Dates are the dried fruits of the date palm tree, which grows in many tropical regions around the world. Dates have become increasingly popular due to their high nutritional value and the health benefits associated with them. This article will discuss the essential nutrients found in dates, and will also review through the Dalili Medical website the benefits of eating seven dates on an empty stomach, in addition to the best ways that eating dates can contribute to improving your health.

**Eating Seven Dates**

 

There are some hadiths that indicate that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to eat seven dates in the morning on a daily basis. It was narrated on the authority of Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates every morning will not be harmed by poison or magic that day.” This was narrated by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih (No. 5445) and Muslim in his Sahih (No. 2047). However, there are multiple interpretations of this hadith, indicating that there is no conclusive evidence that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to eat seven dates daily, but he recommended it as a means of protection from magic and poison throughout the day.

Nutritional Value of Dates

Nutritional facts for dates include that every 100 grams of dates contain:

- 0.5 milligrams of vitamin B5.

- 1.2 milligrams of vitamin B3.

- 0.4 grams of vitamin C.

- 39 mg of calcium.

- 43 mg of magnesium.

- 62 mg of phosphorus.

- 656 mg of potassium.

**Benefits of date juice**

 

Date juice is prepared by soaking dates in water for several hours or throughout the day, then mixing the soaked dates with water or milk in a blender to obtain date juice. Thanks to its natural sugars, date juice has a sweet taste. Date juice is also rich in many nutrients such as iron, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, in addition to a group of vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, and vitamin C.

**Benefits of dates with milk**

 

Dates with milk are a complete meal in themselves, in addition to being a delicious and refreshing drink in the summer and a nutritious drink that gives you energy in the winter.

Dates with milk is a popular drink all year round, thanks to its high nutritional value, as it is:

- Rich in calcium from two sources: dates and milk.

- Contains vitamins B5 and B6 from both sources.

- It is considered a rich source of antioxidants.

As for the benefits of eating dates with milk on an empty stomach, it can be considered a simple and easy breakfast, full of the nutrients your body needs throughout the day.

1. Are dates good for diabetics?

 

Dates are characterized by their high content of natural sugars, so it is recommended to eat them in moderation by diabetics. However, dates also contain fiber and nutrients that can contribute to regulating blood sugar levels when included in a balanced diet.

2. Can eating dates lead to weight gain?

 

Dates are high in calories due to the presence of natural sugars in them, which means that overeating them may contribute to weight gain. However, if eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it can provide valuable nutritional benefits without necessarily leading to weight gain.

3. When can dates be introduced to babies?

 

It is usually recommended to introduce dates to babies between 6 and 8 months of age after starting solid foods. However, it is important to consult a pediatrician before introducing dates or any new food into your baby’s diet.

4. How much dates should I eat per day?

 

The recommended amount of dates is around 2-3 dates per day. However, this amount may vary based on individual nutritional needs and health goals.

5. Are dates good for the skin?

 

Yes, dates contain a range of nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial to the skin, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Eating dates as part of a balanced diet may help improve skin health.

6. Do dates help hair growth?

 

Although dates contain some nutrients that are beneficial for hair health, such as vitamin C and iron, the available scientific evidence does not conclusively support the idea that they directly promote hair growth. However, including dates in a balanced diet with other healthy foods may contribute to improving overall hair health.

Do dates contain omega-3?

 

Dates do not contain omega-3, but they do contain other types of antioxidants that give them similar properties in fighting inflammation, promoting brain health, and strengthening memory.

Does eating dates at night lead to weight gain?

 

If eaten in moderation and within the permissible limits of calories, without adding artificial sweeteners, it will not lead to weight gain.

Are dates allowed on the keto diet?

 

Dates are usually considered a food that is not allowed on the keto diet due to their high sugar content, but some people use very small amounts of it.

Do dates hinder the absorption of iron?

 

There is no evidence that dates hinder the absorption of iron; on the contrary, dates help prevent anemia and iron deficiency.

