Ramadan 2021: Know all about different kinds of dates - which one to eat for anemia and which one is good for constipation

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New Delhi: Muslims across the world break their Ramadan fast with a date as it was guided by the Prophet.

Although dates are loaded with a diverse profile of nutrients, carbohydrates and sugars contribute the most which makes them one of the best sources of instant energy and nutrition after a long day of fasting.

There are plenty of different types of dates available which not only vary in their taste, size and texture but also in their nutrition values.

Since carbohydrates and sugar are major contents of the nutrition profile of a date, its best to be able to identify them on sight. One should know that all dates are a great source of nutrients and thus offer plenty of healthy benefits.

Since dates are dried fruit they are significantly higher in calories compared to other fresh fruit and therefore one should keep in mind that they should be consumed in moderate quantities.

Though a majority of the calories in dates come from carbohydrates and sugar, they also contain some vital vitamins, minerals and a significant amount of fiber .

Speaking of dietary fibers, dates on an average contain 7g to 9g of dietary fibers per 100g which is almost four times as compared to spinach for the same quantity, and almost five times compared to the same quantity of mangoes.

Dietary Fibers are great for the health of our gut, it helps keep blood sugars in control, promotes smooth bowel movements amongst many other health benefits.

Flavonoids in dates are powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and have been studied for their potential role in reducing the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and certain types of cancer.

Carotenoids in dates have been proven to promote heart health and also reduce the risk of eye-related disorders, such as macular degeneration.

Phenolic acids in dates are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and also help lower the risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease.

Phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in dates are known for their potential to prevent bone-related conditions like osteoporosis and overall bone health.

Fructose in dates is a natural sugar and makes for a healthier substitute to white sugar in recipes due to the nutrients, fiber and antioxidants present in them.

While there are many types of Dates available today, these six varieties are popular:

• Safawi/Kalmi 
• Ajwa
• Sukkary
• Mabroom
• Khudri
• Sagai

Safawi Dates

Safawi aka Kalmi Dates rre one of the most commonly consumed and easily available varieties. They are dark brown in colour and approx size of a thumb.100g of these dates are roughly around 7pcs and gives you almost 400 calories of which almost 93 percent are carbs. This makes them calorie rich with maximum carbohydrate content thus

Recommended: for people seeking weight gain.
Not recommended: for obese, diabetic patients and those looking to keep a check on their calories

Ajwa Dates

Ajwa dates are black in colour and also known as the King of All Dates, these are usually available in different sizes (Price goes up as the size increases ) 12 pcs of small to medium ones are roughly 100g. Ajwa amongst all dates has the highest amount of Iron, almost double compared to any other type of date. It also contains over 700mg of Potassium which is the highest amount of Potassium compared to any other type of dates. It also has a fairly better amount of vitamin D. Overall Ajwa date is best with respect to nutrients, as compared to all dates.

Recommended: better for people with anemia, constipation
Not recommended: for people with polycythemia

Sukkary Dates 

One of the most commonly consumed dates in Saudi Arabia, lowest in calories, only 329 Kcal per 100g which is wight pieces, as compared to other dates. It is the highest source of Fibre ( 9g/100g). Highest in calcium compared to other dates. After Ajwa it has the 2nd highest amount of potassium.

Recommended: for people with constipation, calcium deficiency, osteoarthritis.
Not recommended: for people with kidney issues and hypercalcinemia.

Mabroom Dates 

Lower in Calories 9g of Dietary Fiber which makes them richest source of fibre and contains a good amount of calcium. A 100 gems is 7 pieces of mbar dates.

Recommended: for people with constipation, calcium deficiency, osteoarthritis
Not recommended: for people with Hypercalcinemia

Khudri Dates

Khudri dates are low in calorie and sodium, 100 gems is seven pieces.

Recommended: for people seeking weight loss (amount 1½ as prescribed by your dietician)
Not recommended: for people seeking weight gain

Sagai Dates 

It has a unique dual shade with a beige colour crown on the top of the date. It has a good amount of calcium and potassium.

Recommended: for people with calcium deficiency or arthritis patients.
Not recommended: for people with hypercalcemia.