HEALTH BENEFITS OF DATE FRUIT

 

Have you heard the proverb ‘seven dates a day, keeps the doctor away’?

This is not just a proverb or cliché but supported by a hadith of the noble prophet (SAW).

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If somebody takes some `Ajwa dates every morning, he will not be affected by poison or magic on that day till night.” (Another narrator said seven dates). (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Medicine, Book 76, Hadith 82) Narrated Saud (R.A)

According to the hadith, dates do not only keep one from medical problems but also spiritual ones.

 The date is a stone fruit (that is, it has a single hard seed surrounded by outer fleshly fruit like mango) popularly referred to by Hausa and most Nigerians as Dabino. It is a fruit from the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera) and is grown mainly in tropical regions. The name Dates originated from the Greek word daktulos, which means fingers due to how they grow as small clusters on the date palm tree.

Dates are eaten in either dried or soft forms. They contain high content of natural sugar which is responsible for the sweet taste. However, they are also rich in many nutrients that are beneficial for health and make them among recommended fruit or snack. This article briefly highlights some benefits of this fruit.

1.      Role in brain health: Dates have been found to lower some inflammatory markers associated with neurodegenerative diseases in the brain. Asides, from preventing neurodegenerative diseases in adults like Alzheimer’s disease, it also contributes to brain development in newborns. It was reported in several collections including Sahih collections of Bukhari and Muslim that Abu Buradah reported from Abu Musa, who said: "I had a new-born baby; I took him to the Prophet Muhammad {peace be upon him}. The prophet chewed a date then he took it and rubbed the inside of the baby's mouth with it.”

2.      Rich in minerals: Dates are said to contain several minerals that are beneficial to health such as selenium, manganese, copper, calcium, and magnesium which all play roles in healthy bone growth and prevention of osteoporosis (bone weakness). The sodium and potassium contents prevent nervous system diseases such as stroke. Iron contents is essential for blood production and immunity which makes it beneficial for those who suffer from iron deficiency anemia.

3.      Rich in vitamins: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and D are all present in dates which therefore reduce the need for supplements. Vitamin C and D contributes to skin improvement and are found to play role in anti-aging and prevention of melanin accumulation. Hence, regular consumption of dates might be a natural measure to have glowing skin. Vitamins also play key roles as antioxidants thereby reducing risk of chronic diseases like cancer, and heart diseases, and also improve immune system of the body. Vitamin A helps maintain good eye health and prevent night blindness.

4.      Role in maternal health: Dates and its products can serve as tonic thereby help in strengthening uterine contraction in labour and preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Hence, eating dates before and after delivery can be helpful to a pregnant woman. The Almighty Allah commanded Mar’yam to also eat date fruits after delivery of prophet Isah as reported in the Holy Quran, Surah Maryam “And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. So eat and drink and cool (thine eye)…” (Q19:25-26). Some nutritional contents of dates also help in milk production by stimulating release of prolactin.

5.      Promotes digestion and treatment of GI diseases: Dates have high fiber contents which makes them suitable for anyone having constipation as it aids bowel movement and digestion. Also about 80% of date is sugar, both fructose and glucose which have high energy content and easily digestible. This makes them a good alternative to carbohydrate diets. It could also be a better replacement for refined sugars. It has also been reported to have a lower glycemic index compared to many other carbohydrate diets. Although should be cautiously eaten by diabetics, but natural sugars from dates are better alternate to refined sugars. As the awareness of the health benefits of date’s increases, dates have been incorporated in different dishes such as salads, smoothies, stews, and candies.

Dates or date palm tree are mentioned severally in the Holy Qur’an, more than other fruits, not just because it is a popular diet among Arabs but also because of the numerous benefits attached to eating dates. It is beneficial for all age groups including pregnant women and the children.

The Almighty Allah says in the Holy Qur’an (Suratul An-Nahl, Q16:7): “And from the fruit of the date-palm and the vine, ye get out wholesome drink and food: behod, in this also is a sign for those who are wise”.

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322548#nutritional-information

https://www.islamicity.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14078&title=sunnah-of-putting-dates-for-newborn-and-science

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322548#how-to-eat-dates

https://www.muslimobserver.com/mentions-dates-quran-hadith/

https://eprojectlibrary.com/date-fruit-and-date-palm-health-benefits-of-date-fruits-dabino/

Abdullah Yusuf Ali Translations. Muslim Pro

Written by: Abdulhammed Babatunde