Dates are among the healthiest foods that are a powerhouse of nutrients like fibre and antioxidants. While they are highly nutritious with a low glycemic index and promote brain health, doctors advise against eating them first thing in the morning.

Experts do not recommend starting your day solely with dates because of their high sugar content, which leads to a rapid blood sugar spike and subsequent crash, leaving you feeling extremely tired later. In the long run, these can also lead to obesity—a starter for many dreaded diseases like heart issues, diabetes, and even cancer.

Experts say your body is able to identify the type of enzymes needed based on the food’s macronutrient ratio—its carb, protein, and fat composition. And so, the best times to eat dates are:

Dates are an excellent way to add natural sweetness and fibre to your diet at breakfast time. What’s more, their high fibre content can keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning.

Since they are loaded with fibre and are high in natural sugars, the pairing allows for a slower rise in blood sugar to help you feel energized.

Dates provide a type of slow-releasing carb that allows for a steady stream of energy to fuel your workout. And so, have around 2–4 dates within 30–60 minutes before a workout.

Dates are also excellent bedtime snacks as fibre takes longer to digest, which can help you stay full and keep midnight hunger pangs at bay.

Apart from early mornings, a few situations in which eating dates is not the best idea, include:

Those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be sensitive to foods containing FODMAPs - small-chain carbs that some people have difficulty digesting. As a significant source of fructose, dates can cause bloating and upset stomach.

Dates are packed with fibre, which takes longer to digest.

Even though it is rare, some people are sensitive or even have an allergy to dates, so you can avoid them.

Dates are loaded with sorbitol, which increases bowel movements in some people, so it is important to limit or avoid dates.

From helping in killing intestinal worms to cleansing vital organs and improving heart and liver health, dates also help improve potency and work as an aphrodisiac. They are also credited with antioxidants that can give your skin and hair a natural luster.

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