When Should We Eat Dates

When Should We Eat Dates?

Peace be upon you, and welcome to a new article from Health Before Medicine.
Today, we will talk about dates and the best time to eat them.

 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Whoever starts the day by eating seven dates will not be harmed by poison or magic that day."

Some narrations mention that the type of date is Ajwa, while others mention Al-Ali dates, but what matters here is that eating dates in the morning is beneficial in general.

The question is: why did the Prophet ﷺ emphasize eating dates specifically in the morning?
In many hadiths, there is a connection between morning and evening, but dates were highlighted for the morning for an important scientific reason.

In the morning, between six and seven o’clock, the body begins to secrete the cortisol hormone, which reaches its highest levels between seven and nine o’clock. This hormone is secreted by the adrenal gland, located directly above the kidney.

The functions of cortisol include:

• Providing the body with energy for the start of the day

• Preparing the person to face daily challenges

• Increasing alertness and attention

• Preventing relaxation or sleepiness

Cortisol contains a substance called sterol, which is highly effective in boosting energy and activity.

Dates, on the other hand, contain:

• Important minerals

• Various vitamins

• Water, especially in fresh dates

• Sterol as well

When a person eats a date in the morning, the components of the date align with the body’s cortisol and enzymes, creating harmony that enhances positive energy and immunity. Moreover, dates act as a complete natural pharmacy.

Therefore, eating dates in the morning, whether one or several, is the optimal timing.

 Only for U.S. residents – click here now

Eating dates in the evening is not recommended because the evening is not a period of high activity or alertness. Eating dates at this time disrupts the body’s biological clock and enzyme secretion.

During fasting, such as in Ramadan, eating dates at Iftar is highly recommended because the stomach is empty. Dates stimulate the pepsin enzyme in the stomach and prepare it to digest food gradually, rather than starting with heavy foods immediately.

Even at breakfast, it is preferable to start with light foods such as eggs, cheese, or olive oil and thyme, rather than heavy cooked meals.

Conclusion:

• Dates should be eaten in the morning

• Dates should not be eaten in the evening, except during fasting

• Dates during Iftar or fasting enhance the body’s activity and prepare the stomach for digestion

Modern science confirms and supports what was stated in the hadith.