Datteln, Sorte Medjool, entsteint, roh? (bio)

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Preprint - nicht peer-reviewed, Laboranalyse

"Table 2. HPLC/DAD quali-quantitative analysis of single compounds and polyphenolic classes in ethylacetate fractions of Medjool date fruit pulps. Analyses were carried out in triplicate and data are average values ±SD expressed as mg/Kg."

Medjool dates are often referred to as the “King of Dates” due to their widespread global availability and their classification as a soft variety, in contrast to semi-dry and dry types.

The total polyphenol content is influenced by the cultivar and ripeness stage, showing a marked decline as the fruit matures [4]. Recent investigations into the antioxidant profile of Palestinian Medjool dates employed HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis for tentative identification, revealing over fifty compounds, predominantly phenolics such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds were detected across different date parts, including fruit pulp and skin, fronds, clusters, and pollen. 

In the Middle East and Arabian countries, date fruits represent a staple crop with multiple biological functions, largely attributed to their phenolic compounds. These include hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities, as well as a high capacity for scavenging free radicals, thereby stimulating the immune system.

Date palm fruits are highly valued for their nutritional and therapeutic properties, exhibiting significant antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-proliferative activities [6]. Moreover, β-glucan extracted from date fruits demonstrates promising potential in combating tumors, modulating immune responses, managing diabetes, reducing inflammation, and lowering cholesterol levels, while also promoting the growth of beneficial gut microbiota [7]. Flavonoids, such as catechin and rutin, have been identified as key contributors to the antioxidant activity of dates [8,9]. Indeed, a recent study on Medjool dates from the Jordan Valley [10] proposed that supplementation with ethanolic date extracts may reduce anxiety-like behaviors in mice. 

It is also noteworthy that date seeds represent a promising source of antioxidants in the diet. In Middle Eastern countries, roasted and unroasted seed powders are commercially marketed as caffeine-free beverages.

A recent review has emphasized the diverse chemical composition of date seeds, which are increasingly regarded as valuable ingredients for applications in food formulations, cosmetics, and medicinal supplements.

DOI: 10.20944/preprints202501.0797.v1

Study: weak evidence

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Allergietest, Laboranalyse

DOI: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.1999.00116.x

Study: weak evidence

experimentelle, laborbasierte allergologische Studie mit klinischer Testung

DOI: 10.1159/000024432

Study: weak evidence

Narratives Review

DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI.42.5.1077

Study: weak evidence

DOI: 10.4060/cc9251en

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Narratives Review

DOI: -

Study: weak evidence

Narratives Review

DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.032

Study: weak evidence

Narratives Review

DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2010.535231

Study: weak evidence

Narratives Review

In Indian traditional medicine, Ayurveda, and Middle Eastern
folk-lore, DF is considered to have several medicinal properties.
Dates have been considered to be a general tonic in Ayurveda
(Puri, 2003). DF is a demulcent, expectorant, nutrient, emetic,
laxative, aphrodisiac and prescribed for tuberculosis, gastroenteritis, coughs, respiratory diseases, asthma, etc.

DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2010.499824

Study: weak evidence

Narratives Review

DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00375-4

Study: weak evidence

Narratives Review

DOI: 10.1017/S0029665119000673

Study: weak evidence

Sekundäranalyse einer randomisierten kontrollierten Studie (RCT‑Subanalyse)

DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz117

Study: strong evidence

experimentelle Laborstudie

DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00198

Study: weak evidence

Ausbruchsuntersuchung (Outbreak Investigation)

DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2022.46.68

Study: weak evidence

Ausbruchsuntersuchung (Outbreak Investigation)

DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.20.2100432

Study: weak evidence

Ökologische Bewertungsstudie / Life‑Cycle‑Assessment‑Studie (LCA)

Diesel fuel, pesticides and nitrogen fertilizer had
the highest effects on environmental impacts.

