Who could forget the famous sultry whisper of “Yusuf Taiyoob” come every fasting month. The name is synonymous with dates and is a testament to its marketing success. Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are very much part of Southeast Asian culture and was probably introduced into the region by the spread of trade. We did some digging around and found that dates are as potent as figs and perhaps that’s the reason our forefathers took such a liking to them.
The date palm
Yes, dates grow on palms. some of our favorite food ingredients come from palm trees. These include attap chee, palm sugar (gula melaka), and sago. When chopped down, the young buds of coconut trees can be eaten raw in a salad. The leaves can also function as material for crates and furniture, and packing material. Our traditional rooftops are made from attap leaves, which is a type of palm.
Similar to the fig (which was covered in the April issue of HealthToday), the date palm is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history having been grown in Saudi Arabia from 600 BC. It is believed to have originated in the area between Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Today, most of our dates come from Iraq, Iran, Arabia, and Morocco. Interestingly, dates are also cultivated in the US in states with hot tropical climates such as Florida and California, and also in Australia, Mexico, and South America. Each date palm can produce between 40 and 80 kg of fruit in each fruiting season.
Why dates?
This story is from the June 2019 edition of Health Today Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
This story is from the June 2019 edition of Health Today Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.
Internet Safety For Children
There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.
IN BLACK, IN THE CHURCH … DANCING & CRYING
In legendary R&B diva Patti LaBelle’s music video If You Asked Me To, she was seen in tears. Most people assumed that she was being a consummate showperson, overwhelmed by her emotional performance, but the story behind the video was far more heartbreaking.
Celebrating The Legacy Of A Legend Lee Chong Wei
The legendary shuttler needs no introduction. His recent retirement from professional badminton left friends and foes shattered and the badminton scene will never be the same.
A Father's Voice
Michael Bublé is arguably one of the best performers of our time. Through his career, he has touched the hearts of millions by bringing old forgotten tunes back to life, and putting his own modern spin on them. This Father’s Day, we explore Bublé’s other voice, which is that of a father; and we get to know the heartwrenching journey he took supporting his young son through cancer.
The Cheat Sheet - For Post-raya Damage Control
To all my Muslim friends, I know the last month has been a struggle. I also know a number of you might have put on a little extra weight over the fasting month. Does it come as a surprise? Not really. You would expect to lose weight if you’re only eating half as much as you normally do. But that isn’t the case, is it? Think about it, the heavy breakfasts in preparation for the day ahead, all the Ramadan bazaars conveniently popping up after work, the sudden cravings for pizza and deep-fried chicken (which you would otherwise try to avoid). Dietary habits definitely change during the fasting month and some people would consider it as an opportunity to indulge (excessively). Fret not, as HealthToday has come up with a cheat sheet for those of you who need a little help getting into that pair of jeans you used to fit in back in April.
Fancy A Date? Heck, Why Not 10?
Who could forget the famous sultry whisper of “Yusuf Taiyoob” come every fasting month. The name is synonymous with dates and is a testament to its marketing success. Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are very much part of Southeast Asian culture and was probably introduced into the region by the spread of trade. We did some digging around and found that dates are as potent as figs and perhaps that’s the reason our forefathers took such a liking to them.
Reach For These 7 Natural Sweeteners
Do your active lifestyle a favor - swap out the white processed junk and reach for seven natural sweeteners.
Here Is Why Dates Are The 'Superfood' That You Need To Add To Your Diet
Dates are a delicious powerhouse of nutrition, packed with the right vitamins and calories serving as perfect energy boosters with zero fat Dates are delicious powerhouses of nutrition, ideal for a quick boost of energy.
How About A Date?
When one talks of a sweet date, the younger generation is apt to think of their first romantic date. However, the date that this writer is elaborating on is the date fruit which is as sweet as sugar but much less harmful, health-wise. This dark brown fruit is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Believed to have originated somewhere around Egypt, dates are now cultivated in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia. This fruit, now becoming popular worldwide for its health benefits, has been consumed by locals in Middle East for over 6,000 years. Its health benefits are slowly making this fruit a healthy replacement for sugar, which is believed to be harmful to one's health, in desserts, smoothies, baked goods, etc. Ashok Malkani examines the health benefits of the fruit, its replacement as a sweetener as well as the different types of dates available in the market.
പ്രകൃതിദത്തം ഈന്തപ്പഴം
ക്ഷീണവും തളർച്ചയും മറികടക്കാൻ സഹായിക്കുന്ന എനർജി ബൂസ്റ്ററാണ് ഈന്തപ്പഴം
How Secure Is Your Smart Home?
Connected home networks present numerous cyber security risks as vulnerable connected devices could compromise the security of your privacy and safety of your data
खजूर से बनाएं शुगरेफ्री मिठाई
फैस्टिव सीजन में मेहमानों की तारीफ बटोरना चाहती हैं, तो खजूर की मिठाई का जवाब नहीं...
Up Close With Mackinley Hill
Emirates Woman takes to the open road with model Mackinley Hill to find out some of her best-kept secrets.
Why You Should Trust
The Web–public Wi-Fi Vs Rudimentary Reliance.