As the blessed month is here, Muslims all over the world have already stocked up on dates– a symbolic and unique pointer to the birth of the glorious month.

For Muslims, it is a Prophetic practice (Sunnah) to open the fast with dates, but beyond the Sunnah, dates are power packed with health benefits that can help us refuel after a long fast; the following are some of these benefits:

Energy Booster

Dates are packed with natural sugars, namely fructose, glucose, and sucrose. These are monosaccharides or simple sugars which provides immediate energy. Simple sugar does not pass through complex digestive processes and so they benefit a fasting Muslim instantly.

Best for the Heart

A handful of researchers have confirmed that dates are one of the most beneficial foods for the heart, especially the Ajwah dates. This is especially due to the potassium content of dates. Potassium is a chemical element that helps in preventing high blood pressure and cardiac diseases including stroke and heart attack. The chemical also plays a key role in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Some experts suggest soaking dates overnight and consuming them after crushing early in the morning to strengthen a weak heart.

Dental Benefits

Fluorine is an essential chemical element known to inhibit tooth decay through the removal of plaque and strengthening the tooth enamel. Dates contain adequate amount of fluorine, thus benefitting the tooth.

Combatting Anemia

Anemia is a condition of low amount of red blood cells in the body which sometimes result from iron deficiency. Dates contain iron, thus making it suitable in treating iron-deficiency anemia. Also, dates contain calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, fiber, sodium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B, and proteins.

(Author bio: Yusuf Mikail is a freelance health writer with special interest in natural cure and healthy living. He has been featured on The Explanation and Qwenu.)