Medicine from prophetic, scientific perspective: Spotlight on dates (II)

Medicinal/Health Benefits of Dates (i) Provides immediate glucose to the body when taken at breakfast and is absorbed immediately by cells of liver, brain, blood, muscles and nervous system. It’s a food rich in glucose. (ii) The vitamins in dates help in Nutritional Metabolism (vitamin A, B, B2, biotin, riboflavin) and formation of enzymes. (iii) […]

Medicinal/Health Benefits of Dates
(i) Provides immediate glucose to the body when taken at breakfast and is absorbed immediately by cells of liver, brain, blood, muscles and nervous system. It’s a food rich in glucose.
(ii) The vitamins in dates help in Nutritional Metabolism (vitamin A, B, B2, biotin, riboflavin) and formation of enzymes.
(iii) Date enzymes play a role in relaxation and contraction of muscles as well as normalization of pH levels in the body
(iv) The fibre in dates help in bowel movement as natural laxative.
(v) Fresh dates contain hormone Pitocin, which contracts blood vessels of the uterus.
(vi) Dates meet a number of human nourishment needs, health and economic benefit. It occupies a special place in the hearts of the people of Arabian Peninsula.
(vii) Provides good fruits, shelter with branches and leaves.
(viii) Replaces chocolates, biscuits and candies as snacks because of its nutritional value
(ix) Complete nutritional substance because of its carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, Minerals and moisture contents.
(x) Contain minerals (Iron, potassium, copper, Sulphur and manganese)
(xi) Suitable for weight loss due to its low fat content.
(xii) Iron content makes it suitable in anaemia and its magnesium content provides immunity to the body system.
(xiii) Fresh dates have diuretic properties, strengthens bones, teeth and libido due to its phosphorus and calcium content.
(xiv) Its Vitamin A content strengthens eyesight, auditory nerves and prevents night blindness
(xv) Dates are remedy for liver diseases, jaundice, bladder and stomach because of its vitamin content.
(xvi) Dates regulates acidity in the intestine because of the richness in alkaline, minerals such as calcium and potassium. Suitable for mothers after post-partum period because of its effect on the uterus (supplies Iron and potassium to breast milk).
(xvii) For nutritional and healthy benefits dates can be added to yoghurts, vinegar, bread, sweets, pastries, pickles, infant foods and animal feeds.
(xviii)  Fresh dates are suitable for labour and child birth, lowers blood pressure in pregnant women and reduces bleeding.
(xix) Dates have been used to relieve excessive dry cough and to fight bronchial colds.
(xx) Useful in case of fatigue and weakness due to invigorating effects of nutritional contents.
(xxi) Beneficial to adolescents, young athletes, pregnant and lactating mothers.
(xxii) One hundred grams of dates boiled in ½ litres of cow’s milk or soy milk is soothing and healing for respiratory infections. For extra benefits, a spoonful of honey may be added.
(xxiii) Dates when pitted, could be taken with butter or nuts such as almonds, walnuts or hazel nuts to provide explosive energy for the young and athletes.
Scientific Research
1. Some scientific researchers like Dr. Jabbar observed that the inhabitants of deserts do not have high incidence of cancer because they eat large amount of dates, rich in magnesium.
2. Dr. Rafat Hassan study indicates that the amount of fluorine in dates is four times amount in other fruits; maintains health and prevents teeth-decay.
3. Scientific studies (from an article by Agwad Al-Haraki on dates in Magallat Hadarat Al-Islam No. 7 vol. 8, 1997) dates have properties to reduce the hyper activity in children and over active thyroid. Hence give dates to children in the morning to help calm them.
4. The use of dates should be with caution in diabetic individuals.
Conclusion:
Modern Scientific research has confirmed the medicinal importance as in the Islamic or Prophetic usage; The Islamic/prophetic medicinal uses of dates during the time of the prophet has been reaffirmed by modern researches.
Concluded