Longan Red Date Tea
In Chinese Medicine, Longan Red Date Tea can supplement blood, and are especially good for people with anemia or women undergoing periods.
Are They Scientifically True?
Both Longan and Red Date are rich in iron (a key component in generating blood), 3.9mg/100g and 2.3mg/100g, respectively [1]. And Longan is rich in Vitamin C (0.1-0.6g/ 100g) which speeds up the assimilation of the iron) [2].
Are They Effective?
It is important to note that the iron in these foods primarily exists in the form of non-heme iron, which has a relatively low absorption rate in the human body, typically less than 10%. Therefore, relying solely on consuming longan and red dates for iron supplementation may have limited effects.
References:
[1] “The Iron-Supplementing Effects of Red Dates and Longan Are Limited: Be Cautious of Three ‘Enemies’ in Scientific Iron Supplementation.” Lxjk.People.Cn. January 15, 2019. http://lxjk.people.cn/n1/2019/0115/c404177-30541242.html.
[2] Burdeos, Johna. “Health Benefits of Jujube (Chinese Red Date).” Health. October 30, 2024. https://doi.org/https://www.health.com/jujube-benefits-8711258.
Diet Debunked 