So it is Ramadan, and I’ve been seeing a lot of dates around, and have heard some people ask why they’re in such high demand. Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, energy, sugar and fiber. Essential minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Zinc are found in dates. They also contain vitamins such as Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate, Vitamin A and Vitamin K. So they are a bundle of nutrition in small packs.
Many Muslims break their fast by eating dates and drinking water. When the body begins to absorb the
high nutritional value of the dates, hunger pangs are quickly sated, and their impressively high levels of iron balances out the inherent lack of iron in anemic patients, increasing energy and strength, while decreasing feelings of fatigue and sluggishness. They are reputed to be able to boost energy levels in as little as half an hour after consumption. Their significant levels of Potassium also bring balance to the nervous system as is it improves the speed and alertness of brain activity. In addition to this, they are very easy to digest, which is an added plus for someone who has been fasting.
Dates have high levels of soluble fiber, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements and the comfortable passage of food through the intestinal tract, which can relieve symptoms of constipation. Being rich in Selenium, Manganese, Copper, and Magnesium, all of which are integral to healthy bone development and strength, it is a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis.
For those who are not observing the fast, dates are a commonly used remedy for alcoholic intoxication as they bring a quick sobering effect to those who have consumed an uncomfortable amount of alcohol. They can also be used the following morning to prevent severe hangovers. For this, they should be rubbed and soaked in water overnight for the best results.
Even though dates have all these great benefits, one needs to be careful in selecting them because their surface is very sticky, which could attract impurities like dust, etc.. Ideally, you should only eat dates that have been packaged and stored properly. Please share your knowledge about dates with us in the comments section. Cheers!