Date palm is the fruit of the Phoenix dactylifera. The original plant belongs to the family Palmaceae. Date palms are produced in the Middle East, North Africa, and China or subtropical areas.
Date palms are nutritious and rich in fructose, which has the lowest glycemic index, so it can be eaten in moderation by diabetics.
In addition to being rich in fructose, Date palm also contains a variety of vitamins, proteins, mineral elements, and other nutrients. They have been regarded as a good nourishing and nutritious food since ancient times.
The sugar juice leached from the Date palm can be used as a seasoning after condensation. It is often used to cook meat. It is sweet but not greasy.
Date palm trees mainly grow in the Middle East. They are tree-shaped and are about 35 meters high. The stems have persistent petiole bases. The upper leaves rise obliquely and the lower leaves droop, forming a sparse head-shaped crown.
The leaves are 6 meters long; the petioles are long and slender, mostly flat; the pinnae are linear-lanceolate, 18-40 cm long, with short acuminate tips, gray-green, with obvious keel protrusions, 2 or 3 lobes gathered together, covered by Hair, the lower pinnae become long and hard needle-like.
The date palm serves various purposes, including replenishing vital energy, relieving coughs, moisturizing the lungs, resolving phlegm, and alleviating asthma. Interestingly, the cellulose found in date palms doesn't originate from the trees themselves. Date palms are exceptionally soft and gentle on sensitive gastrointestinal tracts, making them effective in treating gastric ulcers. You can soak them in whole raw milk or consume peeled candied date palms for this purpose.
Date palm seeds are notably rich in male hormones. These palms are widely recognized as one of the most nutritious dry fruits and are often referred to as 'desert bread,' with two-thirds of their composition being sugar.
Throughout history, date palms have held symbolic significance. Ancient Egyptians viewed their production as a symbol of harvest, while Romans and Greeks used date palms to celebrate victories and welcome triumphant soldiers. Remarkably, there are more than 600 known varieties of date palms worldwide.
While date palms are highly nutritious, improper consumption can reduce their nutritional value and pose health risks. For instance, the tough date palm skin can be challenging to digest and may impede gastrointestinal function, potentially leading to bloating and obesity with excessive intake. Here are some key considerations:
1. Pregnant women should be cautious: The skin of raw date palms can be difficult to digest and may accumulate in the intestines. Pregnant women should make an effort to spit out the skin when eating date palms.
2. Properly clean your date palms: When consuming date palms raw, ensure they are thoroughly disinfected and washed. Residual pesticides on date palms can have adverse effects on the body.
3. Caution with children: Children often have weaker spleen and stomach function, and date palms, being sticky and hard to digest, can disturb their stomachs, affecting appetite and digestion. Additionally, the high sugar content in date palms can contribute to tooth decay if consumed in excess.
4. Avoid immediate consumption of high-protein foods: After eating date palms, refrain from consuming high-protein foods like seafood and dairy products immediately. Vitamin C in date palms can cause proteins in these foods to clump, making them difficult to absorb. Wait for 1 to 2 hours after consuming date palms before indulging in high-protein foods."
Avoidance Groups:
People suffering from various health conditions, including viral hepatitis, fatty liver, bronchial asthma, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, pancreatitis, and diabetes, should avoid consuming date palms.
Buying Tips:
When selecting date palms, it's advisable to opt for softer and more transparent ones. These date palms are fresher, more enjoyable to eat, and less tough. Keep in mind that the longer the date palm, the drier and harder it tends to be.
Before consumption, make sure to wash the date palm thoroughly and soak it in water until it softens. This soaking process won't diminish its sweetness. Date palms are naturally sweet, but they contain fructose, which the body readily absorbs.