DOI: 10.1016/j.inpa.2018.05.004

Multidimensionale Footprint‑Analyse

The climatic conditions, together with the orientation of the cultivation (e.g., export-oriented or for domestic consumption) and the related agronomic practices, explain the remarkable differences between land, green water, and blue water footprint displacement (Figure 4 and Figure 5a). These practices might involve extensive irrigation. Some countries only (or almost only) rely on green water exploitation for date palm cultivation, whereas other countries exploit much higher volumes of blue water than green water for palm cultivation in order to boost or even just allow production (Figure 5). This is the case for Algeria, where the blue water requirement value is twice as high as the green water one. It is also the case for Iran, whose blue water requirement is 2.3-fold the green water one. Even more relevant is the case for Saudi Arabia, where the blue water requirement is 6.6 times greater than the green water one. Following the previous example, the 41 ktonnes of dates exported by ARE to India correspond to 30 Mm3 of blue water, while the same amount of dates exported by Iran to India consumes about 55 Mm3 of blue water due to a much lower blue water efficiency of Iran compared to ARE. Accordingly, a few major countries account for most of the overall blue water footprint (Figure 5a). Those ones are also responsible for a remarkable part of the water scarcity footprint (Figure 5b), which depends on the actual impact deriving from the exploitation of freshwater in the date palm plantation areas. Significant differences between blue water and water scarcity footprints (Figure 5a,b) may emerge. For example, Saudi Arabia in this case accounted for much less of the overall water stress footprint compared to the top countries in terms of blue water. The reason is that Saudi Arabia’s CF is just 14% compared to Algeria’s CF or just 17% compared to Iran’s CF. In addition, Iran and Tunisia account for major flows of water scarcity embedded in the dates they exported (Figure 5b). Considering the previous example, 342 Mm3 world equivalent of water was linked to dates exported to India from ARE. At the same time, a similar amount of dates exported by Iran to India was linked to 3.4 Gm3 world equivalent of water. This difference is due to Iran’s date production having a worse water scarcity characterization factor compared to India’s one. Furthermore, it is remarkable that France appears among the countries with the highest water scarcity from dates consumption, which are mostly imported from Algeria and Tunisia.

DOI: 10.3390/su15054358

Water‑Footprint‑Assessment

DOI: 10.5194/hess-15-1577-2011

Laboranalyse

The majority of metals except for Pb and Cd did not meet the safety limits concerning maximum allowable levels (MAL) in the Mazafati date cultivar. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of metals through date consumption (g/person/day) for all metals was above the tolerable daily intake in all studied locations.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104917

Study: weak evidence

In forest research, Monocultures have been well documented and considered as a dominated practice, but in the face of resource scarcity and enhancing change in climate, there is more interest in growing plantation systems of mixed-species (Spiecker et al., 2004, Zeller et al., 2017, Coll et al., 2018, Liu et al., 2018). However, agricultural subsidies of Government mostly shows favor towards mono-cropping. Monoculture farming allows the farmer to have specialization and develop his skills in a particular type of crop, that further means that he can do investments in tools and machinery specifically designed for this crop accomplished by high-yield seeds which at harvest will generate a large crop volume. Moreover, the monoculture practice became most significant when it was found that pesticides and mineral fertilizers could be used as a crop rotation substitute (Crookston et al., 1991, Bullock, 1992). Some large agricultural companies were engaged in planting only one crop with one strain and thereby promote mono cropping, which in turn found to be harmful for the crop and for diversity. Moreover, pesticides and mineral fertilizers, generally partly undergo compensation for the depression of yield related with monoculture (Aref and Wander, 1998). Cultivation of a single species, reduce genetic diversity and also decreases the fertility of topsoil. It enhance the plants susceptibility to diseases because one single pathogen has the capacity for the destruction of the whole crop. It was observed that intensive monoculture farming systems causes greater production of waste and emissions of greenhouse gas. As the plant will deprive the nutrients requirement of the soil, it ultimately leads to depletion of soil. This forces more use of fertilizers by farmers, which causes disturbance in the soil natural balance and contribute towards environmental issues, from contamination and pollution to desertification (K.K. Agrawal). Moreover, the agricultural systems that enhance the dependence on biodiversity can decrease risks of changing climate challenges and must be regarded as necessary to meet the challenges of change in climate mitigation (Bowles et al., 2020). Taking this into consideration in the present chapter, we will discuss the role of monoculture farming along with its advantages and disadvantages to the farmers in obtaining food security.

