“Whoever has dried dates, then let him break the fast with that, and whoever does not, then let him break the fast with water, for indeed water is purifying.” – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Ramadan is a holy month every Muslim look forward, it is a month Muslims abstain from food, drinks, and sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset.
The month is also a period of fruits. During Ramadan, more fruits such as dates are consumed usually to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “Whoever has dried dates, then let him break the fast with that, and whoever does not, then let him break the fast with water, for indeed water is purifying.”
Dates are tropical fruit that grows on date palm trees. Scientifically, it is known as ‘Phoenix Dactylifera.’ Due to it’s high nutrient and taste, the fruit is recognised as one of the most healthy fruits across the globe. It can be eating raw, dried or processed.
Asides the reward that accompanies eating dates (as sunnah of the Holy Prophet) during iftar, the fruit has some health benefits that your body requires most especially during this Ramadan.
Some Health Benefits of Eating Date Fruit
1) Contains Natural Sugar: Dates are known for their high content of natural sugars which helps to prevent dangerous diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
2) Highly enriched in Vitamins: Say NO to “vitamin supplements” as you begin to eat date fruit. It is a natural substitute for vitamin supplementation. Date fruits are enriched in the essential vitamins needed in the body such as B1, B2, B3 and B5.
3) It Aids Healthy Bowel Movement: Dates are beneficial in treating intestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhea.
4) It Improves the Skin: Dates is also an important fruits that helps moisturize your skin. The fruit is enriched in Vitamins C & D which helps the body fight against skin disorders.
5) It improves the Brain Function: Date fruits help to reduce the risk of developing brain degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s through the reduction of highly dangerous inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin 6.
6) It helps the body glucose recover quickly: According to The Spruce Eats “Eating dates after a long day of fasting can help the body’s blood glucose levels quickly return to normal. When not fasting, consumption of dates before a meal will satisfy the sensation of hunger, which in turn helps to avoid overeating.”
Culled from Medlife