Dates or the famous khajur is also known as Date palm. It is a sweet edible fruit, rich in carbohydrates, potassium, manganese and iron having various medicinal properties.
Dates help to improve digestion and prevent constipation as they have a high fiber content. They also improve bone health due to the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
When taken in a limited amount, Dates are considered good for diabetic patients as they have a low glycemic index due to which they do not cause a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. Dates also support mental health and help manage memory related issues due to their antioxidant property. The antioxidants present in Dates also help impart a smooth texture to the skin and prevent signs of ageing. Adding Dates to your daily diet might be beneficial in managing anemia as they improve haemoglobin level due to high iron content. They help maintain overall health and vigor.
Due to the high antioxidant content, applying a paste of Dates with milk and honey on the skin helps to get rid of wrinkles.
As per Ayurveda, excessive consumption of Dates avoided as they are Guru (heavy) in nature and are heavy to digest[1][3].

What are the synonyms of Dates?

Phoenix dactylifera, khaji, Date palm, khajur[1].

What is the source of Dates?

Plant Based

Benefits of Dates

What are the benefits of Dates for Wrinkles?

Modern Science View

Dates have antioxidant and anti-aging property due to the presence of phytohormones. They may be useful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles[3][20][23].

Ayurvedic View

Dates help to control wrinkles and delay the sign of aging. According to Ayurveda, wrinkles are due to an aggravated Vata. Dates have Vata balancing property and applying a paste of Dates on the skin helps in controlling wrinkles. It increases the moisture content in the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Tips:
1. Take some seedless Dates and soak in milk.
2. Leave it overnight and blend them to make a thick paste with honey.
3. Apply this on the face and keep for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash off with cold water and pat dry.
5. Repeat once a week to control fine lines and wrinkles.

How effective is Dates?

Insufficient evidence

Wrinkles

Precautions when using Dates

Allergy

Ayurvedic View

Use Dates with rose water or honey if your skin is hypersensitive.

How to use Dates

1. Dates Face Mask
a. Take some seedless dates and soak in milk.
b. Leave it overnight and blend them to make a thick paste with honey .
c. Apply this on the face and keep for 15-20 minutes.
d. Wash off with cold water and pat dry.
e. Repeat once a week to control fine lines and wrinkles.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can you eat too many Dates?

Modern Science View

Dates are healthy, but too many dates may raise your sugar level and calories[1].

Q. Can I eat Dates with milk?

Modern Science View

Dates are actually a reservoir of energy. It contains abundant glucose, sucrose and fructose. Its nutritional efficiency will increase when taken with milk.

Q. How do you store Dates?

Modern Science View

Dates have a shelf life of about 6 months. If it is packed in an airtight container or a airtight polybag and kept in refrigerator it will remain fresh for more than 1 year.

Q. Do Dates go bad?

Modern Science View

Yes, Dates may go bad. There are few signs which indicate that you can not continue to use them.
1. The Dates are discolored and developed molds.
2. If some foul smell is there.
3. If you find some pests or mites in your Dates.

References

1
Ahmed A, Soni DS, Singh KV, et al. Phoenix dactylifera LINN.(Pind Kharjura):A Review.Int.J.Res.Ayurveda Pharm.2013;4(3):447-451.
2
WebMD.Date-palm: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
3
Rock W, Rosenblat M, Borochov-Neori H, et al.Effects of Date ( Phoenix dactylifera L., Medjool or Hallawi Variety) consumption by healthy subjects on serum glucose and lipid levels and on serum oxidative status: a pilot study.J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(17):8010-7.
4
Rahmani AH, Aly SM, Ali H, et al.Therapeutic effects of date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) in the prevention of diseases via modulation of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumour activity. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2014 Mar 15;7(3):483-91.
5
Al-Farsi MA, Lee CY.Nutritional and functional properties of dates: A review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2008 Nov;48(10):877-87.
6
Al-Alawi RA, Al-Mashiqri JH, Al-Nadabi JSM, et al.Date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Natural products and therapeutic options.Front Plant Sci.2017;8:845.
7
Palacios C.The role of nutrients in bone health, from A to Z. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(8):621-8.
8
Rahimi S, Alaei H, Reisi P, et al. The effect of hydro-alcoholic of Phoenix Dactylifera extract on sleep and EEG in the rat. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2017;7(6):511-518.
9
Saryono, Anggraeni MD, Rahmawati E. Effects of dates fruit (Phoenix dactylifera l.) in the female reproductive process. IJRAMR.2016;7(3):1630-1633
10
Mallhi TH, Qadir MI, Ali M, et al.Review: Ajwa date (Phoenix dactylifera)- An emerging plant in pharmacological research.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2014;27(3):607-16.
11
Essa MM, Akbar M, Khan MA.Beneficial effects of date palm fruits on neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res. 2016;11(7):1071-2.
12
Ahmed A, Soni DS, Singh KV, et al.Phoenix dactylifera LINN.(Pind Kharjura):A Review.Int.J.Res.Ayurveda Pharm.2013;4(3):447-451.
13
.Hossain Sharif ABM.Dried Dates Fruit and its Biochemical and Nutrient Content: Uses as Diabetic Food. Asian J. Clin. Nutr. 2015;7 (3):90-95.
14
Vinson JA, Zubik L, Bose P, et.al. Dried fruits: excellent in vitro and in vivo antioxidants. J Am Coll Nutr. 2005;24(1):44-50.
15
Ali A, Waly MI, Musthafa ME, et.al. Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Date Fruit. Dates: Production, Processing, Food, and Medicinal Values.2012;50(1):361-375.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.