Hawthorn is a common fruit in our daily life, with high nutritional and medicinal value. Eating hawthorn regularly can promote digestion and improve liver and kidney health. So, can pregnant women eat hawthorn? Let's find out!
[Can Pregnant Women Eat Hawthorn?]
Due to changes in the body, most pregnant women experience food aversions, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, and they may develop a preference for sour and sweet foods like hawthorn.
However, experts advise pregnant women to be cautious or avoid eating hawthorn and its products. Although hawthorn is deliciously sour and sweet, it is not recommended for pregnant women. According to traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn "consumes but does not nourish." During pregnancy, due to changes in hormone levels, pregnant women may experience decreased gastrointestinal function, and consuming too much hawthorn can cause indigestion and gastric acid reflux.
In addition, hawthorn has an excitatory effect on the uterus. After eating hawthorn, pregnant women may experience increased uterine contractions, and in severe cases, it may lead to miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should consume hawthorn sparingly to avoid the risk of miscarriage.
If pregnant women want to eat acidic fruits, they can opt for green apples, grapes, bayberries, tomatoes, and other fruits that are equally acidic but more nutritious than hawthorn. These fruits are more suitable for consumption during pregnancy.
[Health Benefits of Drinking Hawthorn Infusion]
1. Appetite Stimulant and Digestive Aid
Have you ever experienced increased salivation when thinking about hawthorn? This is due to the appetite-stimulating effect of hawthorn. Hawthorn contains acidic substances that stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, which helps to improve appetite.
2. Blood Circulation and Stasis Elimination
Hawthorn has the ability to promote blood circulation and eliminate stasis. It can help relieve local blood congestion and has auxiliary effects on bruises and injuries.
3. Immune System Booster
Hawthorn contains flavonoids, vitamin C, carotenoids, and other substances that can block and reduce the production of free radicals. It can enhance the body's immune system and has anti-aging and anti-cancer effects.
[Methods of Making Hawthorn Infusions]
1. Hawthorn and Goji Berry Tea
Ingredients: 30g hawthorn, 15g goji berries
Instructions: Wash the hawthorn and goji berries, slice the hawthorn, and place them in a teacup. Pour boiling water over them and let it steep for about 30 minutes before drinking.
Benefits: Drinking tea made from hawthorn and goji berries can nourish the liver and kidneys, improve blood circulation, and promote beauty and anti-aging.
2. Hawthorn and Chrysanthemum Tea
Ingredients: 20g hawthorn, 15g chrysanthemum
Instructions: Put the hawthorn and chrysanthemum in a teapot and add water. Bring it to a boil, then filter out the residue and drink the infusion.
Benefits: Hawthorn and chrysanthemum tea has good effects on strengthening the spleen, aiding digestion, clearing heat, and reducing blood lipids. It is best to consume it after meals and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach.
