Dates boost energy, raise sugar levels and express welcome
is home-made haleem (lentil soup) as long as it is made without ghee. Diabetics can also have round or mealie roti as long as it is made without ghee,” she said.
Sheik said that although pies and pastries were popular meal choices, diabetes sufferers must abstain from eating them. THE eating of dates plays a significant role during Ramadaan.
Moulana Abdullah Khan from the Jamitaul Ulama said when performing iftar, which is the breaking of the fast, before eating anything else Muslims consume dates and a glass of water.
“This was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad. If ripe dates were not available, he would eat the dried ones, and if no dates were available, the Prophet would break his fast by having a few sips of water,” he said.
Abdulgani Rahman, whose Sea Cow Lake store, Amina’s Wonder Spice, stocks a wide range of dates, said: “Dates are important because at night when you sleep your blood sugar level drops. The dates work as an energy boost and increase your sugar levels. The same applies to when you break your fast.”
Rahman, who is formerly from Cape Town, said he imported dates from Namibia, Medina, Abdulgani Rahman, centre, the owner of Amina Wonder Spice, with his daughters Sabeeha, left, and Ammaarah. the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia and distributed them nationally. He stocks over 36 varieties ranging from normal dates to decadent chocolate-covered ones.
“The price of dates is (high) because of the rand/dollar exchange and prices range from R18.99 a kg up to R350 a kg. The popular dates are the ones imported from Medina because we believe the Prophet blessed these dates.”
Rahman said in Muslim homes dates were also given to visitors as a gesture to welcome them.