The Science Behind Eating Odd Numbers of Dates are Better for Your Health
- Dates in any form provide spectacular advantages to your health because of their nutritional value.
- Dates show low glycemic index values with high antioxidants in it purifying your body from harmful agents.
- Fact-checking the evidence for eating dates in odd or even numbers.
The tropical fruit “Dates” cultivation in the Middle East and North Africa is of great benefit to us. In scientific terms, we call dates “Phoenix Dactylifera”. It is a staple food in the Muslim community that aims to provide marvel packs of nutrients.
Diabetics and non-diabetics both can consume dates because of their lower glycemic index values. Not only this property makes them special. But also, their high fiber count and antioxidants show beyond boundaries benefits on your health.
Many of you wonder how much or how many dates we should consume. Well, the number of dates one must add to diet is variable. This also depends upon the health goals we want to achieve by using dates.
Many of our friends, especially Muslim friends, believe that we should have dates in odd numbers because of their religious beliefs. Let’s fact-check the idea of eating an odd or even number of dates in this article!
The truth behind eating dates in odd numbers:
Dates are a superfood with greater benefits when taken moderately. Muslim mates say that dates in an odd number will bring more health benefits while some say it is just speculation. In reality, nobody knows the explanation for the consumption of dates in odd numbers.
However, our Muslim friends recommend eating dates in odd numbers because of their religious beliefs. They say so because their Prophet Mohammad SAW used to have dates in odd numbers rather than even. One of the Hadiths on eating an odd number of dates is:
“On the Day of ‘Eid ul Fitr, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would not go out until he had eaten some dates.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 953)
While another version states: “He (Prophet Muhammad SAW) would eat an odd number of dates, on Eid ul Fitr”.
Scientific benefits of eating an odd number of dates:
In light of scientific research, fruit dates regulate brain and heart functionality. Flavonoids and carotenoids in dates protect against many infections and thus are anti-inflammatory. Dates help healthy pregnancies and also improve men’s sexual abilities.
Should one have an odd number of dates to get maximum benefits? Looking on scientific grounds, eating dates in odd or even numbers doesn’t show any remarkable change in health. Even scientific research indicates no change in the glycemic index of individuals eating even and an odd number of dates. None of the two-category show an increase or decrease in blood sugar before and after two hours of meal consumption.
Facts about no weight gain with an odd number of dates:
Weight gain or loss depends upon the type of food one has. Foods that supplement high dietary energy to your body lead to weight gain fast foods or processed foods. Whole foods with high dietary fiber tend to lower or maintain a healthy weight. Foods such as legumes, dates, nuts, and vegetables tend to have low to medium glycemic indexes.
These foods show the potential weight reduction of an individual. Fruit dates show a lower to medium glycemic index of 14 to 20. Therefore; dates are easy to digest and for a healthy person even odds don’t matter. Adding 3-6 dates daily in your meal will help you with 20% fiber and uncounted minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
If you are diabetic and are not consuming more sugary foods then you can take within 3-5 dates a day. The number of dates does vary from person to person. For a healthy lifestyle and maintaining weight take fruits and vegetables which are always good sources of fiber and energy.
Our many Muslim fellows believe in taking dates in odd numbers regardless of knowing the effect of it. That’s because of their cultural and religious concerns. Overall dates are the best source for multiple nutrients. Consuming them in even or odd numbers doesn’t have any spotlight base. We recommend you to have dates in moderation. This will excel you towards a better mind, body, and life.
Summary
Dates with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and low glycemic values are the best choice among foods. You can curb your hunger with this marvel fruit. Eating dates provides you with high energy and fibers thus keeping you healthy. Odd and even are numbers, eat your required date meals.
Scientific Information
- Glycemic Index: The unit to measure the rise in blood sugar level because of specific foods.
- Dietary Energy: Total amount of energy consumed in the form of food.
- Dietary Fiber: An indigestible part of food that keeps us healthy.
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