Science now tells us that our health is mainly connected to our lifestyle, in other words, what we eat and what we do. Eating healthy and following a healthy lifestyle is the way to combat most of today's common diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.
When I wrote the article about the effect of the Quran on mental health issues, it got me to look more into Islamic traditional medicine and what we know today, and that is why I am writing this article now. The prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH), has recommended a lot of foods and herbs to promote health. But that was before science knew about what is in those foods and what they do. So today, we will take a look at what science says about the foods and herbs that Muhammad (PBUH) recommended.
1. The Black Seed
“There is nothing the black seed can not cure except death.”
-Prophet Muhammad
I have already made a whole article about the black seed (The Black Seed As an Inside-Out Detox), because believe me, the benefits of those seeds are really a lot; even a whole article dedicated to it wasn't enough. However, let me tell you a bit about those benefits.
The black seed also know as black cumin is a famous herb used in many traditional medicines such as Unani and Ayurveda. The benefits of black seeds include:
A. For Diabetes
Thymoquinone present in the black seed is known for its ability to improve the activity of liver enzymes and, by that, exert a potential antihyperglycemic effect. One study suggests that a daily dose of 2 grams of the black seed can be a highly beneficial therapy for use in addition to the traditional antihyperglycemic drugs (1).
B. For Cancer
The black seed oil might protect against cancer. The administration of this oil to rats showed a significant reduction in tumor size, incidence, and spread. The cytotoxic effect was not only tested in rats but also on human breast cancer cells, and it showed promising results (2) (3).
2. Dates
Dates are the staple food of the Middle East. It is one of the foods the prophet liked a lot and recommended more than once; he even recommended breaking fast with dates, and if there are no dates, then water.
The health benefits and nutritional values of dates are widely known. Dates are rich in fibers, minerals, vitamins, and fruit sugars like fructose.
A. Anti-cancer Activity
Some types of dates (Ajwa) contain polyphenols that were extracted and tested for their anticancer properties. The result was that the polyphenols exhibited an inhibitory effect on colon cancer cells and also on breast adenocarcinoma (4). Not only that, but this same effect was obtained when the glucan in Libyan dates was used on Sarcoma 180 (5).
B. For Liver Diseases
Dates that are rich in proanthocyanidin can be used for their liver protective effect. There are several studies that show the hepatoprotective effect. The dates that contain proanthocyanidin can be used to prevent the toxic actions of harmful substances, such as tetrachloride and dimethoate.
C. Diabetes
It is well known now that low-glycemic index diets are useful for managing diabetes. Dates can be considered a low glycemic index superfood because they contain high fructose, which is sweeter and less diabetogenic than glucose (6).
D. For a Healthy Pregnancy and Delivery
Consuming dates before and after delivery can strengthen the uterine muscles. One study found that eating dates in the last 4 weeks before delivery significantly reduced the need for labor induction and augmentation and had a more favorable delivery outcome (7). This, I have to say, brought to mind a verse in the Quran when the virgin Mary was in labor and struggling; Allah told her to eat dates. “And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. So eat and drink and be contented." It makes me wonder if that verse was the reason for this study.
3. Olives
Olive In Islam is considered being a holy tree, in the Quran there is a verse that says:
“Allah is the Lighter of the heavens and the earth. The example of His Light is like a tube, in which there is a wick. The wick is in a lamp, and the lamp is as a glittering planet kindled from a Blessed Tree, an olive that is neither of the East nor of the West. Its oil would almost shine forth, though no fire touched it.”
The Quran describes the olive as a blessed tree, and then we find the prophet Muhammad recommending it based on that in a hadith that goes like:
“Eat olive oil and massage it over your bodies since it is a holy (Mubarak) tree.”.
So, let us take a look at olives from a scientific perspective. Is it really that good?
A. For Cancer
Oleic acid found in olives is particularly effective against colon, breast, and prostate cancer cells. Consuming olives may reduce cell growth by over 25% in colon cancer, 15% in breast cancer, and 10% in prostate cancer. The mechanism by which oleic acid is thought to fight cancer is through interference with the genome. The results showed that oleic acid suppresses the excessive expression of oncogenes and eventually suppresses the metastasis of a lot of cancers (6).
