Dates | Beneficial Things to Eat During Ramadan

Dates | Beneficial Things to Eat During Ramadan

Traditionally, Muslims break their fast with dates. This practice began with the Prophet   Muhammad (SAW). He would break his fast with dates. There are many hadiths in which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encourages Muslims to eat dates.

No Ramadan iftar is complete in a Muslim household without dates. Sales of dates increase during Ramadan with Muslims buying dates for their families.

The following article provides a few facts on the benefits of eating dates.

The Holy Qu'ran refers to dates in a few places:

When the mother of Prophet Jesus was giving birth to him and she was experiencing pain, she was told to: “Shake the trunk of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you.”

The Hadiths also refer to dates:

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: the prophet (PBUH) said: “Indeed in dates there is a cure”. Reported by Muslim (14/3) and Ahmad (6/152)

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “ Whoever finds dates should break his fast with them and the one who does not should break his fast with water because it is pure”

It was reported by Abu Naaim, Abu Daoud, Al Hakem, Al Imam Al Tirmithi and mentioned in The book of Al Imam Al Thahabi “The Prophetic Medicine” that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “ The one who eats 7 dates in the morning will be protected that day from poison and envy”

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying.” (Narrated by Ahmad)

The health benefits of dates are multiple. The following are excerpts on the health benefits of dates.

Pregnant Women

It has been shown that (scientific studies) have shown that eating dates are beneficial for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Dates contain certain stimulants which assist in the strengthening of the muscles of the womb which can lead to an easier delivery. The sugar content of dates is about 80% making it an ideal high energy food for nursing mothers. Dates contain seven vitamins and eleven minerals whose importance as a dietary supplement was appreciated by the desert people who, for thousands of years, ate dates with goat or camel milk as a complete sustenance.

Dates to Treat Diseases like Cancer

Dates are reported to be useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders, heart conditions, cancer (due to its high magnesium and calcium content), anemia, allergies, and constipation. Bedouin Arabs, who eat them on a regular basis, show an extremely low incidence rate of cancer and heart disease.

Dates to Improve Digestion

Dates are also valuable as medicine for their tonic effect. Being easily digested, they are very useful for supplying energy and repairing waste. Milk in which clean and fresh dates have been boiled is a very nourishing and restorative drink to children and adults alike, especially during convalescence. The nicotinic content in dates is an excellent remedy for intestinal disturbances. Liberal use of dates keeps in check the growth of pathological organisms and helps to establish a colony of friendly bacteria in the intestines.

Dates to Treat Constipation

The date is a laxative food. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of constipation as the roughage provided by it stimulates sluggish bowels. They should be immersed in water at night and taken after making them into a fine syrup the next morning to secure laxative effect.

Dates to Treat Weak Heart

Besides, dates are an effective remedy for weak heart. Dates soaked overnight in water and crushed in the same water in the morning after removing the seeds should be taken at least twice a week in this condition. It will strengthen the heart.

Dates to Prevent Sterility

Sexual weakness can also benefits from dates. A handful of dates soaked in fresh goat’s milk overnight should be ground in the same milk in the morning. A pinch of cardamom powder and honey should be mixed in this preparation. This becomes a very useful tonic for improving sex stamina and sterility due to functional disorders.

Health Tips During Ramadhan ul Mubarak

The fast of Ramadan is rigorous during the best of times. During long and hot summer days, it may be required observe the fast for as many as sixteen or more hours at a time. To ensure adequate nutrition and continued good health, follow these tips:

•Even if you are generally healthy, recognize that Ramadan will take a toll. Plan your schedule and meals ahead of time in order to make sure you get the nutrients, hydration, and rest that you need.

•Eat suhoor just prior to dawn. Yes, it’s hard to get up at that hour, which is why it has many benefits and rewards. It will help you to wake up for the Fajr prayer. The suhoor meal is Sunnah. And this morning meal is generally recognized as the single most important meal of the day. Do not overeat, though. Focus on taking in foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, fruits or vegetables, and plenty of water. For example: an egg on whole-grain toast, a few crackers with peanut butter, some orange slices, and two glasses of water.

•During the hottest part of the day, stay in cool areas (indoors or in shade) and limit your physical activity. Rest if possible.

•Avoid gorging yourself when breaking the fast at sunset. Follow the Sunnah: break your fast with dates and either milk, water, or fruit juice. After the maghrib prayer, continue with a light starter such as soup and crackers. After a long period of fasting, you need to bring your fluids and blood sugar level up without overdoing it.

•During the early evening (after maghrib), have a healthy and balanced dinner. Do not overeat, and be sure to drink a few more glasses of fluids.

•During the evening hours, resist the temptation to drink tea, coffee, and soda. When visiting friends or family, ask for glasses of water.

•Serve yourself, your family, and guests a “dessert” of fresh fruit and nuts. There are lovely choices available in this season, and they are much more healthy than chocolates and candy.

•Sip on water throughout the evening. Aim for 8 glasses by bedtime. To help you keep track, fill and refill a water bottle with a measured amount of water, and be sure to finish it.

•Light exercise, such as walking for 15-20 minutes, is best done in the evening hours.

•Avoid fried and spicy foods as they may cause heartburn or indigestion.

•Speak to your doctor about an appropriate multi-vitamin.

•Continue to brush and floss your teeth several times a day.

•Wash your hands regularly. This is important to prevent the spread of viruses (such as seasonal flu and H1N1) and bacteria which may cause illness.

•Quit smoking!

•Organize your schedule so that you get enough sleep.