Page 77 - Beauties for Life in the Qur'an

BENEFICIAL FOODS MENTIONED IN THE QUR'AN 75

and drink and delight your eyes …" (Surah Maryam: 24-26)
Allah draws our attention to dates for a purpose. Examining
its properties gives us a better grasp this purpose.
Dates, which are more than 50% sugar, are extremely nourish-
ing, for they contain fructose and glucose that are high in calo-
30
ries, and can be digested easily and quickly. Its sugar calms
frazzled nerves and ensures psychological security. Giving
birth involves the loss of blood, which obviously reduces the
amount of blood sugar. As that sugar must be restored, dates
are quite useful. In addition, dates prevent any reduction in
blood pressure. Although meat is very beneficial, it may not be
as beneficial as fresh dates in all cases. Eating too much meat,
which contains an abundant amount of protein, at such a time
may even cause poisoning. Thus, such light foods as vegetables
and fruits, which are easy to digest, should be preferred.
In light of this verse, we see that dates are especially beneficial
for pregnant and breast-feeding women. They promote healthy
fetal development in the mother's womb, prevent the mother
from weakening, and make her milk abundant and nourish-
ing. 31
At the same time, they are of great benefit to the brain. Dates,
which consist of 2.2% protein, also contain vitamins A, B1, and
B2. These proteins protect the body against disease and infec-
tion, enable body cells to regenerate, and balance bodily fluids.
Vitamin A increases eyesight and bodily strength, as well as the
strength of bones and teeth. Vitamin B1 facilitates the nervous
system's healthy functioning, helps the body convert carbohy-
drates into energy, regulates appetite and digestion, and en-
ables the metabolism of proteins and fats. Vitamin B2 facilitates
the burning of those proteins, carbohydrates, and fats required
for supplying energy and cell renewal.