Dates, the fruit of the date palm tree, are a popular superfood for their versatility, sweet flavour, soft texture and many nutritional benefits. Consumed fresh or dried, these fruits are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins and fibre that provide multiple health benefits for the human body and mind.
The Ajwa date, grown exclusively in Medina, Saudi Arabia, in particular, has been celebrated for centuries, both for its cultural significance and status as the most nutritious dates of all. Ranging from a dark brown to almost black colour, they are, out of the over 600 varieties of dates available worldwide, exceptionally prominent throughout the world, especially among Muslims and Muslim countries.
The Significance of Dates in Islam
The date fruit is a staple in any Muslim household, especially during Ramadan, where it is used, as per Sunnah, to break one’s fast. As the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates for they are blessed. If they are not found, let him break it with water for it is pure.” (Tirmidhī)
However, beyond the holiest month of the year, dates, in general, are upheld as a crucial fruit in Islam. Dates or the date palm are mentioned in the Qur’an 22 times – more than any other fruit tree. One such verse that tells of the benefits of dates is in Surah Maryam, wherein Allah (SWT) instructed Maryam (may Allah be pleased with her), who experienced strong pains during her pregnancy with Isa (AS), to eat dates to ease her discomfort.
“The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a date palm. She [Maryam] said, "Oh if only I had died before this time and was something discarded and forgotten!" A voice called out to her from under her, "Do not grieve! Your Lord has placed a small stream at your feet. Shake the trunk of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you. Eat and drink and delight your eyes." [Qur'an, 19:23]
In turn, the other health benefits of dates are sworn by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself, who greatly enjoyed eating them and sharing them with his Ummah. So much so, that he was reported to have said, “He who eats seven Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them,” and “Indeed in dates there is a cure”. (Bukhari; Muslim)
Health Benefits of Dates
In scientific research, dates, especially Ajwa dates, are reported to contain a multitude of nutrients, including protein, fibre, multiple vitamins, magnesium, potassium, iron and natural sugars.
Some of the specific health conditions and ailments Ajwa dates can help with are…
- Heart Disease – Eating dates improves the functioning of the heart. This prevents heart diseases such as atherosclerosis, where the plaque build-up inside the arteries obstructs the blood from flowing in and out of the heart.
- Calcium Deficiency – Ajwa dates are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help in keeping the bones and teeth healthy and strong.
- High Blood Pressure – Ajwa dates accelerate kidney functions and, hence, provide better regulation of blood pressure.
- Obesity and Weight Gain – Ajwa dates can help curb appetite. Its many vitamins and nutrients can also help increase the metabolic and cardiovascular health of your body.
- Diabetes – Dates contain large amounts of natural sugars that significantly increase blood sugar and immediately boost energy levels.
- Indigestion and Poor Gut Health – Ajwa dates are a great source of fibre that benefits the digestive system, helping with gut issues such as intestinal issues, heartburn, bloating and diarrhea.
- Fatigue – the many nutrients in Ajwa dates significantly aid in fighting fatigue and boosting your immune system, keeping you energised all day.
- Pregnancy Pain – Eating Ajwa dates regularly during pregnancy activates the womb muscles, which helps in womb movement at the time of delivery, and can minimise post-natal bleeding.
- Infertility – Ajwa Dates can help boost fertility. They benefit male infertility by increasing libido and sperm count in men and can also help thicken the endometrial lining of the uterus, which is one of the reasons why women can’t conceive.
- Skin problems – Ajwa Dates are rich in antioxidants, which help in treating inflammation-induced skin problems such as acne and pimples, as well as eradicate pigmentation and lighten dark spots.
- Cancer – Ajwa dates are high in antioxidants and other vital nutrients that help with cell damage, thus reducing your risk of cancer, particularly for abdominal and colon cancer.
- Mental Health Issues – Consuming dates helps decrease stress levels, treats insomnia and reduces the effects of anxiety and depression. It also helps in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by strengthening the nervous system.
All in all, there are many reasons why Ajwa dates are revered as a health superfood. They have numerous vitamins and nutrients that strengthen immunity and promote overall vigour and vitality in our minds and bodies.
To experience the best benefits of 100% Saudi-grown Ajwa dates today, check out our collection at Darussalam!