Dates are a fruit that is the main food of the population in their home country such as in the Arabian peninsula, North Africa, and other countries in the Middle East. The types of dates that grow in these areas certainly have different qualities, especially in their sugar content.
Prof. Dr. apt. Mangestuti Agil, MS. who is one of the professors of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga (FF UNAIR) explained that dates contain various substances that the body needs, such as sugar, vitamins, and minerals (calcium, iron, selenium). Dates also contain fiber which can maintain digestive tract health.
The sugar content in dates can be useful as an instant energy source, including for patients who experience hypoglycemia or low sugar levels. The sugar content in dates can be easily digested and enter the bloodstream. That's why Muslims usually use dates as an appetizer or takjil to break the fast because dates can replace the sugar that has been used by the body's cells during the day of fasting.
Additional info from Prof. Mangestuti, ajwa dates can be used as a poison medicine and the seeds can also be used to improve memory. This type of date is indeed touted to be one of the most recommended types of dates consumed in Islam. According to research results, these dates can be used as an antidote to the use of high-dose diclofenac drugs (anti-inflammatory drugs, fever reducers). Meanwhile, the efficacy of ajwa date palm seed water extract has also been confirmed by Arab researchers to be able to overcome memory impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Source: Koran Jawa Pos section "HERBAL" written by Prof. Dr. apt. Mangestuti Agil, MS.
