As I’m writing this, I’m sipping on my third cup of longan and red dates. I’ve always had a liking to the naturally sweet flavour of the drink, and it’s so easy to make too! Research also proves there are health benefits due to the nutritious vitamins in the red dates.
Red dates, known as hongzao, are labelled by the Chinese as ‘the king of nuts’ for their super nutritional value. Dried Chinese red dates are soft and moist with a sweet smell. Heralded as a superfood, red dates are often present in traditional chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions and brewed herbal tonics.
Here are the health benefits that you might not be aware of.
1. Packed with Vitamin C
Did you know red dates have 70-80 times higher levels of Vitamin C? They also contain loads of Vitamin A, B1, B2, protein, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium.
2. Help stimulate production of white blood cells
In particular, red dates help to stimulate the production of white blood cells – which improves immunity and protects the liver. It is believed that they also suppress cancer-causing cells and reduce cholesterol. In all ancient traditional Chinese herbal text books, red dates are always mentioned for strengthening the spleen and stomach Qi (energy) – which in turns helps to digest food, tonify blood and tranquilize the mind.
3. Great to drink during your period
It’s said that red dates are able to nourish and replenish your blood, which is why many women eat them during their period. It is said that it also helps improve period regularity. For some who are trying to conceive, traditionalists swear by red dates elixir!
4. For ladies who are going through confinement
Red dates and longan tea is a one of the most common confinement drinks. Dried longan is ‘warm’ and extremely beneficial to the heart and kidneys. Combined with the superpower of red dates in nourishing the blood, this drink is brewed to revitalize overall body and health wellness.
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