DOI: 10.1016/bs.af2s.2024.07.008

Book

4.1. The Wild Species
This long history of exploitation of and selection pressure on date palm may have
resulted in the disappearance of "wild" P. dactylifera. There may be a few apparently
"wild" groves still growing around oases, springs, or seepage areas, but most of the trees
that currently exist are the end result of human or natural selection over thousands of
years. This includes trees which have are not currently cultivated, and may appear to be
growing wild in oases and abandoned gardens. Cultivated date palm is closely related to
a variable aggregate of wild and feral palms distributed over southern, warm, and dry
Middle Eastern as well as the north-eastern Saharan and north Arabian deserts. These
spontaneous dates show close morphological similarities and parallel climatic
requirements with cultivated date palms. In addition, they hybridize with the cultivated
species, produce fertile offspring, and are interconnected with them by occasional
hybridization. Botanists place these wild dates with P. dactylifera L. The wild forms
produce basal suckers just as the cultivated species, but differ from them by their smaller
fruits which contain relatively little edible pulp and are non-palatable or even
indigestible. Wild and cultivated date palms also differ in their mode of reproduction.
Sexual reproduction is the rule in the wild species while cultivation resulted in a shift to
vegetative propagation. This has led to the fixation of desired highly heterozygous
female clones.
Phoenix dactylifera was well suited for the shift from sexual to vegetative propagation
since it produces easily transferable suckers. It is often difficult to decide whether
non-cultivated material is genuinely wild or whether it represents weedy forms or
secondary seedlings derived from cultivated clones. Also, it may be impossible to delimit
the pre-agriculture distribution of the wild date palm; however, there is strong evidence
suggesting that the wild dactylifera forms are indigenous to the warm and dry parts of
the Middle East. Although 19 species of Phoenix have been named, most taxonomic
treatments of Phoenix considered 12 of these species as taxonomically valid. There is a
general agreement that P. acaulis, P. canariensis, P. dactylifera, P. paludosa, P.
reclinata, P. rupicola, and P. sylvestris are widely accepted as species.

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Live footprint: 0.54 kg CO₂e/kg (Dates, fresh)

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Narratives Review

Owing to its versatile antioxidant activities, date seeds can protect human skin against UV-B and UV-A radiation which can damage the skin [4]. Bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolics, and phenolic acids inhibit free radicals production that causes cellular damage to the skin [17]. Lecheb and colleagues (2015) proposed a cosmetic cream using aqueous extract and oil from date seeds [46]. The spreadability, viscosity, and rheological behavior of the formulated cream were similar to those of the commercial cosmetic cream. Phytohormones in date seed oil possess anti-aging properties, reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity [47]. In recent years, date seed oil has been used to formulate body creams, soaps, hair products, and sunscreens for daily usage. The date seed oil contains vitamins, carotenes, and other nutrients that help maintain a healthy scalp, promote normal hair growth, and support the nutritional functions of hair follicles [20].

Moreover, date seed oil can be used as biodiesel owing to its low content of free fatty acids [4]. Using date seeds as a feedstock would bring enormous economic benefits and potential for future industrial operations.

DSP has been used in traditional remedies and for synthesizing citric acid and protein by Candida lipolytica, Aspergillus oryzae, and Candida utilis [19]. The date seed oil contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as lauric and oleic acid [4]. Mrabet and colleagues (2020) reported the benefits of date seed oils for cooking, frying, or seasoning as a result of its excellent stability against oxidative rancidity and high temperature. Date seed oils were also used to replace conventional corn oil for mayonnaise production.

DOI: 10.3390/biom12111626

Study: weak evidence

Seite 2.

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Laborstudie zu den Qualitätskriterien in wissenschaftlichem Journal

The quality characteristics (physical, techno-functional, and chemical) of date fruits (at the tamar stage) of two cultivars (“Confitera”, autochthonous and unknown vs. “Medjoul”, widely distributed and well-known), grown in the Southeast of Spain (Elche palm grove) were evaluated in order to reinforce decisions aimed at organizing the production of fresh dates from Elche by selecting the most profitable cultivar. Morphologically, Confitera dates were longer and with higher pulp yield than Medjoul dates (4.58 cm vs. 3.88 cm, and 84% vs. 78%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Nutritionally, both dates are a good source of carbohydrates (total sugars (43–48%) and dietary fiber (20–22%)), with small amounts of fat and proteins. The main free sugars in dates from both cultivars were glucose and fructose (reducing sugars). The most abundant mineral found in both date fruits were K, followed by Ca or Mg (depending on the cultivar; Ca in Medjoul and Mg in Confitera). Confitera dates showed a higher total antioxidant activity than Medjoul, corresponding with their higher (p < 0.05) content in polyphenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids (catechin and epicatechin predominantly). Confitera dates should be promoted in this region not only for their contribution to sustainable agricultural development and biodiversity, but also for their higher overall quality.

