For 6000 years, the dates have been cultivated, and it is one of the oldest crops that have nutritional, economic, and potential health value. The scientific name of dates is Phoenix dactylifera L., which has both aesthetic value and environmental benefit. The desert and hot regions are favorable for the growth of dates in large quantities. South-West Asia, North Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran are the major producers of dates. The highest demand for date eating is during the holy month of Ramadan and these dates are used to break the fasting. Majorly they are consumed in dry form and the eating of dates decreases after the Ramadan month. These dates are traditionally dried in the sun, which takes seven to ten days to complete. Due to the presence of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, dates play a major role in health. The following information contains a detailed explanation of the properties and potential of the dates.

Properties of dried dates:

It might be effective against various microorganisms (anti-microbial).

It might help lower blood sugar levels (anti-diabetic).

It might be effective against the growth of tumors (anti-tumor).

It might help relieve unbalanced inflammation (anti-inflammatory).

It might help protect the kidney (nephroprotective).

It might be an antioxidant. 

It might help protect the liver (hepatoprotective).

Potential Uses of Dried Dates for Overall Health: 

Foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition are known as functional foods. Dates might have the potential to act as functional foods due to the functional constituents present in them and might be of potential use to human health. 

Potential uses of Kharik for diabetes:

 Several studies have shown that dried dates might have the potential to lower diabetes and its complications. Dates might help in reducing the absorption of glucose or may help increase the production of insulin. This potential activity of dried dates might also be due to the presence of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. Dates may act as scavengers for free radicals, thus helping against the oxidative damage caused by diabetes. However, the exact mechanism of action is not yet known. Moreover, conditions like diabetes are serious and must be properly diagnosed and treated by a qualified doctor, therefore, ensure that you visit a doctor.

Potential uses of Chuhara for inflammation:

Dates might have the potential to alleviate inflammation, and one of the studies showed that dates might have the potential to inhibit the production of certain enzymes (cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2), which play an important role in inflammation. In another study, it was seen that dates might play a role in reducing the swelling of the foot. However, more studies are required to prove these potential effects of dates.

Potential uses of dried dates for infections:

Dates might possess an antimicrobial property, due to which it might have a potential effect against bacteria like Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli. It might also have a role in reducing the side effects caused by the drug methylprednisolone (a steroid). Ethanolic extract of dates might have a potential effect against E. fecalis and it might be helpful for enteric diseases. However, more studies are required to prove the potential uses of dried dates for infections. Consult the doctor in any case of infection and don’t self-medicate.

Potential uses of dried dates for oxidative stress: 

Dried dates might be a good natural source of phytochemicals, primarily,  they may have polyphenols and carotenoids, which act as strong antioxidants. The antioxidants present in the dates may play an important role in absorbing and neutralizing free radicals, thus helping reduce the oxidative stress that might lead to various diseases like diabetes, cancer, etc. However, more research is required to prove the antioxidant nature of dates. 

Potential uses of dried dates for tumors:

Several studies have shown that dried dates might have potential activity against tumors, but the exact mechanism is not yet known. Some hypotheses state that the anti-tumor potentiality of dried dates might be due to the antioxidant components present in them. A study showed that a compound present in dates, called glucans might be the reason for its anti-tumor activity.  However, more research is required to prove these claims. Kindly note that serious conditions like cancer must be diagnosed and treated only by a doctor. Therefore, ensure that you consult a doctor.

Potential uses of Kharak for kidneys:

In an animal study, it was seen that dried dates might have the potential to reduce the increase in plasma creatinine and urea concentrations. (The high levels of urea and creatinine concentration indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly. Therefore, dates might help protect the kidney and have a nephroprotective property.

Side effects of dried dates:

Dried dates, when consumed in large quantities, do not cause any specific side effects. However, if you notice any symptoms after eating dates, you must visit a doctor immediately. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor and confirm whether it is safe for you to eat dates specifically.

In India, dry dates, also known as chuara, are referred to by different names in various states:

Hindi: Chuahara

Punjabi: Chuhara

Bengali: Chura

Gujarati: Chura

Marathi: Chuhara

Tamil: Ularndha Vengayam

Telugu: Podi Khajooram

Kannada: Ona Seve

Malayalam: Vadaneyrs

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