Should hawthorn powder be taken before or after meals?
Hawthorn should be consumed about 30 minutes to 1 hour after a meal. It’s important not to take it on an empty stomach, as it contains a high level of organic acids that can lead to the formation of gastric stones.
In addition to being rich in vitamin C, hawthorn has a significant amount of organic acids, which can cause issues if consumed on an empty stomach. One of hawthorn’s benefits is its ability to aid digestion, and it works best when taken after food, when there is partially digested food in the stomach. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume hawthorn after meals, not on an empty stomach. If you experience bloating, loose stools, or indigestion, hawthorn can help improve digestion and regulate gastrointestinal function.
Pregnant women and individuals with diabetes should avoid hawthorn, as it may pose risks such as miscarriage or worsen other health conditions. Additionally, hawthorn should not be eaten with fruits or vegetables that contain vitamin C-decomposing enzymes, as this can destroy the vitamin C in hawthorn.