Date growth stages:

1. **Talah**: This is the first stage in which the fruit appears.

2. **Khalal**: At this stage, the color of the date is green, and its oval shape begins to form, with a noticeable increase in its size.

3. **Basr**: This is when the color of the fruit changes to red or golden.

4. **Rutab**: At this stage, the date fruit becomes sweet and very soft.

5. **Tamar**: This is the final stage in which the date fruit takes its final shape, becomes homogeneous in texture and ready to be picked.

**Types of Dates**

Dates are known for their high nutritional value and benefitsHealthy, multi-tasking dates. However, different types of dates have unique characteristics in terms of shape, taste and texture, which are influenced by where they are grown.

Here are some common types of dates:

 

- **Medjool Dates**: Large in size and with a sweet, caramel-like taste, they are often considered the best type of dates.

- **Deglet Noor Dates**: Smaller and slightly drier than Medjool dates, they have a rich, nutty flavour and are used in many dishes.

- **Barhi Dates**: They are yellow in colour and become crunchy when fully ripe, and are usually eaten fresh.

- **Halawi Dates**: They have a soft, golden brown skin and a creamy texture, and are highly valued for their distinctive sweetness.

- **Khadhrawi Dates**: Dark brown in colour, soft in texture and with a caramel-like taste, they are a popular choice for snacks.

- **Dairi Dates**: Small in size and cylindrical in shape, they have a firm texture and a mild, sweet flavour.

- **Thawri Dates**: They are characterized by their dryness and rubbery texture, and are commonly used in cooking and baking.

- **Zahidi Dates**: Oval-shaped and golden yellow in color, they have a pleasant and sweet taste, and are ideal as a snack or for preparing desserts.

When is the ideal time to eat dates?

 

**For breakfast:** Dates are a great option to add natural sweetness and fiber to your morning diet. In addition, their high fiber content helps you feel full and satisfied throughout the morning.

**As an afternoon snack:** Dates are a good source of fiber and are high in natural sugars. This combination of fiber and sugar helps raise blood sugar levels gradually, helping you feel active without crashing after a short period.

**When you feel hungry:** Dates are a concentrated source of calories and promote a feeling of fullness thanks to their high fiber content. If you’re feeling hungry but not ready for a full meal, you can eat dates with some peanut butter for a good mix of fiber, carbohydrates, and protein.

**Before a workout:** Although dates are high in natural sugar, they don’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Instead, they provide a slow-release type of carbohydrate, allowing for a steady stream of energy to fuel your workout. It’s best to eat 2-4 dates 30-60 minutes before you exercise.

**As an evening snack: They’re a great option before bed because they’re high in fiber. Fiber takes longer to digest, which helps you feel full and prevents midnight hunger.

When should someone avoid eating dates?

 

Although the body is usually able to digest food at any time, there are some cases when it is best not to eat dates:

1. **If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)**: People with irritable bowel syndrome may have difficulty digesting foods that contain FODMAPs, which are short-chain carbohydrates. Since dates are high in fructose, eating them may lead to bloating and stomach discomfort.

2. **After eating large meals**: Because they are high in fiber, dates take longer to digest. So, eating large amounts of dates after a large meal may leave you feeling full and uncomfortable.

3. **If you have an allergy**: Although rare, some people may be allergic to dates. If you suspect that you may be susceptible, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before adding dates to your diet.

4. **During diarrhea or loose stools**: Dates contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can have a laxative effect and increase bowel movement in some people. It is best to reduce its intake in these cases.

Benefits of eating seven dates on an empty stomach in the morning:

1- It helps lower blood cholesterol levels and protects against atherosclerosis thanks to its pectin content.

2- It helps prevent colon cancer, reduces the risk of hemorrhoids, helps reduce the formation of gallstones, and facilitates the stages of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, due to its beneficial fibers and easily digestible sugars.