Randomisierte kontrollierte klinische Studie (RCT)

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Original Article

Effect of Dates in Late Pregnancy on the Duration of Labor in Nulliparous Women

Kordi, Masoumeh¹; Meybodi, Fatemeh Aghaei^1,; Tara, Fatemeh²; Fakari, Farzaneh Rashidi³; Nemati, Mohsen⁴; Shakeri, Mohammadtaghi⁵

Author Information

Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research 22(5):p 383-387, Sep–Oct 2017. | DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.IJNMR_213_15

• Open

Abstract

Background: 

Long-term delivery is an important significant issue which is associated with mortality and fetal and maternal disorders. Based on the previous studies, consumption of dates affects uterine contractions and duration of delivery processes. This study aimed to study the effect of date consumption in late pregnancy on the duration of delivery processes in nulliparous women in 2013.

Materials and Methods: 

This randomized clinical trial was conducted among 182 nulliparous women 18–35 years who presented to OmAlBanin Hospital in Mashhad in 2013. The comparison has been made between 91 pregnant women who consumed 70–76 g dates daily from the 37th week of pregnancy and 91 pregnant women who did not consume dates. Data collection tool was a questionnaire and a checklist of daily dates’ intake. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and statistical tests – chi-square and Mann–Whitney test, and P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: 

The average length of active phase (P = 0.0001), length of second phase (P = 0.0001), and third phase (P = 0.004) in two groups had statistically significant difference. The average length of the second phase (P = 0.03) and the third phase (P = 0.02) in case of spontaneous start of delivery in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group. Use of oxytocin to accelerate delivery had a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: 

According to the results of this study, consuming dates in late pregnancy was effective in decreasing length of labor processes and reduced the need of oxytocin for labor acceleration. Thus, it is recommended to consume dates in women without contraindications.

Introduction

Long labor is an important and significant issue, especially in developing countries as it is associated with mortality as well as fetal and maternal disorders.[¹] Prevalence of long labor is 2.6–2.17%, which is the cause of 8% maternal deaths in developing countries.[²] Sixty percent of primary cesarean in the United States is attributed to the unnatural development of laboring.[³] Ineffective contractions of uterine are among the most common causes for unnatural development of laboring and consequently a prolonged labor, which leads to increase in level of cesarean and induction of labor.[¹] Lack of adequate uterine contractions are influenced by different physical and mental factors. Today, scientists focus on mother's physical and mental needs including the need for energy.[⁴] In late pregnancy, as the level of prolactin increases, pregnant women feel the need of more nutrients. This energy is stored in the body and can be used at the time of delivery.[⁵]

The amount of energy needed for labor can be compared with that of aerobic exercises; it is estimated to be between 50 and 100 kcal per hour.[⁴⁵] Because smooth muscles need energy 20–400 times more than skeletal muscles, the best materials for supplying energy are fat acids, which provide muscles with more energy than glucose; therefore, storing fats is very integral in late pregnancy.[⁵] Dates are among those energizers which have lots of carbohydrates most of them include fructose, glucose, and sucrose.[⁶] Chemical composites found in dates differ depending on weather conditions, planting area, age of tree, and process of fruit growth. The mineral content differs in various types of dates; however, 15 different types of minerals have been determined in it, including potassium, calcium, chlorine, zinc, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and sodium, together[⁷] with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, and linoleic acids.[⁸] Fatty acids play an important part in making prostaglandins apart from supplying and providing energy.[⁵]

