Insights & Discussion
Different varieties of dates pose impressive nutritional profiles and exhibit multiple health benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol lowering potential.
The study embarked on a systematic literature review, utilizing the Scopus, Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases to assess works published from 1971 to 2017, resulting in 270 relevant articles. The focus was to evaluate the nutritional profile and nutraceutical attributes of different date varieties worldwide, particularly from their cultivation hotspots in West Asia and North Africa.
The findings indicate that date fruit is a rich, affordable source of numerous nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, dietary minerals, vitamins, and various health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, tannins and flavones. The fruit's constituents, particularly beta-glucan, show a vast array of beneficial effects on health, functioning as antioxidant, anti-tumor, immune-modulating, anti-diabetic, and cholesterol-lowering agents, as well as promoting beneficial gut microflora growth. Preclinical studies also underline the beneficial effects of date fruit in protecting against a range of health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer. The positive health impacts were observed in different parts of the fruit, namely the flesh, peel, and pits.
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Among the mentioned plants, castor oil and date fruit have more evidence in cervical ripening and onset of labor.
2022 Journal of Isfahan Medical School The Effect of Outpatient Herbal Drugs on Cervical Ripening and Onset of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Ghasemi M, Ebrahimzadeh-Zagami S, Ghavami V.
Systematic Review Castor Oil Date Fruit Labour
16 articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Meta-analysis was only possible on castor oil and date fruit. The chance of spontaneous onset of labor in was 5.760 and 2.205 times the castor oil and date groups, respectively. Moreover, the increase in bishop score in castor oil group was 2 times higher than the control group. The results of funnel plot and Egger test found no evidence of publication bias (P = 0.710).
Peganum, Sisymbrium, chamomile, and saffron were effective in cervical ripening and onset of labor. Evening primrose was effective on Bishop score, but had no effect on spontaneous onset of labor. Red raspberry leaves were not effective in spontaneous onset of labor.
Date fruit consumption appears to be useful for promoting and increasing breast milk quantity in breastfeeding mothers. Date fruits may be an alternative galactagogue.
2021 Breastfeeding Medicine The Effects of Date Fruit Consumption on Breast Milk Quantity and Nutritional Status of Infants Modepeng T, Pavadhgul P, Bumrungpert A, Kitipichai W
Randomised Controlled Trial Breastfeeding Date Fruit Galactagogues
Breastfeeding mothers who received 10 date fruits/day had an 11% increase in breast milk quantity from baseline to week 2, and a 23% increase from baseline to week 4, (both p < 0.05). The breast milk quantity of the breastfeeding mothers who received date fruits was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences in infant nutritional status.
The date palm enhances both male and female fertility parameters through its nutritional attributes and antioxidant functionality.
2021 Metabolites Therapeutic Potential of Date Palm against Human Infertility: A Review Shehzad M, Rasheed H, Naqvi SA, Al-Khayri JM, Lorenzo JM, Alaghbari MA, et al.
Review Article Date Fruit Ovarian Function Pregnancy
The research conducted a thorough review of the role of date palm in treating infertility. The health benefits of date palm and its varied components were explored, with a focus on their effects on reproductive parameters in both sexes. The comprehensive review shed light on how the substantial nutrients and antioxidant features of date palm can be beneficial for people dealing with infertility.
In men, the study found direct links between consumption of date palm and improved hormonal levels alongside notable enhancements in seminal vesicle parameters and sperm quality. For women, this natural remedy showed a positive impact on the process of oogenesis, hormone regulation, and improving pregnancy outcomes. The focus was on the potential of date fruit as a natural enhancer of fertility, downplaying the role of any synthetic or invasive medical interventions. The study thus testifies to the innovative use of a widely available natural resource in addressing a pressing health issue.
Date palm tree products and by-products are exceptionally rich in bioactive compounds offering potential health benefits, therefore suitable to be used as natural ingredients in food manufacturing.
2021 Food Reviews International Date Fruit and Its By-products as Promising Source of Bioactive Components: A Review Echegaray N, Gullón B, Pateiro M, Amarowicz R, Misihairabgwi JM, Lorenzo JM
Review Article Date Fruit
This research paper undertakes a review study summarizing the sensory properties, nutritional profiles, and health-promoting biocompounds found in date fruit and its by-products. By-products include low-quality dates, pits, leaves, and pollen; all derived during the date fruit processing. The research also followed up on recent findings regarding these products' potential development for new functional foods.
The discussion assesses that date fruits and their by-products are deeply rich in unique bioactive compounds like hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, and phytoestrogens. These compounds were noted to contain potential health-boosting properties, making them suitable for use as nutraceutical ingredients in different food formulations. These formulated foods can aid in meeting the increasing demand for products made with natural ingredients among consumers. Also, it's noted that food matrices serve as excellent vehicles to ensure the bioavailability of these biomolecules present in the date palm products.
Meta-analysis showed that date fruit consumption can significantly reduce the active phase of labor, and also significantly improve the bishop score.
2020 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Effects of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on labor and delivery outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis Bagherzadeh Karimi A, Elmi A, Mirghafourvand M, Baghervand Navid R
Systematic Review Date Fruit
Based on the performed searches, this is the first systematic review conducted on the effects of date on bishop score and frequency of caesarean section, and second one on the effects of date on the duration of labor stages. Meta-analysis showed that the consumption of date fruit can significantly reduce the duration of the active phase and improve the bishop score, and may reduce the frequency of cesarean section in intervention group compared to control group. Based on meta-analysis, date palm fruit consumption resulted in a significant reduction in the duration of active phase of labor compared with control group; however, it is not observed in the first, second, and the third stage of labor.
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