Desi Health Tips
Dates Health Benefits in pregnancy and breast feeding
Dates Health Benefits in pregnancy and breast feeding
In a number of Qur'anic verses, the humble date is
honored as one of the blessings of Paradise. This tiny fruit has more potassium
than even a banana does! Loaded with high dietary fiber, and dismissive
quantities of calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium make this fruit a vital
source of nutrients. An interesting fact about dates is that it is one of the
important fruits consumed after breaking fast during the Ramadan holy month in
the Arab countries. Just a handful, increases the energy levels of the body
that has received no nourishment throughout the day, during fast. Dates are
energy boosters with naturally occurring sugars such as fructose, glucose and
sucrose that provide the body with loads of energy.
The features of the date are noted in Surah Maryam
(Al Quran):
The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a
date-palm. She [Maryam] said, "Oh if only I had died before this time and
was something discarded and forgotten!" A voice called out to her from
under her, "Do not grieve! Your Lord has placed a small stream at your
feet. Shake the trunk of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will drop
down onto you. Eat and drink and delight your eyes…" (Qur'an, 19:23-26).
There is considerable wisdom in the way that Allah
recommends Maryam to eat this fruit. The date is an excellent choice of food
for the pregnant women and for those who have just given birth. This is a
widely accepted scientific fact. Some experiments have shown results that point
to the strengthening of the uterine muscles due to consumption of dates. This
is beneficial particularly in the last months of pregnancy. As well it is said
dates can help dilation at the time of delivery. It should also be mentioned
that research has found a link between dates and a reduction of bleeding
postpartum. With this information it is concluded that dates are a real benefit
to women in pregnancy and those who are breast-feeding.
Dates are believed to contain elements that assist
in alleviating depression in mothers and enriching the breast-milk with
elements needed to make the child healthy and resistant to disease.
By consuming dates, which contain an element called
fluorine (this is responsible for the fruits enamel building) it is probable
that they will assist in cavity prevention as well.