Health Benefits of Dates
Health Benefits of Dates
Our blessed Prophet(s) used to eat dates, not only making this a Sunnah but also something we should consume and understand. Dates are the oldest known cultivated fruit. They have been cultivated for over 6000 years. Dates are the sweetest fruit in existence. They are called nature's candy. Each date contains about 60 grams of sugar. Dates are grown in hot and dry areas, 2 of the most popular are North Africa and the Middle East. Dates palm trees require over 100 days of the year temperature being over 100 degrees to produce fruit. There are over 200 varieties of dates out there, and the one that is the most difficult to grow but the most loved one is the Medjool date. It can take a date palm tree 4-8 years to produce fruit, and when it produces, there can be about 300 pounds of fruit from each tree. SubhanAllah. Everyone loves to break their fast with a date and a sip of Zamzam water. We are all familiar with the Medjool date. Medjool means unknown because the first time dates were discovered in the Oasis in Morrocco, they had not been seen before. This is why they were called “unknown.
Fun Fact about Dates
The word “date” comes from the Greek word dactyls which means finger.
The Date palm tree is often referred to as the Tree of Life. Why? It produces a large amount of food, probably more than any other fruit tree. The wood and leaves from the tree have many other uses, such as medicinal and building things.
Dates palm trees cover 3% of the cultivated land in the world. And they produce 4 million tons of dates every year.
There are very few people allergic to dates.
Dates can give you more energy- keeping your energy high throughout the day is a constant problem. Due to our work schedule with continuous stress and brain work- we often feel tired by the middle of the day. If you want to keep your energy high throughout the day and be just as productive in the evening as you are, add one date to each one of your meals. Dates are very high in natural sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose. These natural sugars can give an energy boost. A study in The International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition showed that chewing a few dates when tired raises your energy levels immediately. So, instead of grabbing a candy bar next time you need a pick me up, pick a date.
Dates help lower cholesterol levels- Dates may be very sweet, but they are very low in fat and completely free from cholesterol. Dates are one of the best diet food out there. Regular consumption of dates will balance your cholesterol and help you keep your weight down. High cholesterol is also bad for your heart. Eating 1-2 dates a day will help you protect your body from the inside and the outside.
Your digestive system will work more effectively-Dates contain soluble fiber, which helps regulate the digestive and helps relieve constipation. A good tip is to soak a few dates at night and have the mixture in the morning. This will increase their natural abilities even more
Dates can balance your blood pressure naturally- High blood pressure is often due to the consumption of too much sodium(salt) in our meals. Dates are a unique type of food that Allah swt has blessed us with. They contain barely any sodium. They are packed with potassium which promotes sodium excretion. This is why they help you regulate your blood pressure. This is a natural solution to balance your blood pressure.
You may see an improvement in your vision in today's world due to computers & phones. Our vision has been weakened. Dates are one of the few natural foods that can help with vision. Dates contain a high amount of vitamin A which gives the eyes a proper amount of nutrients and therefore strengthens the vision.
Your bones will be stronger- the older we get, the more fragile our bones become. Osteoporosis causes extreme pain, bone deformities, and many other problems. Dates are filled with potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. These vitamins are known to help prevent bone-related issues.
Stronger immune system- dates provide complex protection for your body. Dates are filled with antioxidants which protect your cells from free radicals and therefore prevent tons of diseases and harmful reactions happening inside your body. Dates contain three essential antioxidants: flavonoids, phenolic acid, and carotenoids. Flavonoids are irreplaceable when it comes to reducing inflammation. In Egypt, a study at the Suez Canal University proved that flavonoids in dates help to prevent cancer and diabetes. Carotenoids help and focus on your heart's work and help to maintain its health. Phenolic acid works best to lower a person's risk of cancer.
Dates help your brain work better- dates contain a powerful antioxidant that significantly improves brain function. A few dates in the morning will help kickstart your day and fuel your brain.
Help improve your skin-The condition of our skin has to do with many different factors but what we eat plays a significant part in it. Dates have an ample supply of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C in dates helps with skin elasticity. Vitamin D helps make your skin smooth and soft. Dates also prevent the accumulation of melanin in your body, reducing aging signs and helping with oily skin. Regularly consuming dates will help make your skin look fresh and healthy.
MashaAllah, dates are a fantastic superfood for anyone looking to improve their health. The Prophet(s) opened his fast with a date and water. Let’s try to make this a healthy habit.
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