【“The No.1 Iron Supplement” is Red Dates? Answer: You are overthinking!】Many people regard red dates (Hongzao) as a top choice for replenishing blood and iron. However, according to investigations, the iron content in red dates is only 1.7 mg/100g, and it contains non-heme iron, with an absorption rate of only 10%. Experts indicate that the iron content in red dates is merely one-fifth of that in raisins and one-thirteenth of that in animal liver, and the iron from animal liver is also more easily absorbed by the human body. For iron supplementation, one should take medicinal iron supplements…
It is unclear when red dates became widely regarded as a premier choice for replenishing blood and iron. Many new mothers prepare red date puree for their babies to boost iron levels. Recently, however, some online discussions have claimed that the iron-boosting effects of red dates are purely a misconception. So, can red dates really supplement iron?
Reporters randomly interviewed several citizens on the streets of Beijing, and most believed that red dates can supplement iron. The reporters then took their questions to the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute, where researchers tested the red dates submitted for analysis. Five days later, the reporters received the test results.
Yue Hong, Director of the Health Warning Center at the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute: “It does contain iron, approximately 1.7 mg per 100 grams, which is relatively low compared to other foods, and it contains non-heme iron, with a maximum absorption rate of only about 10%.”
Experts state that the iron content in red dates is only half that of longan (Guiyuan) (4.3 mg/100g), one-fifth that of raisins (9.4 mg/100g), and one-thirteenth that of animal liver (22 mg/100g). Moreover, the iron in animal liver is also more easily absorbed by the human body.
Feng Xingzhong, Director of the TCM Department at Beijing Shijitan Hospital: “For those with iron deficiency, it is advisable to take medicinal iron supplements at the hospital. Clinical tests show that the blood-boosting effect of red dates is not significant, and I personally believe that one should not blindly follow food recommendations.”
So, what other benefits do red dates have for the body, and what should one pay attention to when consuming them?
Yue Hong, Director of the Health Warning Center at the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute: Red dates are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and other trace elements, so they do have many benefits for our bodies. We recommend that everyone try to eat fresh dates, as they contain more water-soluble vitamins. In dried dates, due to the evaporation of water, the vitamin content is relatively lower.
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Source: CCTV Finance (ID: cctvyscj)
Article edited by: Li Tianlu
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