Popularly known as Khajoor in Urdu and Tawarikh in Arabic, dates are flowering plant species from the Palm family. Its trees could grow to 6 meters in length. The scientific name of the dates is Phoenix Dactylifera. The dates have existed for as many as 50 million years and are believed to have originated in Iraq. Consequently, dates are one of the main foods of the Middle East countries.
In Ramadhan, most of the Muslims like to break their fast with dates, owing to the fact that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would like to break his fast either with water or dates. With the result, Kashmiri Muslims also buy dates in large quantities during the month of Ramadhan.
However, dates have other benefits as well. One date contains about estimated 20 calories, 2.8 mg of calcium and 5g of carbohydrates. Dates are a good source of various vitamins, sugar and fiber apart from calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
Here are some of the types of dates, its medicinal benefits and other benefits.
Types of dates:
Medjool: Medjools are large and delicious dates mostly found in Morocco.
Barhi: Mostly found in Iraq. Also called Yellow dates, Barhi have thicker flesh.
Dayri: Dayri dates are longer in size and black in colour.
Halawy: Halawy are smaller in size but too sweet in taste.
Deglet Noor: Mostly found in Tunisia and Algeria, and not sweet in taste, these dates are usually used in cooking.
Hayani: Gentle dates, mostly found in Egypt.
Migraf: Golden amber dates, Migraf are larger in size and popular in Yemen.
Iteema – Mostly found in Algeria, Iteema are extremely sweet and big in size.
Also Read: 8 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF BUBRI-BUEL
Following are the Medicinal benefits of dates:
With the presence of fiber, dates give relief from Constipation and Intestinal disorders.
People with heart problems or anemia have been advised to eat dates regularly in the morning because of the significant mineral, especially potassium, content in them.
Sexual dysfunction can be cured with the help of a mixture of dates, cardamom and goat-milk.
Due to the presence of potassium in dates, dates maintain normal functioning of cells, nerves and muscles
Dates reduce the impact of abdominal cancer, research suggests.
The significant content of sugar and proteins in dates help in healthy weight gain.
Others benefits include
The seeds of the dates are soaked and ground for animal feed.
Date seeds oil is used in cosmetics and soaps.
The seeds are also added as an additive to coffee beans.
