What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Dates When Breaking a Fast?
Ramadan is a period of 30 days of fasting.
Having a healthy Iftar to break the long hours of fasting.
There are many health benefits of eating dates when breaking fast: They are low in calories, rich in vitamins, and are good for the heart and brain.
Throughout the world, Muslims fast during Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a sacred tradition and spiritual ritual that brings them closer to Allah, or God. From sunrise to sunset, the fasting is done, one meal (known as the suhoor) just before dawn and another (known as the iftar) directly after sunset. One of the traditional foods eaten during iftar is dates, and in this article, we will explore the benefits of eating dates when breaking a fast.
Fasting During Ramadan
The Holy Month of Ramadan is a period of 30 days of fasting. Muslims gather after sunset prayer and break their fast with a meal called ‘Iftar’ while sharing it with friends and family members. The pre-sunrise to sunset fast lasts anywhere from 10 to 21 hours depending on where in the world you are; the number of daylight hours varies from country to country. During the hours of fasting, Muslims are abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations.
How to Break the Fast?
After long hours of fasting, the body is drained and dehydrated, making it important to choose the right food to break the fast. Having a healthy Iftar is key, and one way to achieve this is by eating three dates, which are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. In this section, we will explore the benefits of eating dates when breaking a fast and how they can help replenish and nourish the body. Additionally, having a light soup can help rehydrate and ease digestion, further supporting a healthy Iftar.
Health Benefits of Eating Dates When Breaking A Fast
1. Dates are nutritious
Dates are low in calories, one date equals 66.5 cal, according to the U.S department of Agriculture. Moreover, they are almost fat-free (0.15g/date), cholesterol-free, and low in sodium (0.24mg/date). They are rich in Vitamin A (35.8 IU/ date), carotene beta (21.4 µg/ date), folate ( 3.6 µg/ date), and Vitamin D complexes that are crucial for muscle building and repairing.
Dates are also rich in minerals such as: magnesium (13 mg/date), Calcium (15.4 mg/date), phosphorus (14.9 mg/date), and potassium ( 167 mg/date). So basically, it is a tiny magical food that will restore all the drained energy and minerals lost during the long hours of fasting.
2. Get your vitamins
Dates contain at least six vitamins, including a small amount of vitamin C, folate, and vitamins B(1) thiamine, B(2) riboflavin, nicotinic acid (niacin), and vitamin A.
3. Protect your heart and brain
One of the benefits of eating dates when breaking a fast is their richness in both flavonoids and fibers. These compounds have been shown to have a positive impact on reducing cardiovascular diseases and promoting vascular health.
Additionally, flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, have antibacterial effects, and may even help prevent certain types of cancer. By including dates in your Iftar meal, you can enjoy these health benefits while also satisfying your hunger.
Which Is Better for Breaking a Fast, Fresh or Dried Dates?
After a long day of fasting, it’s important to choose the right food to break the fast and replenish the body’s energy and nutrients. Both fresh and dried dates can be a good choice for this purpose. Fresh dates are higher in vitamin C, while dried dates are higher in fiber and have a longer shelf life. Ultimately, the choice between fresh and dried dates comes down to personal preference and availability.
Both types of dates are highly nutritious and can provide a quick source of energy and nutrients to nourish the body after a day of fasting.
Fasting during Ramadan is from sunrise to sunset, making it crucial to have a balanced and healthy Iftar meal to replenish the body’s energy and nutrients. One way to achieve this is by breaking the fast with dates, which are filled with fibers, vitamins, and antioxidants.
The benefits of eating dates when breaking a fast are numerous, as they can help support overall health, brain function, and heart health.
Summary
The Holy Month of Ramadan is a period of 30 days of fasting. Muslims gather after sunset prayer and break their fast with ‘Iftar’. The Iftar meal should be healthy after long hours of fasting; breaking the fast with dates was found to have a great impact on health.
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