There are many types of dates, and the most popular type is Ajwa dates. Medina is famous for this type of dates, and it was mentioned in the Noble Prophet’s Sunnah for its many benefits. In this article, here are the benefits, nutritional value, and some recipes in which it is used.
What is the ajwa date tree?
These dates are among the most famous dates of Medina. They grow on a palm tree called Linah, which is a blessed palm tree mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in the Almighty’s saying: “Whatever of the Linna you cut down or leave standing on its roots, it is by God’s leave, and that He may disgrace a thousand.” Give water.
The cultivation of this palm tree is widespread in the south of Medina, next to the Quba Mosque. This palm tree is grown in other places such as Tabuk, Khaybar, Yanbu, and Al-Thamad.
The Noble Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, mentioned the blessing of Ajwa and recommended eating it in his noble hadith (Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in Medina in the morning will not be harmed by poison or magic).
The Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, was interested in planting these palm trees and planted many of them next to his mosque in Medina.
This type of date is yellow or red in color, and when wet it becomes dark in color and then turns black and becomes dates.
How do you know the original Ajwa dates?
Original dates are black in color and round in shape.
These dates are considered one of the best types of dates , and in addition, Medina dates are the best types of dates in the world. Pilgrims also flock to it because of its fame and good taste.
Benefits of Ajwa dates
Ajwa has great benefits that distinguish it among other types, and these benefits include:
Ajwa dates protect against cancer
Some recent studies have proven that these dates have an effect similar to antibiotics and analgesics in relieving pain. This type of date also reduces the severity of inflammation and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, for example: cancer, heart disease, and digestive system.
Strengthen immunity
This type of date contains a huge amount of antioxidants that rid the body of the effects of free radicals resulting from oxygen reactions. These dates also contain a huge amount of vitamins and minerals, for example: iron, copper and magnesium.
Protection against anemia
These dates contain a large amount of iron. The body needs this iron to produce red blood cells daily, and it protects against anemia.
Facilitating digestion
These dates contain a large amount of fiber that facilitates the movement of the digestive system and facilitates the digestion process. These fibers found in dates protect against colon cancer. These fibers also help improve the absorption of food from the intestine.
Improving brain functions
As we mentioned, dates contain a huge amount of antioxidants that strengthen immunity. Moreover, antioxidants protect the brain from harmful oxidation. Dates also improve memory and protect against Alzheimer's disease.
Strengthen bones
This type of date contains a large amount of minerals, for example: calcium and phosphorus, and thus is beneficial for bone health and protects against osteoporosis. It also helps in healing fractures quickly.
Protection against heart disease
These dates help reduce the percentage of harmful triglycerides in the body, and also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
Protection from vision problems and eye diseases
These dates contain a large percentage of vitamin A. This vitamin is one of the most important vitamins necessary to strengthen eyesight, as well as protect against night blindness.
Excellent source of energy
These dates contain a high percentage of carbohydrates and sugars that the body uses to obtain the energy necessary for it to carry out all its functions.
Facilitating the birth process
Eating dates helps stimulate uterine contractions and facilitate the natural birth process. In addition, Ajwa dates relieve the pain of childbirth and also protect against bleeding during and after the birth process.
Breast milk secretion
Eating dates regularly for a breastfeeding woman helps increase the amount of breast milk. Dates also contain many important nutritional elements, for example: vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immunity of the mother and the infant as well.
Reduces blood cholesterol
Dates help reduce harmful fats and cholesterol in the blood. If you eat dates in moderation, it will help you get rid of excess weight. It will also help reduce the percentage of body fat.
Benefits of date kernels
Date pits have many benefits, as some grind them and use their powder to treat some diseases such as heart disease and atherosclerosis. On the other hand, some also use it to kill intestinal worms, improve the appearance of the skin, and increase its freshness. Some also use it to lose weight and reduce excess weight.
Benefits of eating Ajwa dates on an empty stomach
The Noble Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, recommended us to eat seven dates daily on an empty stomach. Recent studies have also proven that eating ajwa on an empty stomach has great health benefits. It also rids the body of worms and toxins and improves liver functions.
Some recipes that use ajwa dates
Dates can be eaten whole as they are, they taste good, and they are easy to eat for everyone.
Dates can also be lightly browned with ghee over the fire.
In addition, ajwa paste is used as a filling in some baked goods, such as maamoul, adding a distinctive taste to it.
There are also different recipes for dates, some of which we will show you, for example:
Banana and dates smoothie
Ingredients:
- Two mashed bananas.
- A quarter cup of ajwa paste.
- Two cups of milk.
- 4 cubes of ice.
- A teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Method:
- Add all the ingredients to the electric blender and mix on high speed until the mixture is well smooth.
- Place the smoothie in a serving cup. It can also be decorated with whipping cream and sprinkled with cinnamon on top.
Oat meal with ajwa dates and fruits
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of whole grain oats.
- Two tablespoons of ajwa paste.
- Half a cup of milk.
- Some dried fruits such as figs and apricots.
- Two tablespoons of nuts.
- A spoonful of honey .
Method:
- We put a pot on the fire and add the oats and milk and stir them well until the oats are cooked and thickened.
- Add the ajwa and dried fruits and stir well.
- Turn off the heat, put the mixture in a serving dish, and place the nuts on it.
Nutritional value
Dates contain high nutritional value, and while these dates are considered a high-calorie food, they have a low glycemic index. Dates also cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels and do not reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin.
In addition, dates contain a large amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that we mentioned previously.
100 grams of dates contain:
- 2.45 grams of protein.
- 20.5 grams of water.
- 63.5 grams of sugar.
- 8 grams of fiber.
- 38 grams of calcium.
- 0.160 milligrams of vitamin B6.
- 1 milligram of iron.
- 280 calories.
Harmful effects of excessive ajwa
While there are all these mentioned health benefits of dates, it is not recommended to eat them in excess. Excessive consumption of dates may cause many health problems, for example:
- It may cause allergies and rashes in some people who have a genetic predisposition.
- Moreover, it causes bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
- It may lead to diarrhea.
- It can lead to weight gain.
- May cause tooth decay.
Accordingly, doctors always advise that a person’s daily consumption of dates should not exceed seven fruits in order to benefit from their benefits, as well as to avoid the harms of excessive consumption.
In the end, if you want to eat the best types of ajwa, do not hesitate to buy it from the Atara dot com store . Here you will find the best types of dates, as well as the best taste, and their prices are affordable for everyone.