:
1. Promotes digestion: Hawthorn contains abundant organic acids and enzymes, such as malic acid and tartaric acid. These components can stimulate gastric juice secretion, enhance digestive enzyme activity, aid in food digestion and absorption, and are especially suitable for consumption after meals to relieve greasiness and promote gastrointestinal motility.
2. Regulates blood lipids: Flavonoids and triterpenic acids present in hawthorn have lipid-lowering effects, capable of reducing blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus exerting a positive role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
3. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Hawthorn is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and various antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. These components help eliminate free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress, and provide certain anti-inflammatory benefits, which are advantageous for maintaining overall health.
However, hawthorn water contains high levels of calories and acidic substances, and long-term excessive consumption may damage teeth and gastric mucosa. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation, and oral hygiene should be maintained. Additionally, individuals with gastric ulcers or excessive gastric acid secretion should consume it cautiously.