Increase in the level of prostaglandins in pregnant women causes uterine contractions during the term.[⁹] Therefore, dates can be helpful in storing energy and strengthen uterine muscles.[¹⁰] Dates play a part in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage,[⁶] spontaneous labor, and speeding up the delivery progress.[⁴⁸⁹] According to studies of Kordi et al. and Yusefi et al., consuming dates in late pregnancy had a role in spontaneous labor.[¹¹¹²] Results of the study performed by Alkuran et al. showed that length of the latent phase of the first stage of labor was shorter in the group consuming dates, and average cervical dilation at the time of admission was significantly higher than that in the group consuming dates.[¹⁰] Dates affect oxytocin receptors and make uterine muscles respond better to oxytocin, resulting in more effective uterine contractions.[¹⁰¹³¹⁴] Oxytocin receptor concentration increases 200–300 times during pregnancy, especially in late pregnancy. This increase in concentration results in increase in myometrium sensitivity to oxytocin.[²⁵] Stimulating oxytocin receptors in central nervous system decreases anxiety followed by the initiation, progression, and acceleration of the delivery. Because of few studies conducting regarding the effect of consuming dates on the duration of delivery,[¹⁵] the researcher decided to study the effect of consuming dates in late pregnancy on the duration of labor stages in nulliparous women in 2013.

Materials and Methods

This randomized clinical trial (registered in the IRCT with the code of 201304072956N4) was conducted among 182 nulliparous women aged 18–35 years who went to OmAlBanin Hospital in Mashhad in 2013. Entry criteria to the study included mothers aged 18–35 years who were in their 37–38th week of pregnancy (based on the first day of the last menstruation or sonography of the first 3 months of pregnancy), singleton pregnancy with cephalic presentation, and having no medical and midwifery problems in 26–30 weeks of pregnancy. Obstetric complications, women who had elective or emergency cesarean due to fetal distress, and those who consumed dates less than 2 weeks in the intervention group were excluded from the study. Eleven individuals in the intervention and 17 individuals in the control group were excluded from the study. First, a preliminary study was carried out among 30 individuals to determine sample size. Then, sample size was measured using the formula of comparing averages with that of thr length of the first stage of labor. Considering α = 0.01 and β = 0.1 and 95% confidence coefficient, (

) 83 individuals in each group accounting for 10% sample attrition, 91 individuals were calculated in each group. At first, 210 individuals were entered into the study, among which 28 were excluded from the study for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Finally, the study was conducted among 182 individuals. The participants were categorized in one of the two groups of dates’ consumption and lack of dates’ consumption in a manner that days of the week were numbered 1–6 from Saturday to Thursday and 1, 2, 3 numbers were written on one side and 4, 5, 6 were written on the other side of the paper placed in a draw bag. Then, the first paper selected was named intervention and the second one named control group in such a manner that 3 days of the week (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) were given to the dates’ group and the other 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) were given to the control group and this order was maintained till the end of the study. The mothers were required to go to the midwifery clinic on the specified day. Therefore, 91 individuals were put in the intervention and 91 were put in the control group. Data collection tool was a questionnaire (personal information, pregnancy, follow-up form- information about labor, and its development) and a checklist of daily dates’ intake. Validity of the questionnaire, follow-up form, and checklist of the daily intake of dates were determined by the content validity method. These tools were provided in the form of preliminary questionnaires studying the most updated books and articles in the field of study and delivered to 10 faculty members of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; the final tools were developed after reviewing and applying necessary suggestions and corrections. Reliability of personal and obstetric and follow-up forms was confirmed through evaluation agreement with coefficient correlation equal to 0.90. The intervention group was given 7 packs of 70–75 g (6–7) dates in the 37th week of pregnancy. The mothers were required to carry on consuming one pack (70–75 g) every day on the three so-called days. The dates used in this study were Mazafati dates of Bam whose nutritional ingredients were specified by the experiment before the start of the study. According to the results, there was 160 kcal energy in 100 g of this type of date, consisting of approximately 70% of carbohydrates, 3.5% protein, and 0.1% fat. Moreover, the amount of dates was determined according the study performed by Alkuran and Khadem under the supervision of a nutritionist.

The control group was required not to consume dates during this period and routine care was given to the participants. After teaching the onset symptoms of delivery in both the groups, mothers were required to go to the hospital at the onset of labor pains by notifying the researcher. In case labor does not continue till the end of 40 weeks of pregnancy, more time was given to both the groups until 41 weeks of pregnancy if fetal heart rate tests were normal and the intervention group was required to carry on consuming dates. If the delivery did not start until 41 weeks of pregnancy, she would be taken to the maternity clinic and the researcher would go to this place to control development of the labor and fill the information regarding the labor in related questionnaires. Then, the information was decoded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics) software (version 14^th), and t-test, chi-square tests, and Mann–Whitney test were performed. Moreover, P = 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Ethical consideration

The sampling was started after approval for the study was obtained by the disciplinary committee of Mashhad university with Code 910732. After reviewing the proposal by the Ethics Committee, the objectives of the study were described to the participants and written consent was given. Sampling was started with regard to the ethical codes and confidentiality of the participants’ information.

