7 Side Effects Of Eating Excess Dates

Date ( Phoenix dactylifera) or Khajoor is a flowering plant that is cultivated for its edible fruit of the same name and is grown in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Being a good source of a number of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fibers, etc. dates are very beneficial for us and provide a lot of health and beauty benefits.

Although dates are beneficial for us and provide a lot of benefits still there are some side effects of eating too many dates. In this article, we will know about these side effects in detail.

# Can Increase Blood Sugar Level

High consumption of dates is not at all beneficial for the people suffering from diabetes because of their high calorific value and high sugar. Eating a quarter cup of chopped dates provides around 24 grams of carbohydrates and 105 calories of energy. Dates are a rich source of natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose, and their glycemic index is 103 which is even higher than that of glucose.

The high glycemic index indicates that when dates are consumed then they can cause a sharp increase in the blood sugar level of our body and this can worsen the situation of the person suffering from diabetes. So, if you are suffering from diabetes then it is better for you to restrict your date intake to one a day. Moderate consumption of dates is advisable even to the healthy individuals who are not suffering from diabetes.

# Might cause Tooth Decay

Dates are a good source of fluorine which is very beneficial for our teeth as it strengthens our tooth enamel and prevents our teeth from the tooth decay. This makes dates very beneficial for our oral health. However, it is important to note that the dates are not so good for our teeth. Dates are rich in sugar and carbohydrates which are well known for triggering teeth decay and give rise to cavities.

The best way to protect our teeth from the decay is to gargle your mouth with warm saline ( salt dissolved in water) and brush your teeth, as soon as you finish eating dates. This will help in removing sugar and carbohydrates from sticking to the surface of teeth and will thus keep bacteria away and prevents your teeth from decay. Although gargling and brushing help in keeping bacteria away but still it is better to avoid high consumption of dates as high sugar level also harms our teeth.

# Can Lead To Weight Gain

Using dates for the weight loss program is controversial. They are a good source of dietary fibers which helps in keeping us satisfied for a longer time, decreases our urge to eat again and again and thus controls overeating which is a major cause of weight gain. However, they are also high in calories which means eating dates for the weight loss program can do more harm than the good, but this mainly happens when we start eating dates in excess quantity.

# Could Worsen Diarrhea

Dates are used as a natural remedy for providing relief from diarrhea. This benefit of dates is a benefit only when you are eating dates in moderation as eating too many dates can worsen the condition of the person suffering from diarrhea, and give rise to dehydration and uneasiness.

So, if you are suffering from diarrhea then it is better to avoid eating dates. They are also high in dietary fibers which loose stools and ensure proper elimination of waste out of the body. Eating high fiber fruit at the time of diarrhea is not at a good idea.

# Too Much Potassium Is Bad

Dates are a good source of a number of nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, etc. and all these nutrients provides a lot of benefits to our body. Our body needs them for various function and they help in keeping our body healthy. However, the excess of these nutrients is bad and there are some negative effects associated with it. For example, potassium present in dates is a vital nutrient that provides a lot of benefits like lowers blood sugar, keep our nervous system healthy, provides cardiovascular benefits, aids in metabolism and so on, but intake of too much potassium is bad and can give rise to extreme fatigue, feeling of numbness, nausea or vomiting, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, etc. It can even increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Because of this reason, it is advised to eat dates in moderate quantity.

# Can Cause Abdominal Pain And Abdominal Cramping

Dates are very beneficial for our stomach and help in keeping our digestive system healthy because of the presence of a number of nutrients and dietary fibers in them. However, the excess of dates is bad and consuming too many dates may give rise to severe irritation in our tummy, followed by intense abdominal cramps and deep abdominal pain.

# Can Cause Bloating

Consuming dates along with water is bad as it can trigger bloating. Till now, no one knows the actual reason behind this but studies have suggested that the reason for bloating may be due to the formation of gas due to the interaction between high sugar levels of dates and water. It is also suggested ( traditionally) to avoid drinking water immediately after eating dates as it can cause a cough. If you are about to enjoy dates and are also feeling thirsty at that time then it is better to drink water first and then enjoy your dates.