3- It protects against tooth decay because it contains fluoride.

4- It helps prevent toxins thanks to its sodium, potassium and vitamin C content.

5- It is considered an effective treatment for anemia due to its iron, copper and vitamin B2 content.

6- It is used as a treatment for rickets and osteomalacia because it contains calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A.

7- It is considered a treatment for loss of appetite and poor concentration because it contains potassium.

8- It is used as a treatment for general weakness and heart palpitations because it contains magnesium and copper.

9- It is considered a treatment for rheumatism and brain cancer because it contains boron.

10- It is an anti-cancer because it contains selenium, and it has been noted that the inhabitants of the oases do not know about cancer.

11- It is considered an effective treatment for sexual weakness because it contains boron and vitamin A.

12- It is used as a treatment for dry skin, dry cornea and night blindness because it contains vitamin A.

13- It treats diseases of the nervous digestive system because it contains vitamin B1.

14- It is considered a treatment for hair loss, eye strain, inflammation of the mucous membranes in the oral cavity and inflammation of the lips because it contains vitamin B2.

15- It is used to treat skin infections due to its niacin content.

16- It is considered an effective treatment for scurvy, which causes general weakness of the body, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, constriction of blood vessels, and the appearance of red spots on the skin, in addition to weak bones and teeth, due to its content of vitamin C (2) or ascorbic acid.

(A wide range of medicines and antibiotics can be extracted from itDates are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are used as prescription drugs to treat the aforementioned diseases.

17- It is used to treat stomach acidity due to its content of chlorine, sodium and potassium.

18- It is considered a treatment for gum problems and weak capillary blood vessels, in addition to weak muscles and cartilage, thanks to its content of vitamin C.

**Getting rid of intestinal worms**

 

Eating seven dates in the morning on an empty stomach helps eliminate parasites, and also enhances heart health, cleanses the liver, and nourishes the blood.

**Instant energy boost**

Dates provide the body with instant energy and enhance its vitality, especially when eaten in appropriate quantities ranging from 3 to 7 dates per day.

**Rich in fiber**

Getting enough fiber is important for your overall health. A 28-gram serving of dates contains about 7 grams of fiber, making eating seven dates on an empty stomach an excellent way to increase your fiber intake. Fiber supports digestive health by preventing constipation, and promotes regular bowel movements by contributing to the formation and activation of stool.

**Promotes brain health**

Eating 7 dates on an empty stomach improves brain function. A study conducted by researchers from Harvard University showed that dates help reduce markers of inflammation, such as interleukin 6, in the brain. High levels of this compound are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, eating 7 dates on an empty stomach helps reduce the activity of beta amyloid proteins, which can cause plaques to form in the brain.

**Reduces hunger**

Eating dates in the morning helps promote a feeling of fullness throughout the day, which prevents overeating fatty foods between meals. Regular consumption of dates also enhances the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, strengthens the immune system, and increases activity and vitality.

**Very Nutritious**

Because dates are dried, their calorie content is higher than most fresh fruits, with most of the calories in dates coming from carbohydrates, in addition to containing some essential vitamins and minerals.

In addition to containing an abundant amount of fiber, dates are also characterized by a high level of antioxidants.

2. Boosting vitality and activity

Dates are a rich source of iron, which is known for its role in reducing the risk of anemia, which may manifest in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Dates also contribute to improving blood flow to all parts of the body, which enhances a person’s vitality thanks to the availability of sufficient blood and oxygen in each organ.

3. Supporting bone health

Dates contain adequate amounts of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and manganese, all of which play a role in promoting bone health. Maintaining bone health is essential to preventing bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis, which may result from a deficiency in vitamin D and calcium.

4. Enhance skin elasticity

Dates contain abundant amounts of vitamin C, which can boost collagen production, and also help prevent sunburn thanks to their flavonoid content.

5. Treating diarrhea

Dates can be effective in treating diarrhea due to their high potassium content.

