Prophet Muhammad’s Eternal Insight: Dates as a Vital Dietary Suggestion, Unexplored Advantages of Magnesium and Potassium Unveiled Over 1400 Years.
One of the famous hadiths about dates (khajoor) is recounted by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ :
- “Whoever consumes seven dates in the morning before conversing with anyone, no venom will afflict them on that day.”
- (Sahih Muslim) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “The ‘ajwah date is from Paradise and it contains the remedy for poison.
- ” (Sunan Ibn Majah) Narrated by Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned, “Whoever takes seven dates from the morning, neither sorcery nor poison will cause them harm on that day.” (Sahih Bukhari) Dates hold a significant position in Islamic culture and are referenced in various contexts within the Quran and hadith literature.
Major Components:
Dates, commonly known as khajoor, are nutritious fruit that contains various components beneficial to health. Here are some of the key components found in dates:
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates: Dates are abundant in carbs, particularly simple sugars like fructose and glucose, that supply energy. They serve as an excellent source of natural sugars and are commonly consumed for a quick energy boost. The carbs in dates can constitute 60% to 70% of their overall weight.
Dietary Fiber:
Dates are a reliable fiber source, aiding digestion and promoting regular bowel movements. The fiber content in dates may vary depending on the type, but typically falls around 6-8 grams per 100 grams.
Vitamins:
Dates contain a variety of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin K, and a range of B vitamins like thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and vitamin B6. However, the specific concentrations can differ depending on the type and ripeness of the dates.
Minerals:
Dates are rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and copper.
Potassium is vital for heart health and maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. Magnesium plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions, including nerve function and muscle relaxation. Copper contributes to the production of connective tissues and red blood cells. While the concentrations of these minerals may vary, dates are generally recognized as a valuable source.
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Antioxidants:
Dates are abundant in antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which safeguard cells against oxidative damage caused by harmful free radicals. These antioxidants significantly contribute to the overall health benefits of dates.
It’s important to note that the concentration of these components can differ based on factors such as date variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
Furthermore, there may be slight variations in the nutritional composition between fresh and dried dates.