You may have heard it before: you should eat an odd number of dates. At least, that is the tradition. But how did this tradition originate? Should you stick to it? In this blog, we tell you more about eating an odd number of dates and the story behind it, and we answer the question: how many dates a day is healthy?
Eating an odd number of dates: how did this tradition originate?
Although dates make a tasty snack, many people associate this stone fruit with the holy month of Ramadan. Tradition holds that a date is the first thing eaten to break the fast, though this is a suggestion rather than an obligation. Eating dates provides plenty of fiber, which aids digestion and bowel regularity. Dates also contain a variety of essential carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, giving your body a boost and aiding recovery after fasting.
How many dates can you eat per day?
If we are to believe the Hadith according to Al-Bukhari, seven is the magic number of dates to eat each day. Doing so is said to protect you from ever suffering the effects of "poison or black magic." Nowadays, it is recommended to consume no more than three to five dates a day. Dates are healthy and packed with fiber. It is this fiber that helps you feel full more quickly, meaning you are satisfied sooner. This prevents excessive snacking and keeps your intake to a maximum of five dates. A single fresh date contains 8 kilocalories.
