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Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by persistently high blood glucose levels. A high blood glucose level is the most prominent symptom of a patient diagnosed with diabetes.

Other symptoms of diabetes include appetite, increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, headache, and slow healing of wounds and bruises. 

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 537 million adults will be diagnosed with diabetes in 2021. Diet and eating habits play a massive role in the life of a person with diabetes. Generally, people are advised not to consume foods with a high glycemic index and limit their carbohydrate intake.

Dates, the tree’s fruits, are usually consumed in dried and pitted form. They are known to pack a lot of sugar in their deceptively small forms.

Deglet Noor dates and Medjool dates are the most commonly consumed varieties of dates. As a result, there is considerable debate regarding the consumption of dates by people with diabetes due to their high fructose content.

Types of Diabetes

There are two major types of diabetes:

Type-1 Diabetes – This category of diabetes causes the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin due to the loss of beta cells by an autoimmune reaction. 

Type-2 Diabetes – This category of diabetes causes the development of high resistance of the body’s cells towards insulin, which is the hormone that aids in the uptake of glucose by cells. The high resistance causes the glucose to move into the bloodstream and increase blood sugar levels.

Gestational Diabetes – Gestational diabetes is not essentially a type. It is simply the temporary increase in pregnant women’s blood sugar levels. Soon after the delivery, the levels come down to normal.

In this article, let us learn about the benefits of consuming dates, when and how much to consume, the best ways to eat them, and their side effects for a diabetic patient.

The Different Types of Palm Dates

The UAE alone harvests over 18 different types of dates. Today, there are ample varieties of dates in terms of price, quality, origin, brands, etc. But the dates’ physical and chemical properties determine their impact on the human body upon consumption.

While people commonly assume that higher-priced dates are better in quality, the nutritional value of these may differ. Hence, what remains common is that they all have a low to medium glycemic index levels. 

A date is one of the oldest trees growing worldwide, with hundreds of different types. Khodry, Kimia, Omani, Khalas, Ruthana, Sukkary, Sefri, Segae, Ajwa, Hilali, and Munifi are the most common dates found around the globe. Their chemical composition makes them a good choice for consumption to prevent various diseases.

Diabetic patients may substitute sugar with Medjool dates when making smoothies, shakes, or desserts. In addition, you can use Omani dates in baking as sugar substitutes. They both have a rich moisture content and are sweet and delightful. Hayany is another type that you may use while cooking or baking.

Some cultures worldwide make ‘chuhara’ from dates, like a mouth freshener. Hallawis dates are the best option for this. Deglet has lower sugar content than other date varieties and can be consumed raw. It is a good choice for diabetic patients. 

Probably the most popular pick, Kimia dates are very easily found in the market and are good in quality and taste. But, again, dates are only to be consumed in moderation. Apart from this, it is always recommended to check your blood sugar levels before and after eating on a regular basis. A continuous glucose monitor is the best way to measure post-meal patterns (CGM).

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HealthifyMe does not expect you to achieve perfect blood glucose levels, but rather to make consistent daily efforts to stay healthy.

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Nutritional Composition of Dates

The nutritional value of Medjool dates (100 g portion) according to the USDA is as follows:

• Water 21.3 g
• Energy 277 kcal
• Protein 1.81 g
• Total Lipid 0.15 g  
• Carbohydrates 75 g
• Glucose 33.7 g
• Fructose 32 g
• Total Dietary Fibre 6.7 g

The most commonly available dates are all rich in minerals and salts. They contain higher protein content than other fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, etc.

There is proven research to prove the nutritional and medicinal benefits of dates. They are rich in phenol, antioxidants and even micronutrients that help insulin resistance. Hence, they are beneficial for people with diabetes. 

Are Dates Good for Diabetics?

Due to the excessive natural sweetness of dates, there is a common misconception that people with diabetes cannot consume dates. The key here is moderation. It can be dangerous for people with diabetes to consume dates in large quantities due to the high amount of sugar in the fruit.

They may cause a mild spike in the blood glucose levels, which a person with diabetes cannot restore due to insufficient insulin or resistance to the hormone.

Glycemic Index (GI) is a term used to measure the ability of a substance to raise blood glucose levels when consumed on its own. Also, despite being naturally sweet, dates have a low GI (between 44 and 53) and a medium GL.

Diets with a high glycemic load are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, people with diabetes can consume a diet characterised by a low glycemic load, which accounts for the glycemic index and the portions consumed.

A study compared the difference between GI levels of diabetic patients and healthy participants upon consumption of different varieties of dates. The GI of the dates ranged from 30.5 to 61.6.

The five date varieties were Fara’d, Lulu, Bo ma’an, Dabbas and Khalas. These are the most commonly sold and consumed varieties of dates in the middle eastern countries. However, we are yet to learn about the consequences of long term regular consumption of dates in the case of people with diabetes. 

