Ajwa dates are one of the most expensive dates in its raw form in Saudi Arabia. One kg cost about 80/SR. Its look is unique and taste is superb. Dates are also rich in natural fibers. Modern medicine has shown that they are effective in preventing abdominal cancer. They also surpass other fruits in the sheer variety of their constituents. They contain oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium.The dates are highly nutritious, full of sugar (60%), and small quantities of fat (2%), proteins (2%), and minerals (2%). In other words, one date satisfies the minimum requirements of a balanced and healthy diet.
> Iron, the mineral that prevents anemia and which is a part of the hemoglobin molecule in the blood.
> Magnesium, which has an important role in the nervous system integrity and in energy production.
> Potassium, useful in cases of hypertension
> Calcium and Phosphorus, essential for healthy bones
> Vitamin A, for healthy skin and eyesight
> Vitamin B3 (Niacin), protecting from pellagra, a disease which is manifested as dermatitis, dementia and fatigue. Niacin also reduces triglycerides and cholesterol levels (LDL) in the blood, thus protects the heart and circulatory system
> Folic acid, essential for protection against atherosclerosis and heart problems, and for protein metabolism
Experiments have also shown that dates contain some stimulants that strengthen the muscles of the uterus in the last months of pregnancy. This helps the dilation of the uterus at the time of delivery on one hand and reduces the bleeding after delivery on the other. Dietitians consider dates as the best food for women in confinement and those who are breast-feeding.Arabs usually combine dates with milk and yogurt or bread, butter and fish. This combination indeed makes a self-sufficient and tasty diet for both mind and body. with in the dates Ajwa has some unique characteristics. Ajwa is the favorite date of Nabi e Kareem(saw) and there are some ahadith regarding the superiority of Ajwa among other kinds of dates. According to Ahadith e Mubarika Narrated Sad: Allah's Apostle said, "He who eats seven Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them." (Sahih Bukhari Book65, Hadith 356)In Tirmidhi (2068) it is quoted that:"Ajwa dates are from paradise"'A'isha reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The Ajwa dates of 'Aliya' contain heating effects and these are antidote in the early morning. (Sahih Muslim Book 23, Hadith 5083)Advising the patients with Ischemic Heart Disease is a routine in Saudi Arabia. It has marvelous effects on improving the circulatory system. In one of symposium held in Jeddah about 7 years ago, I heard Dr.Ahmed a renowned Cardiologist shared his experiment when he advised his patient to use Ajwa dates whose coronary arteries was 90% blocked due to atherosclerosis(reduction of diameter of lumen due to increased fat deposition). He was on vasodilators and Statins since 5 years when he first consulted Dr.Ahmed. The patient was unable to walk or use stairs. After one month of using 7 dates in the morning the patient became able to use stairs and walk for 20 minutes with slight difficulty and exertion and after the end of 4th month he started working like a normal person. I believe that the Ajwa dates should be thoroughly researched by our scientists and Ajwa dates should be tried by our physicians and cardiologists.It is the biggest gift from Allah(swt) for the heart patients.
