When it comes to red dates, we are as familiar with them as we are with rice. The first impression they give us is that they are good for nourishing the blood and that they can be eaten in any way. But is that really the case? Can people with a damp-heat constitution eat them?
Can People with a Damp-Heat Constitution Eat Red Dates?
People with a damp-heat constitution are not suitable to eat red dates.
People with a damp-heat constitution have a heavy damp-heat condition, and red dates, being warm in nature, cannot clear heat. Their taste is very sweet and can easily cause phlegm and dampness to accumulate in the body, exacerbating the dampness. Therefore, it is not suitable for people with a damp-heat constitution to eat red dates.
The Disadvantages of People with a Damp-Heat Constitution Eating Red Dates
Exacerbates the Damp-Heat Condition
Red dates contain a lot of sugar, which increases the viscosity of dampness. This prevents the transformation of phlegm and dampness in the body, directly causing them to accumulate in various tissues and organs, thus exacerbating the dampness. Red dates, being warm in nature, do not clear heat but instead warm the stomach.
Affects Digestion
People with a damp-heat constitution often have poor digestive function, leading to digestive problems. Red dates have a high fiber content, making them difficult to digest. This increases the burden on the spleen and stomach, indirectly exacerbating the damp-heat condition.
Who Should Eat Red Dates?
Red dates are suitable for people with a deficiency of Qi and blood. For people with a deficiency of Qi and blood, red dates can invigorate the spirit and nourish Qi and blood. However, relying solely on red dates to nourish Qi and blood may not yield the best results. It is recommended to combine them with longan and other foods for better effects.
What is Good for People with a Damp-Heat Constitution to Eat?
Corn and Adzuki Bean Porridge
Ingredients: Corn, adzuki beans, and kumquat cake in a ratio of 2:1:1. Generally, take 100 grams of corn and add an appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Instructions: 1. Remove impurities from the corn and adzuki beans and wash them. Cut the kumquat cake into small pieces and set aside.
2. Put water in a pot, add adzuki beans and corn, and boil over high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Reduce heat and simmer for half an hour until the grains are in a blooming state. Add the kumquat cake and rock sugar and simmer briefly.
Benefits: Corn can invigorate the spleen and stomach and promote diuresis and dampness drainage. Adzuki beans can promote diuresis, reduce swelling, clear heat, and detoxify. This dietary formula is helpful for people with a damp-heat condition, manifested as yellow urine, frequent urination, and poor digestive function.
Bian Que's Three Beans Drink
Ingredients: 3 grams of licorice, 15 grams each of mung beans, adzuki beans, and black beans.
Instructions: After washing the three types of beans, cook them in an appropriate amount of water over high heat (stirring) until the beans are cooked and soft. Drink the beans and soup in two servings.
Benefits: This formula clears heat and dampness, suitable for people with internal damp-heat, commonly manifested as acne, eczema, and skin lesions.
Tips
Red dates are indeed a good nourishing food, but they are not suitable for everyone or for people with any constitution. They are not suitable for people with a hot and dry constitution, those with wind-heat infection, or those with diabetes, among others. Only by understanding one's own physical condition can one choose the appropriate health food.
