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5 REASONS TO INCLUDE DATES IN YOUR DAILY DIET
1. Intestinal Disorders:
The nicotinic content that is present in the dates is said to be beneficial for curing any kinds of intestinal disorders. Continuous intake of dates helps to maintain a check on the growth of the pathological organisms and thus, helps in the rise of friendly bacteria in the intestines.
2. Weight Gain:
Dates are said to be a part of healthy diet. They consist of sugar, fats, proteins as well as many essential vitamins. If the dates are consumed with the paste of cucumber, one can easily come out from the problem of over-slimming. One kilogram of dates contains almost 3,000 calories. These calories alone are sufficient to meet the daily requirements of a human body.
3. Healthy Heart:
Dates are quite helpful in maintaining your heart in a healthy condition. When soaked for a night and crushed in the morning and consumed, they prove to be quite advantageous for weak hearts. They help in fortifying the heart, if taken twice in a week.
4. Strong the Bones:
The dates are rich source of calcium, which is vital mineral in keeping the bones strong and healthy
5. Abdominal Cancer:
Dates are beneficial for curing abdominal cancer. They work as useful tonic for all age groups. They work as better as the medicines, and are natural and do not bear any side effects in the body. They can be easily digested and used for supplying extra and needed energy.
In Surah Maryam of the Holy Quran, Allah provided Prophet Isa’s (peace be upon him) mother Maryam (peace be upon her) with fresh dates when she was experiencing discomfort and pain during the final stages of her pregnancy. “Shake the trunk of the palm toward you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you.” (Quran 19:25)
Prophet (Peace be upon him) said : “People in a house without dates are in a state of hunger.” (Muslim)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said : “Whoever eats seven dates of the High Land of Madinah in the morning will not be hurt by poison or sorcery on that day.” (Bukhari)
Spread the knowledge so it will be Sadqa-e-Jaaria for you and for me… In’Shaa’Allah.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever directs someone to a good, then he will have the reward equal to the doer of the action.” [Muslim 1893]
Dates Are a Healthy Food
Source: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/
By: Nadia Haris
The sticky, sweet fruit of the palm tree, dates are a traditional food and are eaten for their natural sugar, carbohydrates, protein and nutrient content. They are a healthy snack choice and are a rich source of energy, vitamins and minerals. Originally a fruit that was harvested in Middle Eastern desert regions, dates of several different types are now grown throughout the world, including in California.
Vitamins
Your body requires essential vitamins for healthy body function. Dates help to provide several of these nutrients, including the B vitamins, which are important in energy production. The website Sweet Energy notes dates are high in riboflavin, thiamine, niacin and pantothenic acid.
Minerals
Dates are packed with several essential minerals that are necessary for oxygen transport, energy production, developing and maintaining bone health and boosting the immune system. The website California Dates lists several minerals found in dates; they include iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, potassium and zinc.
Fiber
All types of dates are high in dietary fiber; the website CalorieLab says that just one date contains 0.7 grams of fiber, fulfilling 3 percent of your daily recommended fiber intake. The Harvard School of Public Health advises that dietary fiber such as that found in dates binds to fats in the digestive tract and removes them from the body. This helps to reduce body fat and lower cholesterol levels. Dates and other fiber-dense foods also help to balance blood sugar levels, keeping energy levels more stable and helping you avoid excessive hunger pangs.
Calories and Sugar
Dates are a high calorie food; the website CalorieLab says that just one date, an 8.3-gram serving size, contains 23 calories. However, these are nutritious calories, and dates are still a healthy food. A date also contains about 5.3 grams of sugar. The American Diabetes Association says that dates should be eaten in moderation. Because of their high sugar content, dates have a medium glycemic index value, which means that they will raise blood sugar faster than other fruits.
Heart Health
Dates contain zero saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium or salt. This makes them a healthy choice to help maintain blood pressure and heart health, according to the website Sweet Energy. A diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Antioxidants
These fruits are also high in antioxidants, according to the website California Dates. Dates contain plant antioxidants called polyphenols, which help to remove free radical toxins from the body. This antioxidant activity may help to reduce the risk of some diseases.
Zulhijjah, and the meaning of sacrifice
By: Mufti Taqi Usmani
Source: albalagh.net
Zulhijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar. Literally, it means ” the possessor of hajj.” Obviously, this name of the month indicates that the great annual worship of “hajj” is performed in this month, which gives it special significance. Some specific merits and rules relevant to this month are mentioned below:
Boycott Israeli Goods
Source: http://www.ipsc.ie/campaigns/consumer-boycott
Individual consumers can show their opposition to Israel’s Apartheid policies against the Palestinian people and violations of international law by participating in a consumer boycott of Israeli goods and services. A boycott can also put pressure on companies whose exports are linked to some of the most evident aspects of the Israeli occupation and apartheid.
The Israeli barcode starts with the numbers 729. However, it doesn’t necessarily appear on all Israeli products so be sure to always check the label for country of origin.
Supermarket products
Jaffa oranges were famous for centuries before Israelis successfully colonised the Palestinian name along with the city of Yafa. The Israeli agricultural companies Mehadrin (Jaffa) and Carmel-Agrexco export fruit and vegetables for sale to Europe. Much of this produce is grown on confiscated Palestinian land in the Jordan Valley. Apart fromoranges, other examples of fruit exported by these, and other, companies are grapefruits, peppers, avocados,grapes, figs, and passion and sharon fruits.
Dates from Israel come in many brands and are particularity popular during the holy month of Ramadan.
Israeli new potatoes are all too often seen in the spring before Irish potatoes are available. Carrots are also exported from Israel.
Tivall is an Israeli company that produces vegetarian foods.