6. Contributing to the prevention of colon cancer

One of the benefits of eating dates on an empty stomach is that it may help reduce the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer, as consuming dates promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which supports colon health.

7. Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants protect the body's cells from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause harmful reactions that lead to many diseases.

Dates contain amino acids that enhance endurance, in addition to hormones such as estrogen and sterols that support the health of the male reproductive system. Research indicates that date fruit extract and pollen can improve sperm count, motility, and shape, as well as increase fertility in men suffering from infertility. The antioxidants in dates also help protect the testicles from oxidative damage. In addition, dates may play a role in treating male impotence and helping them improve their erectile function.

**Supporting Kidney Health**

 

Dates help protect the kidneys from kidney toxicity and enhance their function, mainly due to their richness in antioxidants. Several studies conducted on mice indicate that Ajwa date extract reduces creatinine and urea levels, which are indicators of kidney damage. Dates also help reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys. The nutrients in Ajwa dates may play a role in preventing kidney stones. However, more research is needed to explore the kidney-protective capabilities of different date varieties.

**Providing Healthy Nutrition During Pregnancy**

 

Dates are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes proper digestion and helps prevent stomach problems such as constipation, which is a common issue during pregnancy. Dates are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and folate, which support the mother’s health and contribute to the healthy development of the fetus. In addition, dates provide natural energy thanks to the sugars they contain, making them an ideal choice as a quick and healthy snack for pregnant mothers who suffer from fatigue.

- Promote heart health:

Dates are a rich source of potassium, which is an essential element for heart health, as it helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the accumulation of harmful cholesterol in the arteries. It also promotes brain health thanks to its antioxidants and vitamin C content, which helps protect the bodyM from infection.

What are the harms of eating dates?

 

We will review the most prominent potential harms of eating dates in large quantities below:

1. Weight gain

You may not be aware that dates contain a high percentage of calories, as a small portion such as two dates can contain about 140 calories.

Given the small amount, 140 calories is considered a high percentage.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the amount of dates consumed, as overeating them may lead to weight gain.

2. Digestive problems

Dates are rich in fiber, which plays a role in suppressing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness for a longer period. But the problem is that many people do not consume the recommended amounts of fiber daily.

When eating dates in large quantities, the body may be shocked if it is not accustomed to this percentage of fiber, leading to digestive problems such as bloating, gas, colic, and constipation.

3. Fructose intolerance

Fructose is a natural sugar commonly found in fruits and some vegetables, and dates contain a good amount of this sugar.

Some people suffer from a condition known as fructose intolerance, where the body is unable to break down fructose properly.

When fructose is not broken down, it interacts with bacteria in the intestines, leading to problems such as bloating and gas in the abdomen.

4. Increased risk of diabetes

This is considered one of the most prominent harms of eating dates, as dates are known to be a food rich in sugar. Eating too much of it and not controlling its quantities during the day may lead to an increased risk of diabetes.

5. Hyperkalemia

The normal level of potassium in the body ranges between 3.6 and 5.2 mmol/L. When this level exceeds 7 mmol/L, what is known as hyperkalemia occurs.

Dates contain large amounts of potassium, so it is advisable not to eat too much of it. It should also be avoided if potassium levels are high in the body to avoid potential harm.

6. Digestive problems due to the coating

The shiny and bright appearance of the fruit may attract you to buy it, but what you may not realize is that this shine is often caused by a wax coating, which gives fruits such as dates an attractive appearance. This coating can lead to digestive problems when eating dates.

7. Bronchial obstruction in children

Bronchial obstruction in children is one of the risks associated with eating dates, as it occurs due to the hardness and size of dates. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful when giving dates to children.

8. Tooth decay

Dates contain a high percentage of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. Therefore, it is important to brush your teeth after eating dates to avoid the risk of tooth decay. Prevention is better than cure, so it is recommended to eat dates in moderation to avoid its harm.