Dates, the sweet fruit of the date palm tree, are renowned as a SUPERFOOD. These fruits are abundant in vital nutrients, vitamins, and fiber that benefit the body and psyche in numerous ways. Dates are one of the most adaptable foods because they can be eaten either fresh from the palm tree when they are picked, or dried and preserved for a long period. There are hundreds of different types of dates with unique shapes and flavors, but the Ajwa date type is particularly well-known. Ajwa dates are a well-known variety of dates that are only produced in Medina, Saudi Arabia. These dates, which range in color from dark brown to almost black, are delightfully soft and fruity with a flavour akin to prunes. The Ajwa dates are also considered to be 'holy' superfoods due to its frequent mention in the prophetic traditions or ahadith.
[A] Narrated Sa`d: I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "Whoever takes seven 'Ajwa dates in the morning will not be effected by magic or poison on that day." [Sahih al-Bukhari]
[B] And the `Ajwah* are from Paradise, and they are healing for possession.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
[C] Sa‘d said: When I was ill the Prophet came to visit me, and putting his hand between my nipples so that I felt its coolness on my heart, he said, “You are suffering from a heart disease. Go to al-Harith b. Kalada who belongs to Thaqif, for he practices medicine, and get him to take seven of the 'ajwa dates of Medina and pound them together with their stones, then administer them to you.” [Mishkat al-Masabih]
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Health Benefits
There are numerous health benefits of eating dates in general, and here are just some:
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1.Very Nutritious
A great source of nutrients - they have more calories than the majority of fresh produce because they are dried. Dates have a comparable number of calories to other dried fruits like raisins and figs. Dates contain a lot of energy from carbohydrates. A very small amount of protein makes up the remainder. Dates have a lot of fiber and some essential vitamins and minerals, and are also high in antioxidants, The Ajwa dates contain Potassium, Sodium, Carbohydrates, Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, Protein, etc.
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2. Great Source of Fiber
It's critical to get enough fiber for good health. Dates are a great method to up your fiber intake because a 3.5-ounce serving contains almost 7 grams of fiber, which improves the health of your digestive system, encouraging regular bowel motions. Additionally, the dates' fiber content might help with blood sugar regulation. Blood sugar levels may not rise too high after eating because fiber regulates digestion. Because of this, dates have a low glycemic index (GI), a metric that indicates how fast your blood sugar levels rise after consuming a particular food.
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Dates provide various antioxidants that have a number of health benefits, including a decreased risk of several diseases. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and result in illness. Antioxidants shield your cells from these dangerous reactions by neutralizing them. Dates appear to contain the most antioxidants when compared to fruit that is comparable to them, like figs and dried plums. Dates contain three powerful antioxidants:
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a. Flavonoids: Flavonoids are potent antioxidants that have been linked to a lower chance of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and some types of cancer. They may also help to reduce inflammation.
b. Carotenoids: Carotenoids have been shown to improve heart health and may also lower the chance of conditions that affect the eyes, like macular degeneration.
c. Phenolic acids may help reduce the chance of cancer and heart disease due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
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4. Promotes Brain Health
Dates may enhance mental performance. According to laboratory research, dates are effective at reducing inflammatory indicators in the brain like interleukin 6 (IL-6). A greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's is often linked to high levels of IL-6. Alzheimer's disease and brain cell death often result from plaques building up in the brain, disrupting the signaling between brain cells. Dates may have cognitive benefits because they contain antioxidants like flavonoids, which are known to decrease inflammation.
