Side effects of dates have a lot on your body. Dates are an excellent source of fiber, which, surprisingly, can have a reverse effect in this case. If you haven’t been already taking enough fiber, consuming too many dates simply means the intake of fiber in excess, and this sudden flow can lead to abdominal problems like constipation and bloating.
Side Effects of Dates
Asthma Attacks
Dates can lead to allergies, and allergies can cause asthma, it is better if susceptible individuals take extra care. In fact, 70-80% of people with asthma have allergies to airborne substances like molds which are also found in dried fruit-like dates.
Skin Rashes
Dried fruit like dates can cause skin rashes, and the culprit, once again, is the sulfites. Rashes can also be caused by mold present in many dried fruits, dates being one of them.
Weight Gain
Dates are high in fiber, but they are also comparatively high in calories and energy density, which can contribute to unequaled weight gain. Dates carry 2- 2.8 calories per gram which simply means they are medium energy density foods and can lead to weight gain.
Tooth Decay
Dates are a good source of fluorine which is very good for our teeth as it strengthens our tooth enamel and prevents our teeth from tooth decay. However, it is important that the dates are not so good for our teeth. Dates are rich in sugar and carbohydrates which are well known for triggering teeth decay and giving rise to cavities.
The best way to protect our teeth from decay is to gargle your mouth with warm saline ( salt dissolved in water) and brush your teeth, as soon as you finish eating dates. This will help in removing sugar and carbohydrates from sticking to the surface of teeth and will thus keep bacteria away and prevents your teeth from decaying.
Bloating
Consuming dates along with water is bad as it can trigger bloating. At present, no one knows the true reason behind this but studies have suggested that the reason for bloating may be due to the formation of gas due to the interaction between high sugar levels of dates and water.
It is also suggested to avoid drinking water immediately after eating dates as it can cause a cough. If you are about to enjoy dates and are also feeling thirsty at that time then it is better to drink water first and then enjoy your dates.
Constipation
The dietary fiber present in dates is very good for our stomach and helps in keeping our digestive system healthy. It regulates bowel movement and ensures proper elimination of waste out of the body and thus provides relief from constipation. If you are suffering from constipation then you can eat some dates to get rid of constipation.
However, an excess of fiber is bad can give rise to constipation ( or worsen the condition of constipation) as the dietary fibers absorb water from our body and make our stool dry and it becomes difficult for our body to excrete it properly.
Increase Blood Sugar Level
High consumption of dates is not at all beneficial for people who are suffering from diabetes because of their high calorific value and high sugar. Eating a quarter cup of chopped dates provides around 24 grams of carbohydrates and 105 calories of energy. Dates are a rich source of natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose, and their glycemic index is 103 which is even higher than that of glucose.
Dates Can Increase the Blood’s Potassium Levels
Hyperkalemia is when you have too much potassium in your blood. Dates contain a high amount of potassium, so overeating them can cause hyperkalemia. So if you have high blood potassium, you should avoid consuming dates. The ideal potassium level in blood is about 3.6 mm to 5.2mm. Having a potassium level that’s more than 7mm can be dangerous, and it’d require immediate medical intervention.
The Wax Covering on Dates can be Harmful
Just like other fruits such as apples, dates get covered in wax too. Shiny fruits are covered in wax to stay fresh for longer. The shininess of dates is because of chemical sprays or oils, both of which can cause severe digestive issues in the long term.
Dates can be Unhealthy for Babies
Dates are too thick and large for children. Chewing dates is difficult for them. Because their intestines are still in the process of growing and evolving, digesting dates can be difficult for them as well. This can cause several issues for the child. In fact, the date can even block their windpipe and choke them. So be very careful and keep dates away from young children until they’re older.
Dates and Fructose Intolerance
The natural sweetness of dates is because of fructose (at least, to a certain extent). Some people have difficulty digesting and absorbing fructose, which is called fructose intolerance. The sugar is not absorbed completely, which causes it to pass the digestive system entirely. This can cause issues such as flatulence or stomach aches as the sugar reacts with the natural bacteria of the intestines.
FAQ
Is it bad to eat dates everyday?
Therefore, be sure to eat dates in moderation. Dates are an excellent source of fiber, natural sugars, and many vitamins and minerals. However, dried dates are high in calories and easy to overeat in one sitting.
How many dates is too many?
If you aren't getting to know each person you'll never know if it might work out.” He advises that anything more than two first dates a week is probably too many. According to the mathematician Hannah Fry, you should reject the first 37 percent of people you date to give yourself the best chance of finding 'the one.
Do dates make you gain weight?
Dates are rich in iron and dietary fiber, but eating a lot of them will lead to weight gain as 70 percent of their weight comes from sugar, reports sfgate.com. CalorieKing suggests that there are 66 calories in a single date, so avoid eating a bunch of them if you're trying to lose weight.