Results

The two groups were homogeneous in terms of age (P = 0.89), body mass index (P = 0.49), amount of calorie consumed at the start of the research (P = 0.89), the calorie consumed at the time of reception (0.44), and the weight of the new born at birth (P = 0.42) in such a manner that the average age in the intervention and control group was 23.51 (3.67) and 23.58 (3.73), average BMI was 27.70 (3.26) and 27.40 (2.96), average weight at the time of the birth was 3195.38 (554.80) and 3247.52 (370.30) g, respectively. Moreover, the two groups had no statistically significant difference in terms of sports activity (0.40), sexual intercourse (0.52), taking nonsteroid pain-killer drugs during pregnancy (0.11), and taking pain-killer drugs during labor (0.80).

The cervical dilatation average at the time of reception in the maternal clinic had a statistically significant difference between two groups (P < 0. 0001) in such a manner that it was 4.05 (1.63) in the intervention group and 2.54 (1.74) in the control group. The average length of active phase and the length of second and third phases in the two groups had statistically significant difference [Table 1]. The average length of the second and the third phase in case of spontaneous start of delivery in the intervention group was significantly lower than the group control; however, there was no significant difference between average length of active phase of labor in the two groups (P = 0.24). There was no significant difference between the average length of active phase and second and third stages of labor in cases of labor induction in the intervention and control groups [Table 2].

Table 1: 

Comparison of the length of active phase and second and third stage in the separation group by minute

Table 2: 

Comparison of the length of active phase and second and third stage in spontaneous and induction group by minute

Spontaneous start of labor in the intervention group was significantly more than the control group (94.50% compared to 41.30%) (P < 0.001). Using oxytocin to speed up labor in the intervention group was less than the control group (5.50% compared to 48.70%) (P < 0.001).

Discussion

General result of the study showed that consuming dates in late pregnancy was effective in the duration of nulliparous labor and shortened the length of active phase, as well as the second and the third stages of the labor compared to the control group. Moreover, average cervical dilution at the time of reception, being the most important factor to estimate development of the labor in women who consumed dates, was significantly more than the women who did not. It appears that dates helps in more effective uterine contractions by better preparation of the cervix as well as saving energy, needing less time for complete dilution of the cervix, and shortening the labor.[¹⁰] Carbohydrates are considered to be an important source of energy in the body having the highest digestibility among food groups.[¹⁶] Dates are nutritional fruits made mostly of simple sugars.[⁶] Most of the energy used during delivery is supplied using oxidative pathway. Maternal glucose is the most important source of energy and the physiologic need to glucose during the labor is 10 g per hour.[⁴¹⁶] Adequate sources of energy are needed to maintain physical power of the person during labor activity, and consuming dates in late pregnancy and during labor can be helpful in supplying and saving energy.

Study: strong evidence

Systematisches Review mit Meta-Analyse

lso, date fruit has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and it is rich in calcium, serotonin, and tannin, and can play a role in contraction of smooth muscles of uterine.

Lack of preparation of cervix and induction of labor can lead to increase of caesarean section rate and postpartum hemorrhage [51,52,53]. However, increase of the bishop score and preparation of cervix, can increase normal vaginal labor rate and reduce the caesarean section rate [54]. The low dose of oxytocin causes the improvement of the bishop score and the preparation of cervix [55], thus the consumption of date fruit affects the improvement of the bishop score by increasing the activity of myometer contraction. This is a confirmation of possible hypothesis of oxytocin in date fruit and its effect on uterine muscle contraction [22, 24, 56]. Also, date fruit contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids linoleic, oleic, and stearic. Linoleic acid breaks down to the arachidonate, and then to the eicosanoid. The eicosanoids finally convert to the prostaglandins and they improve the preparation of cervix by increasing subserosal fluid and making changes in collagen bands, and they cause the increasing of sensitivity of uterine to oxytocin.

