Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — Dates are a staple fruit in the Middle East. People there enjoy dates every year, but in the month of Ramadan dates become especially important. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
So, it is natural that fasting can have other effects on the body, for example lower energy levels, lower blood sugar and lower blood pressure. To correct this imbalance in the body, Muslims usually break their fast with dates.
Dates provide all the nutrients the body needs and which are depleted during fasting. The fruit of this type of palm plant is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, fiber, potassium, sucrose, glucose and fructose.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The carbohydrates contained in dates are digested slowly by the body and release energy in a sustainable manner. Dates also control hunger when breaking the fast, thereby preventing someone from overeating after fasting.
Dates also prepare the stomach after inactive digestion during fasting. This staple food in the Middle East stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes in the stomach that aid in the digestion of food. In the month of Ramadan, this fruit is useful for preventing constipation.
For more details, here are ten benefits of dates during the month of Ramadan, as reported on the Boldsky page.
Dates quickly provide the energy your body needs when you fast. This is because dates are rich in glucose, fructose and sucrose, which can immediately increase energy.
During fasting, the body is in a continuous process of removing toxins. Dates are one of the foods that can help the cholesterol detoxification process. Dates can expel bad cholesterol from the body thereby maintaining a healthy heart and brain.
Some varieties of dates can kill bacterial infections in the body due to their strong antibiotic properties. This has been proven in research, the effectiveness of dates is fifty percent the same as the antibiotic penicillin.
Dates are a fruit that is rich in fiber so it helps with bowel movements. Eating dates can prevent constipation. Not only that, dates also increase perilactic movements in the intestines which are important for defecation.
Dates are rich in minerals, for example copper, selenium, magnesium, calcium, etc. All of these minerals are necessary for strong bones.
The antioxidants contained in dates help to remove free radicals and toxins from the body. This antioxidant detoxifies the liver and fights cancer cells. Dates also prevent premature aging.
Dates are rich in iron. Eating dates regularly can help the formation of hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells and responsible for carrying oxygen to body cells. It is recommended to eat dates if you are anemic.
Prevent strokes and heart attacks
Dates are rich in magnesium which is good for the heart and blood vessels. Dates prevent clogged arteries thereby helping blood flow smoothly. Eating dates keeps your heart healthy and prevents heart attacks.
Eating dates during pregnancy can prevent anemia, high blood pressure, and make bones healthy. Dates also help the labor process so that there is no need for labor induction.
Lowers blood pressure
Hypertensive people should consume dates. Because, this fruit is rich in potassium and magnesium which regulate blood pressure to normal. Dates also reduce arterial stiffness so that blood flow becomes normal.