Dates are one of the most common dry fruits in our households and dried dates have been an important ingredient for thousands of years in many cuisines. They are a great source of fibre and also raise the concentration of several minerals in the body. Eating too many dates can be dangerous and cause some side effects as well.
These side effects include weight gain, abdominal issues, etc. Abdominal problems are the reason why people with irritable bowel syndrome should follow a doctor’s advice while eating dates. The patients suffering from the problem of IBS will feel discomfort while digesting the dates.
Some people may also feel the problem of stomach pain when they consume dates on an empty stomach. The fibre present in the dates gives a feeling of gratification even after eating a small portion. It takes a long time to digest and leads to the problems of gas and bloating. People who suffer from health ailments like food allergies or diarrhoea should avoid eating dates. It will be good for them to consume it in small portions at regular intervals.
Patients who are suffering from diabetes should also avoid consuming the dates frequently. The natural sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose are abundant in the dates and their glycemic index is higher than the glucose. People who suffer from health issues like skin rashes and asthma attacks should also not consume dates. 70-80% of asthma patients have allergies to mould, which is present in dry fruits like dates. Mould can also lead to skin rashes.
The nutritional importance of the dates cannot be avoided despite the health ailments attached to their excessive use. Dates are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids. It helps in the prevention of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Dates also help in warding off the risk of many types of cancer and improve heart health as well. It also helps in the prevention of diabetes and other chronic diseases. It may improve brain function as well as strengthen the immune system. Eating dates daily improves bone health, cures constipation and also helps in reducing body weight.
