Deen Digest | Health benefits of dates
“Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying,” — Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Date fruit is termed, according to nutritionists, as one of the most edible and world’s healthiest food. It is one of the healthiest and highly nutritious edibles. It is also known as the ‘Bread of the Sahara’.
Prophet Muhammad cherished dates so well that he would give people gold in exchange for date. In Al-tirmidhi, it’s reported that Rubay bint Mu’awwidh ibn Afraa said: ‘I took a plate of fresh dates and small cucumbers to the Messenger. He gave me a handful of jewelry, or a handful of gold.’
Eating date with other fruits and vegetables to break the fast is highly recommended because, in many Hadiths, it’s narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to do the same. For instance, in Al-Tirmidhi, Abdullah ibn Jaafar (may Allah be pleased with him) said the Messenger ate cucumbers with dates. Also, According to two other traditions recorded by Al-Tirmidhi, the Prophet ate dates with watermelon or muskmelon.
Nutritionists and historians believe that date is originated in the Persian Gulf area or in Mesopotamia. Now it is classed as one of the standard crops of world agriculture, as it is now widely grown in Egypt, Iran, Spain, Italy, China, U.S.A, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Date is said to have contained moisture, Protein, Fat, Minerals, Fibre, and a significant amount of Carbohydrates (i.e. about 76%). It also contains calcium, phosphorus, Iron, Vitamin C and little amount of Vitamin B complex with the calorific value of about 317 per 100 gm of edible portion.
In Prophetic Traditions, many useful properties have attributed to dates. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised his followers to breakfast with dates during Ramadan. He also advised: “Don’t miss evening meal, even if it happens to be constituted of few dates. Missing of evening meals hasten aging.”
Here are few health benefits of date fruit:
Prevents Poisoning
Date is used to prevent poisoning. To easily and effective help in preventing poisoning, it recommended that dates should be taken every money as part of breakfast meal. This is in reference to Sahih Al-Bukhari – Book 64 Hadith 270 Amir b. Sa’d b. Abu Waqqas, on the authority of his father, reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said: He who ate seven dates (of the land situated) between these two lava plains in the morning, no poison will harm him until it is evening. In another narration, the Prophet (PBUH) also taught his disciples that the date was not only an antidote to poison but also an effective defense against black magic. “Whoever eats seven dates of the High Land of Madinah in the morning will not be hurt by poison or sorcery on that day.”
Boosts Natural Weight
Because date has a good amount of calcium, phosphorus, Iron, Vitamin C, nutrinitists and medical experts believe that date can help a patient or malnourished child to recover weight. How? Just take a glass of cow or camel milk, a banana and 3-4 dates everyday. This will quickly and naturally help in increasing your weight effectively in healthy manner.
Cures and Prevents Heart Disease
A test-tube study found that Medjool and other date varieties lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol and prevented the buildup of plaque in arteries. Plaque accumulation can eventually block blood flow, leading to a heart attack or stroke. According to nutritionists, date serves as a good medicine for heart patients because it contains a significant quantity of iron, fibers and minerals suitable for weak hearted people. Fiber can help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol and keep your arteries clean, reducing your risk of heart disease. Patients with weak hearts are advised to consume dates on a daily basis. To use it cure heart issues, soak 4-5 dates at night, and next morning remove its seed and consume it. This should be regularly done at least twice a week.
Treats Constipation
According to database from National Institutes of Health, In a 3-week study, 21 people ate 7 dates (168 grams) per day and significantly improved their bowel movement frequency, compared with when they didn’t eat dates. Medical experts and nutritionists believe that date can be used to treat constipation because it is rich in roughage, which helps in stimulating the bowel movements. It is therefore recommended that a constipated patient must take the syrup prepared with dates everyday. Also, the Fiber in date is essential to promoting healthy digestion and bowel regularity.
Eliminates Sexual Impotency and Genital Issues
People use date to treat sexual weakness because it eliminates impotency and weakness of the sexual organs. To do this, nutritionists recommend that one should soak a handful of dates in a glass of fresh goat’s or camel’s milk. Next morning, add a pinch of cardamom powder to it and drink as regular milk. This would help improve sex stamina and also removes genital problems.
Enhances Longevity
Dates is rich in a number of good bacteria count, which helps in preventing intestinal disturbances. Nutritionists recommend that people at 45 and above should always include 5 to 6 dates in their daily diet because it would help in cleansing their body system and enhance longevity. According to National Institutes of Health, Medjool dates boast several antioxidants, which can protect your cells from oxidative damage that can lead to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and brain ailments.
In a nutshell, dates are really the natural tonic for health. It is generally recommended that dates should be eaten in order to stay healthy and live a better lifestyle. Henceforth, make date part of your daily meal in Ramadan and beyond!
