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I love discovering new teas. The health benefits of teas are just fascinating to explore, especially the teas that come from specific countries. Red dates tea is a tea that I first heard about in China, where it’s touted as one of the healthiest teas. The health benefits of red dates tea include boosting the immune system, improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, skin rejuvenation, and digestion relief.1
Chinese red dates are composed of dried jujube fruit (red dates). They are loaded with vitamin C, B, minerals, antioxidants and are believed to have warming energy that invigorates the blood flow. Having a strong flow of blood plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine because good blood flow equals a strong immune system, healthy skin, and improved metabolism.2
Related: This Is the Very Best Tea To Brew If You Have Trouble Sleeping
History of Red Dates
In ancient China, red dates were thought to be a symbol of fertility. In Chinese culture, fresh dates have a very special place in history, legend, and literature. They are often featured in weddings, where it is served to the bride and groom in a soup together with peanuts, lotus seeds, and longan. Chinese people believe this practice helps Chinese women increase their chances of getting pregnant.
In traditional Chinese herbal text books pregnant women are often given dates as a daily dose of health to nourish their bodies and regulate blood flow. Though reserved for special occasions these sweet fruits can be easily found in a Chinese grocery store and in some Chinese herb shops.
Ziziphus jujuba is the botanical name for the plant that produces red dates. Red date trees are thorny and can grow up to 25 feet tall. In Asian countries, the plant is grown as a hedge to protect farmlands. The Chinese date tree produces yellow-red fruit (dried dates) between September and October. In China, this fruit is known as “li zhi” and has been used for over a thousand years in alternative medicine with many traditional herbs.
Red Dates Nutritional Value
Although most dates (like medjool dates) have a high sugar content one of the major health benefits of dates is their essential nutrients. Red dates have:3
- amino acids
- vitamin A
- vitamin E
- vitamin b6
- vitamin c
- fiber
- calcium
- iron
Even in traditional medicine, these nutrients are many popular health foods and drinks in China and Asia. Red date tea is considered an essential health tonic in Southern Asia and is prized for providing good health and good luck.4
health benefits of red dates tea (jujube)
1. Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common but serious disease that many people deal with. It can be caused by a variety of things like stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise. When blood sugar levels are too high, your blood becomes thick and sticky, increasing the risk for clotting. Healthy blood vessels are vital for the flow of blood to your heart, muscles, and other body parts.5
When you’re suffering from high blood pressure, you are at an increased risk for stroke, heart disease, or kidney problems. Red dates tea can help lower blood pressure by increasing the body’s rate of blood circulation and reducing blood viscosity. Dr. Chen Yong Zhi was a famous Chinese herbalist that used red dates to treat over 1,000 patients suffering from high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.6
2. Improved Iron Levels
A blood deficiency can be caused by a low intake of iron, which is one of the health benefits of red dates tea. Red dates contain a significant amount of iron, which is an essential mineral for many bodily functions including the reduction of fatigue and lethargy. Iron is also needed for blood production and it can help with other conditions such as anemia and delayed growth in children.7
Related: Make This Herbal ‘Super-Infusion’ Tea To Support Your Iron and Energy Levels
3. Energizes The Blood
A strong flow of blood plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. Having a healthy flow of blood can improve your immune system, which will help you fight against diseases and infections.8 The health benefits of red dates tea are largely due to the high antioxidant value of red dates, which helps cleanse the blood. These benefits are similar to that of he Shou Wu, which is another traditional Chinese tonic.
4. Prevents Anemia
One of the health benefits of red dates tea is its ability to prevent anemia, another benefit from their high iron content. Anemia results when there is not enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body.9
5. Boosts Immune System
Oxidative stress has been linked to many diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Having oxidants in the body is not always bad; however, it is when you have too many of them that can become dangerous. While free radicals are good at fighting viruses and cancer cells, they are not good when it comes to diseases like the flu or any other bacterial infection. The antioxidants in red date tea can help by neutralizing the free radicals before they damage your cells.10
6. Improve muscle tone
Amino acids are an important vitamin for improving your muscle tone. While they are not the only ones responsible for helping you maintain good muscle health, red dates contain an essential amount of amino acids that can help you fight off fatigue and improve your body’s energy levels. The body’s serum protein levels also get a boost with amino acids, which are essential for many metabolic processes.11
7. Reduce Coughing
One of the most popular uses for red date tea is the treatment of a dry throat and cough. In the winter months, many people are affected by coughs and colds due to the dryness of the air. When you have a dry throat, it can be difficult to swallow and it can also become irritated, resulting in a persistent cough. The health benefits of red dates tea for coughs is due to its warming properties, making it easier for you to swallow.12
8. Vision Health
This herbal tea has loads of vitamin A, which is one of the health benefits for your eyes. It can help reduce stress on the eyes and improve night vision, making it easier to see in the dark. One cup of red date tea a day is enough to meet your daily intake requirement for vitamin A, which also makes it easier for you to maintain a healthy immune system. Most of the health benefits of red dates tea are from its vitamin C content, which is essential for maintaining good vision.13
9. Increased Energy
The high amounts of pantothenic acid in red date tea increase the energy levels in your body, making it an excellent choice for people suffering from chronic fatigue or lethargy.14
10. Improved Kidney Function
Red dates are rich in cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which has the effect of dilating blood vessels and improving blood supply to the kidneys. This helps to flush out waste products, which is one of the health benefits of red dates tea.15
11. Weight Loss
Chinese dates are a delicious snack with high fiber content that’s vital for digestion and weight loss. A good digestive system means fewer calories are absorbed, which means you can lose weight more easily. Fiber also improves metabolism while adding bulk to your stool, which can relieve constipation.16
Red date tea can also help with weight loss as it reduces hunger and fatigue.
Related: Genmaicha Tea Is the Herbal Sip That’s Scientifically Shown To Improve Weight Loss
12. Protects The Liver
Red dates stimulate the production of white blood cells, which helps to remove toxins from your blood. The liver is the main organ responsible for removing harmful substances from the body, so it is important to protect it from damage and disease.17
13. Prevents Cancer
The health benefits of red dates tea also come from its high content of proanthocyanidins, a type of antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to cells, which can lead to cancer. By neutralizing these harmful particles before they start affecting your health, you are able to enjoy some of the health benefits of red date tea for cancer prevention.18
14. Prevents Diabetes
Red dates have long been used as a medicinal ingredient in China, and it is a vital part of many herbal tonics. One reason for its effectiveness in treating diabetes is the fact that it helps regulate glucose levels in your bloodstream. It also has compounds that help reduce insulin resistance.19
15. Prevents Osteoporosis And Arthritis
Red dates are high in calcium, which is one of the health benefits for your bones. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become brittle and weak, but the calcium in red dates helps you maintain good bone health.20
Where to Buy Red Date Tea
Red date tea is common in Chinese grocery stores. In the United States, it is tough to find as a retail product, but you can buy it from online retailers. My favorite is red date tea with goji berries. The sweet taste makes a delicious tea that’s packed with benefits.
Red date tea is a delicious and healthy drink that offers many benefits for the body. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help protect against disease and improve overall health. Additionally, the health benefits of red dates tea can help with weight loss, digestion, and energy levels. If you are looking for an easy way to boost your health, consider adding red date tea to your daily routine.