Medjool dates are one of the healthiest and most nutritious of all foods.  They have even been described as ‘nature’s power fruit’. 

Whatever the size of date, they come packed with a host of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folate), Sodium, Iron, Phosphorus and Calcium.  All these ingredients are crucial for good health.

Medjool dates have numerous other health benefits.

Energy giving

Everyone needs energy, and not just when fasting.  Top athletes often add dates to their diet simply because dates provide long lasting energy.  Each date consumed is full of carbohydrates, essential for boosting energy levels.  Since dates possess a low GI (glycemic index) your body will digest them slowly throughout the day creating a steady energy supply.  By adding them to your Iftar meal, you gain a great source of energy prior to night prayers. 

“When one of you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates; if he cannot get any, then (he should break his fast) with water, for water is purifying” advises Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

Good for your heart

The sheer level of antioxidants contained within Medjool dates are crucial to eliminating bad fats and reducing the risk of developing arteriosclerosis.  Since Medjool dates are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, they help maintain normal blood pressure, helping to prevent illnesses such as coronary heart disease.  Vitamin K is needed for blood coagulation while collagen formation and an effective nervous system will be helped by the presence of copper, potassium and magnesium found in every date.

Reduce cholesterol

Cholesterol is a major problem in heart disease, strokes and heart attacks.  By reducing your cholesterol level you can live a much healthier and longer life.  Medjool dates help reduce cholesterol because they increase the amount of insoluble and soluble fibre intake within your diet. 

Relieve Constipation

The presence insoluble and soluble fibre within Medjool dates provide the essential bulk needed to enable stools to move quickly through the intestines.  This reduces the risk of constipation.  Every adult needs between 25-30 grams of fibre daily for this purpose – and Medjool dates will provide this.

Improve your bone structure

Because Medjool dates are rich in minerals such as manganese, copper and magnesium, they are ideal food sources for improving bone strength and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Medjool date nutritional facts:

Every 100gm (3.5 ounces) of Medjool dates contain

277 calories

75 grams carbohydrates

7 grams fibre

2 grams Protein

20% RDI  (recommended daily intake) Potassium

14% RDI Magnesium

18% RDI Copper

15% RDI Manganese

5% RDI iron

12% RDI vitamin B6