Herbs, such as basil, dill, tarragon, parsley, sage, rosemary, mint, chives and others are commonly sold.
These goods are widely available in big chainstores such as Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Supervalu, Superquinn, Aldi and Lidl.
Hardware and homeware products
Most Stanley/Black&Decker Toolboxes and plastic organisers are made in Israel. Plastic saw horses are also often available.
Keter exports a wide range of large plastic products from Israel. These include shelf storage bins, garden sheds,outdoor storage boxes, dog kennels and composting bins.
These plastics can be found in Woodies, Chadwicks, Heitons, Davies and Cork builders providers (all part of the Grafton Group), Homebase, (part of the Home Retail Group), Argos, B&Q and many other hardware, builders’ providers and tool shops.
Sodastream, appliance for home-making carbonated drinks is a product manufatcured in the illegal Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim in occupied Palestine. These products can be found in Dunnes Stores, Harvey Norman, Argos, Cleary’s, Brown Thomas, DID Electrical and others.
Lees Carpets are made by the Israeli company Carmel Carpets in the illegal industrial settlement zone of Barkan in the West Bank.
Beauty Products
Dead Sea beauty products come in many brands including, Ahava, Dead Sea Magik, GADI21, -417, VivO, Nevoand Sea Spa Skincare. YesTo, formerly an Israel-based company which has since ‘relocated’ to the US, uses Dead Sea minerals in many of its products. They can be found in Holland & Barrett, Nourish and pharmacies. In addition they are often marketed by Israelis at large shopping centres including; Dundrum, Jervis Street, Liffey Valley and others.
Any theft by the Israeli state or companies of natural resources from the Palestinian section of the Dead Sea constitutes War Pillage under the terms of the Geneva Convention. Ahava is one company that is guilty of this, being based in the illegal settlement of Mitzpe Shalem on the Dead Sea.
MoroccanOil is an Israeli company that manufactures argan oil-based hair care products, which can be found in Peter Marks and other hair salons.
The Israeli brand AMAV is distributed in Europe by George Prentice Associates (GPA), Kildare. They market a range of “activities” type craft boxes (plastic!) and Art Easels for children These are available at major toy retailers, Hamley’s, Smiths and Art & Hobby.
Mufti Menk: Tips for healthy eating in Ramadan (Video)
This video provides useful tips on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.
Watch the full lecture…
“We are not living to eat, we are eating to live.” – Mufti Menk
Staying Physically Energized During Ramadan
- I personally don’t question any food that was eaten by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) or recommended by him.
- Anas Ibn Malik radi Allahu `anhu (may God be pleased with him) narrated: “The messenger of Allah ﷺ used to break his fast before praying with some fresh dates, but if there were no fresh dates, he had a few dry dates, and if there were no dry dates, he took some mouthfuls of water.” [Sunan Abu Dawud]
- Fasting all day means facing difficulties reaching the required daily value for many essential vitamins and nutrients. Dates are known to provide many of these nutrients with just a few pieces:
- Dates have immense health benefits, including high fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, and B vitamins.
- Dates are known to regulate blood sugar, weight loss, blood pressure, cancer, and arthritis. Dates also aid in facilitating oxygen to the brain and the formation of healthy skin.
- Tip: Eat three or more dates at suhoor to give you energy all day. Break your fast on dates and pray Maghrib. This regulates your blood sugar and causes you to not overeat at iftar.
2) DON’T skip out on suhoor.
- Yes, it’s 4 a.m. and yes it’s going to be difficult, but my number one piece of advice is don’t skip out on suhoor. The Prophet ﷺ advised us to eat suhoor and promised barakah (blessings) in it. Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.’” [Sunan Al- Nasa’i]
- Eating a meal before sunrise will give you energy to keep going during the long day ahead of you.
- If you skip out on suhoor, you are putting your body in starvation mode and actually only going to cause yourself to overindulge at iftar.
- So, EAT SUHOOR!
- Tip: Eat a light but nutritious, breakfast-like meal:
- Try a zatar or cheese pie with some cucumbers. Tomatoes and a cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice are also excellent sources of vitamins and nutrients.
- Have nutrient-dense whole-grain toast with almond butter, cashew butter, or all-natural peanut butter. Top with berries or banana slices.
- Try some quinoa with almond milk, raisins, cinnamon, raw honey, and bananas. It will definitely give you fuel for the day.
- A bowl of steel cut oats or whole grain cereal and organic milk/almond milk are also great.
- Don’t forget the dates.
3) Eat hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, citrus fruit, and tomatoes.
- It’s not only summer time, but we are fasting 17+ hours. Many of us have work and others are taking summer courses. We are going to lack energy and need as much nutrients as we can get from the food we eat. Hydrating ourselves with water-dense foods will keep our bodies from dehydrating in the heat.
- Tip: Other foods with high water content include: lettuce, pineapple, berries, citrus fruit, and spinach.
4) Drink plenty of water between iftar and suhoor
- Water is the most purifying drink; it cleans out toxins from your body and prevents you from getting headaches (especially when you’re not drinking or eating all day).
- Tip: Skip the soda! Drinking soda with your iftar will only make you thirstier, and dehydrate your body more than it already is. Drink water with your meal and keep it at hand throughout the night. Break your coffee and tea addiction.
- If possible, regulate your body to get rid of your caffeine addiction before Ramadan starts. If you are drinking 3-4 cups of coffee daily, and on the first day of Ramadan you don’t drink any, you may get headaches and lack energy.
- Tip: If you really need energy, opt for dates instead. Coffee and tea are known to dehydrate the body even more.
I hope that you find these eating tips helpful! I assure you that making these small changes in your Ramadan and even regular diet, will substantially improve your overall health and fitness.
PASS THE KNOWLEDGE (LIGHT & LIFE) 