The HealthifyPro CGM (continuous glucose monitor) steps in during these circumstances. You can receive real-time information on your blood glucose levels from the CGM. Additionally, you can decide on your food and exercise habits based on the data gathered.

HealthifyPro is a complete package that includes CGM, Pro Coaches Consultation, and a smart scale that analyses your weight concerning body-fat percentage, muscle mass, etc.

Benefits of Eating Dates

Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

According to a study, fibre in dates reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by regulating the various risk factors that affect cardiovascular health. For example, if your blood sugar is not under control, then the chances of having bad cholesterol levels increase.

Increased intake of dates can provide the required amount of fibre to the body and lower blood cholesterol levels. The fibre particles bind with cholesterol molecules in the blood before they are absorbed, thus passing them out of the body and faecal matter.

Fibre is also known to reduce blood pressure and inflammation. Thus, consuming dates may regulate your cholesterol levels and blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes. 

Regulates Blood Pressure

Dates are rich in potassium and also contain many other minerals. Potassium maintains osmotic balance and helps maintain osmoregulation, thus regulating blood pressure.

In layman’s terms, ‘osmotic balance’ is the balance of fluids in the human body that avoids the dilution or concentration of any fluids. The fibre present in dates also controls the sugar level and slows down digestion.

If taken with curd, it also controls the glycemic levels, making it healthy for people with diabetes.

Manages Potassium Levels

Studies show that low potassium in the body increases the chances of having high insulin and glucose levels, which may mark the first stage of diabetes.

Two dates contain 334 mg of potassium, which increases the potassium level in your body. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

Other Benefits

1. They are anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and antimicrobial.
2. They have proven to help women relax during labour and post-childbirth.
3. Dates are known to be hepato-protective and nephroprotective in nature.
4. A study reflected that it helps in lipid control of diabetic patients.
5. Consumption of dates is also known to impact patients suffering from infertility issues positively.

Effect Of Dates On Blood Sugar Levels

In 2009, a study was conducted to examine the effect of two types of dates (Medjool and Hallawi) on blood glucose levels. Ten subjects were given 100 g of each of these dates every day.

The research revealed that none of their blood sugars or triglycerides had grown after 4 weeks. Despite dates’ high sugar content, the study revealed that regular ingestion of dates has no effect on blood glucose levels in healthy adults. 

Is it acceptable to state that diabetics can also consume dates without worrying about their blood sugar levels?. However, all diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels and learn how their bodies react to different diets.

This is critical. Despite the lack of data on the recommended daily intake of dates, most physicians advise their diabetes patients to consume no more than three dates each day.

The Best Time to Eat Dates

Dates are so versatile that you can eat them in different ways at different times for optimal benefits. They make an excellent pre workout snack, a great bedtime snack and can also form an integral part of your breakfast when you combine them into your porridge or cereal.

Its important to note that dates work better as a snack than a part of a heavy meal. Along with nuts, they make an excellent mid morning or evening snack. So as you can see, it has no special time of consumption.

What is the difference between fresh and dried dates?

Dates are found in approximately 15 different types all around the world. Dates that are beneficial for health and may be used safely by persons with diabetes have been overlooked due to the notion that more expensive is better. Dates are most commonly encountered dried in India. 

The dried ones have more calories and less vitamin C. The fresh ones should be consumed as soon as possible. The phytoestrogen concentration of dried dates is the second highest of any fruit. New evidence reveals that dietary phytoestrogen may be advantageous for those with diabetes and obesity.

Palm Date Recipes That Are Worth a Try!

There is enough evidence suggesting that the consumption of Khalas dates and yoghurt as a mixed meal has no significant impact on the GI. There are multiple recipes one can try to make the most out of the nutritional value of dates without compromising on the sugar levels.

Sugar Free Dates Rolls

Ingredients:

• Ghee: ½ tsp
• Dates: ¾ cup (chopped)
• Almonds: 1 tbsp
• Pistachios: 1 tbsp
• Walnuts: 1 tbsp
• Poppy seeds: 2 tbsp

Method:

• Cook the chopped dates in ghee on a non-stick frypan on a low flame. 
• After 5- 7 minutes, you should start seeing a lumpy texture.
• Turn the stove off and add all the nuts to form a mixture.
• Make rolls out of the semi-solid mixture and top the rolls with poppy seeds.
• Freeze the rolls and consume.