Study: strong evidence

Narrativer Review in wissenschaftlichem Journal

The glycemic index of dates varies, with some studies indicating no significant impact on glycemia (98). Conversely, while Sukkari dates are rich in sugars, their consumption should be moderated, especially for individuals managing blood sugar levels, as excessive intake could lead to glycemic spikes despite their potential health benefits. The evaluation of glycemic indices (GI), glycemic load (GL), and glycemic response of various date varieties reveals significant insights into their nutritional impact, particularly for individuals managing blood glucose levels. AlGeffari et al. (100) identified that the Shaqra, Sukkary, and Sag'ai varieties exhibited low GIs, making them suitable for consumption by those concerned about glycemic control. The classification of GIs into into low (< 55), medium (56–69), or high (≥70) categories aids in understanding their potential effects on blood sugar levels. Shaqra (42.8), Sukkary (43.4), and Sag'ai (44.6) are categorized as low GI, indicating a slower glucose release into the bloodstream (100). The ripeness of dates significantly affects their GI and GL. For instance, the Tamer stage generally shows lower GIs compared to the Khalal stage (101). The GL varies across maturation stages, with the Rutab stage presenting the highest GL values (101). While the findings suggest that certain date varieties can be beneficial for glycemic control, some studies indicate that the overall impact of dates on blood glucose may not be as detrimental as previously thought. For instance, Sachdev and Misra (98) highlight that moderate consumption of dates does not significantly impair glycemic levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This suggests a need for further research to clarify the role of dates in diabetic diets. High consumption of date fruits can influence blood sugar levels, necessitating careful management of their intake. Dates contain a significant amount of fructose, which is sweeter than glucose and may promote satiety, potentially mitigating rapid blood sugar spikes. Research indicates that certain date varieties exhibit low glycemic indices (GI), suggesting they may be suitable for individuals with diabetes when consumed in moderation. Dates have a GI ranging from 35.5 to 74.6, depending on the variety and ripeness (95 and 97). Studies show that consumption of dates does not significantly impair glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients, with some evidence indicating a reduction in fasting and postprandial glucose levels (102, 103). Moderate consumption of dates (2–3 servings per day) is generally recommended for diabetic patients, as they can be part of a balanced diet without significant adverse effects on blood glucose levels (99 and 100). Healthcare providers should consider the ripeness and variety of dates when advising patients, as these factors influence their glycemic response (100). Conversely, while dates can be beneficial, excessive consumption may still pose risks for blood sugar spikes, particularly in individuals with poor glycemic control. Therefore, personalized dietary advice is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. Studies show that moderate consumption of dates (60 g daily) does not significantly worsen glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients (104). Despite their benefits, excessive date consumption can lead to increased blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with poor glycemic control (105). Individual responses to date consumption can vary, necessitating personalized dietary recommendations to mitigate risks. While dates can be a healthy addition to a diabetic diet, their high sugar content requires careful management. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals to tailor their dietary choices effectively.

Study: weak evidence

As a climacteric crop, dates are rapidly transformed from Khalal to the Rutab stage, at which the texture becomes soft, the color turns to brown, and the taste changes to more sweety; additionally, the fruits become more susceptible to deterioration, and the shelf-life decreases which in turn results in a significant decline in consumer demand and market value.

Kimri reflects immature fruits with oval shape, firm texture, and green color; also, the fruits have a rapid increase in weight and size with a high moisture content and tannin concentration; it continues for 9–14 weeks based on the cultivar., climate, and location; (3) Khalal/Bisr/Bisir/Balah represents the first maturity stage at which fruits become consumable and reach its maximum size and weight with firm and crunchy texture, yellow or red color, and sweet taste as Khalal has the highest sucrose content among maturity stages (Sidhu, 2006); also, Khalal stage takes about 3–5 weeks; (4) Rutab refers to soft, light brown, and ripe date fruit; however, moisture, protein, fat, and ash contents of dates decrease while sugar content increases at this stage which can be ascribed to the conversion of starch to sugar; it lasts about 2–4 weeks; (5) Tamr/Tamar/Tamer stage represents fully ripe fruits that have a softer texture, wrinkled shape, dark brown color with highest TSS, highest sweetness, and lowest astringency; it continues for 2–4 weeks.

"Figure 2. Maturity stages of dates."

Narratives Review

DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2025.1558985

Study: weak evidence