Dates

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)

Type: Fruit (Drupe)
Used In: Bliss Balls

Origin

The date palm is among the oldest cultivated fruit-bearing trees, with archaeological and textual evidence tracing its domestication back over 6,000 years to the Fertile Crescent - specifically in the regions of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Its cultivation has since expanded across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, South Asia, and the arid zones of the southwestern United States.

At MyGemBox, we source our dates from regenerative farms that prioritize soil health, water conservation, and ethical harvesting methods. These farms ensure not only the nutritional integrity of the fruit but also long-term sustainability for communities and ecosystems.

Nutritional and Therapeutic Benefits

Date fruits are nutrient-dense, offering a rich source of easily digestible carbohydrates, mainly glucose and fructose, making them a rapid energy source. They are high in dietary fiber - both soluble and insoluble - supporting gut motility, microbial diversity, and bowel regularity.

Their antioxidant profile is particularly impressive. Dates are abundant in flavonoids (with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects), carotenoids (linked to eye and heart health), and phenolic acids (noted for their role in cellular protection and metabolic support). These compounds help reduce systemic inflammation, combat oxidative stress, and may provide neuroprotective effects by modulating IL-6 expression and reducing amyloid plaque formation.

Key nutrients per 100g of dates include:

  • Calories: 277 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 75 g

  • Fiber: 7 g

  • Protein: 2 g

  • Potassium: 656 mg (20% RDI)

  • Magnesium: 43 mg (14% RDI)

  • Copper: 0.36 mg (18% RDI)

  • Manganese: ~15% RDI

  • Iron: 0.3–10.4 mg (varies by variety; average ~5% RDI)

  • Vitamin B6: 0.249 mg (12% RDI)

Despite their natural sweetness, dates have a relatively low glycemic index (GI 38–53 depending on variety and ripeness) and a moderate glycemic load (~9 per 3 fruits), making them suitable for most people when consumed in moderation.

Traditional and Cultural Uses

The date palm has been revered for millennia in spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial contexts. In Islamic tradition, dates are mentioned frequently in the Qur’an and are traditionally used to break the fast during Ramadan, honoring their nourishing and sustaining qualities. In ancient Egypt, dates were not only consumed as food but also fermented into ceremonial wines and included in offerings to the gods.

Medicinally, dates were used in traditional Arab, Persian, and Ayurvedic medicine to strengthen the body, improve digestion, support fertility, and aid recovery after illness or childbirth.

Energetic Profile

In the traditional systems of Unani and Ayurveda, dates are considered warming, moistening, and grounding. They are seen as restorative to depleted constitutions, supporting blood building, reproductive vitality, and overall stamina. Their energetics are particularly suited to individuals recovering from fatigue, fasting, or physical exertion.

Contraindications and Considerations

While dates offer many health benefits, they should be consumed with mindfulness in the following situations:

  • Due to their high natural sugar content, excessive intake may elevate blood glucose levels in individuals with insulin sensitivity or diabetes.

  • Large quantities may cause digestive discomfort, particularly in those unaccustomed to high-fiber diets.

  • Those on ketogenic or low-carb protocols may need to restrict or avoid dates due to their carbohydrate content.

Scientific References

  • Alkaabi, J. M., et al. (2011). "Glycemic indices of five varieties of dates in healthy and diabetic subjects." Nutrition Journal, 10(1): 59

  • Sallon, S., et al. (2020). "Origins and insights into the historic Judean date palm based on genetic analysis of germinated ancient seeds." Science Advances, 6(6): eaax0384

  • Hazzouri, K. M., et al. (2015). "Whole genome re-sequencing of date palms yields insights into diversification of a fruit tree crop." Nature Communications, 6: 8824

  • USDA FoodData Central (2020). “Dates, Deglet Noor”

  • Yasawy, M. I. (2016). "The unexpected truth about dates and hypoglycemia." Journal of Family & Community Medicine, 23(2): 115–118