Does hawthorn protect the liver or hurt the liver?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-28

Hawthorn, a common fruit and Chinese herbal medicine, is loved by the public for its sweet and sour taste and rich nutritional value. At the same time, hawthorn also has certain medicinal value, such as digestion and accumulation, blood circulation and stasis and other effects. However, there has been controversy about whether hawthorn is good or bad for the liver. This article will provide a comprehensive, scientific perspective on the effects of hawthorn on the liver from multiple perspectives.

1. The nutritional value and medicinal value of hawthorn.

Hawthorn is rich in vitamin C, carotene, calcium, iron and other nutrients, and has high nutritional value. At the same time, hawthorn also contains flavonoids, organic acids, volatile oils and other medicinal ingredients, which have a variety of pharmacological effects such as digestion and accumulation, blood circulation and blood stasis, blood lipid reduction, and antioxidant.

2. The effect of hawthorn on the liver.

1.The protective effect of hawthorn on the liver.

Some studies have found that the flavonoids and organic acids in hawthorn have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and other effects, which can protect the liver from free radical and inflammatory damage, thereby preventing the occurrence and development of liver disease. In addition, hawthorn can also improve the symptoms of fatty liver disease by lowering blood lipids and blood sugar.

2.Hawthorn's potential damage to the liver.

However, there are also some studies that have found that certain components in hawthorn may cause potential damage to the liver. For example, the acids in hawthorn may stimulate gastric acid secretion and increase the burden on the liver. In addition, the flavonoids in hawthorn may cause liver damage when ingested in excess.

3. How to eat hawthorn scientifically.

1.Consume in moderation.

Although hawthorn has certain medicinal properties, it is not suitable for everyone. In general, healthy people can consume 10-20 grams of hawthorn per day. For patients with liver disease or digestive system diseases, it should be consumed in moderation under the guidance of a doctor.

2.Pay attention to compatibility.

Hawthorn should not be eaten with certain drugs, such as antibiotics, anticoagulant drugs, etc., otherwise it may affect the effect of the drug. Therefore, hawthorn should be avoided when consuming it with these medications.

3.Avoid eating on an empty stomach.

Hawthorn is more acidic, and eating it on an empty stomach may irritate the gastric mucosa, causing symptoms such as stomach pain and gastritis. Therefore, hawthorn should be avoided on an empty stomach when consuming it.

Health for All says

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