Dates and Pistachio Muffins

Ingredients

• Ghee: 2 tbsp
• Dates: 1 cup
• Pistachio: 1 cup
• Jaggery Powder: ¼ cup
• Ragi flour: 1½ cup
• Wheat flour: ¾ cup
• Corn starch: 2 tbsp
• Salt: ½ tsp
• Cardamom: 1½ tsp
• Baking powder: 2 tsp
• Baking soda: ½ tsp
• Buttermilk: 1 cup
• Water:  ½ cup

Method

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius.
• Start by mixing the butter and jaggery powder until the texture is creamy. 
• Add all the dry ingredients except dates and pistachios and mix well. Ensure that there are no lumps.
• Now, add the water and buttermilk to make a smooth muffin batter.
• Add the dates and pistachios to your batter.
• Grease your muffin tray with butter.
• Pour the batter equally into all the moulds and bake for 25-30 mins.
• Enjoy the muffins hot and soft when you take them out of the oven!

Potential Side Effects of Consuming Dates When You Have Diabetes

If you take dates in moderation, it does not increase blood sugar. Since dates have a low to moderate GI, consuming two dates a day is not harmful to a person with diabetes. A study shows that a person with diabetes can eat 7-10 dates a day.

Researchers found that consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates from dates did not affect their blood sugar levels. Also, dates are more nutritious than plain, refined sugar.

So it is good to substitute sugar with dates when consuming cereals or smoothies in the morning. The consumer gets the added benefit of dates’ nutritional value and the natural sweetness. 

Thus, dates do not have any side effects specifically for a person with diabetes. There are no particular side effects a person with diabetes needs to watch out for when eating the prescribed amounts.

If overeating dates, then blood sugar spikes and constipation occur. Also, it is essential to check that your dates aren’t packaged with additional sugar and preservatives, as that would be detrimental to your health.

The Bottom Line

We can conclude that the various types of dates generally have a fairly low glycemic index. Furthermore, their consumption by people with diabetes does not result in significant glucose excursions. These findings suggest that dates may benefit diabetic subjects when consumed as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Dates hold a wealth of benefits due to the rich treasure of vitamins, minerals, and, most importantly, the fibre present. However, these fruits pose a cause of concern for individuals who have diabetes due to the higher percentage of carbohydrates and calories.

Most people don’t know that the carbohydrates in dates are natural sugars such as glucose and fructose.

Despite the sweetness, these natural sugars ensure that dates have a low glycemic index and medium glycemic load. In addition, Combining unsalted nuts and dates ensures an even slower release of sugar from the dates since nuts are rich in protein and fat, which bind to the sugar and don’t let it release quickly into the bloodstream. Therefore, the consumer needs to know when, how, and how much to consume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the benefits of eating dates?

A. Help in diabetes management, boost energy, relieve intoxication and prevent a hangover, strengthen bones, relieve constipation, promote heart health, reduce inflammation, reverse anemia, and encourage weight gain.

Q. What happens if you eat dates every day?

A. Eating dates every day can provide you with a good amount of fibre, thereby helping you to avoid eating junk and regulating your bowel movements. Therefore, eating them in measured amounts is of utmost importance.

Q. Can I eat dates every day?

A. Yes, dates can be eaten every day as a part of your daily diet. However, if consumed in small quantities, dates can be very beneficial for your health.

Q. What are the disadvantages of eating dates?

A. Eating dates in large quantities can cause harmful spikes in blood glucose levels due to sugar and constipation due to fibre. In addition, if impure and not washed and processed correctly, people with sulphite allergies could have abdominal distress. 

Q. What is the difference between a fig and a date?

A. Dates are from the Date Palm, and figs grow on Ficus trees and are two completely different species. Their appearance is different, with figs being plump and round and dates being oval and wrinkled. Dates tend to have a higher fibre and sugar content than figs. 

Q. Do dates help you poop?

A. Yes, dates do help you poop. It contains a lot of fibre, which can aid in clearing out the colon and relieve constipation by softening the mass of faeces and increasing its size and density, making  stools are easier to pass.

Q. Can we drink water after eating dates?

A. Researchers say that you should not consume water after eating a fruit that contains a relatively more significant percentage of water. Excessive hydration can modify the pH of your stomach by diluting the enzymes and the acid, thus causing weakened digestion. However, since dates contain a relatively smaller percentage of water, you can drink water after eating them. 

Q. Are dates good for weight loss?

A. Yes, adding dates to your diet can actually help shed weight.

Q. Is a date a raisin?

A. No, dates are not raisins. Dates are stone fruits derived from the date palm tree, whereas raisins are dried grapes. Although they contain a similar amount of fibre, they differ in terms of appearance and taste. Raisins do not have as much sugar as dates.  

Q. Can dates reduce belly fat? 

A. Yes they help reduce your belly fat. Dates contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, which control inflammation linked to obesity and weight-related diseases. Furthermore, they have a good amount of both soluble and insoluble fibre which will keep you satiated and can protect you from hunger pangs.

Q. Do dates need to be refrigerated?

A. Yes, dates should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to help them retain their moisture.