B. For Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is a clinical trial that was done on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. One group was given olive oil and fish oil, while the other was supplemented with fish oil only. The ones that were tested with both olive and fish oil showed a greater improvement. This suggests that olive oil can be used to restore and improve function and mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (6).
C. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties
Oleocanthal, a compound present in olive oil, has in vitro cyclooxygenase inhibitor activity. One that is similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Olive oil also has antioxidant properties, and due to those properties alongside its anti-inflammatory effect, olive oil is able to improve wound healing in mice (6).
D. Diabetes
The study here has been conducted using the leaf extract of olive trees. This extract contains a compound called oleuropein. Oleuropein has a lot of properties that promote health. One of them is that it can improve the metabolism of glucose (6).
Takeaway
The Islamic tradition is filled with things that were recommended as healthy either in the Quran or in the Hadith. Dates, olives, and the black seed are some of the things that the prophet has recommended, and today we can prove their many benefits using science.
FAQs
How many dates should I consume daily for health benefits?
Moderation is key. Eating 2-3 dates a day can provide a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars without overwhelming your diet with excess calories.
Can people with diabetes eat dates?
Yes, dates have a low glycemic index, meaning they release sugars slowly, making them a good option in moderation for people with diabetes. However, portion control is crucial, and you should consult your doctor for personalized advice.
How does olive oil help reduce inflammation?
Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound that has anti-inflammatory effects similar to drugs like ibuprofen. Regular consumption of olive oil can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis.
Are olives beneficial for heart health?
Yes, olives and olive oil are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), promoting heart health.
Does eating dates help with labor?
Studies suggest that consuming dates in the final weeks of pregnancy may lead to easier labor by improving cervical dilation and reducing the need for medical intervention during delivery.
Can olive oil prevent cancer?
Olive oil, particularly its compound oleic acid, has shown potential to slow down the growth of cancer cells, particularly in colon, breast, and prostate cancers. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy as a preventive measure.
How can I use black seed in my diet?
Black seed can be used as a spice in cooking or consumed as oil. It is often added to baked goods, salads, or taken directly in small amounts for its health benefits.
References and Citations
Bamosa, A. O., Kaatabi, H., Lebdaa, F. M., Elq, A. M., & Al-Sultanb, A. (2010). Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 54(4), 344–354.
Salim E. I. (2010). Cancer chemopreventive potential of volatile oil from black cumin seeds, Nigella sativa L., in a rat multi-organ carcinogenesis bioassay. Oncology letters, 1(5), 913–924. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol_00000162
Mahmoud, S. S., & Torchilin, V. P. (2013). Hormetic/cytotoxic effects of Nigella sativa seed alcoholic and aqueous extracts on MCF-7 breast cancer cells alone or in combination with doxorubicin. Cell biochemistry and biophysics, 66(3), 451–460. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-012-9493-4
Khan, F., Ahmed, F., Pushparaj, P. N., Abuzenadah, A., Kumosani, T., Barbour, E., AlQahtani, M., & Gauthaman, K. (2016). Ajwa Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Extract Inhibits Human Breast Adenocarcinoma (MCF7) Cells In Vitro by Inducing Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest. PloS one, 11(7), e0158963. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0158963
Ishurd, O., Zgheel, F., Kermagi, A., Flefla, M., & Elmabruk, M. (2004). Antitumor activity of beta-D-glucan from Libyan dates. Journal of medicinal food, 7(2), 252–255. https://doi.org/10.1089/1096620041224085
Ali, S. A., Parveen, N., & Ali, A. S. (2018). Links between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended foods and disease management: A review in the light of modern superfoods. International journal of health sciences, 12(2), 61–69.
Al-Kuran, O., Al-Mehaisen, L., Bawadi, H., Beitawi, S., & Amarin, Z. (2011). The effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on labour and delivery. Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 31(1), 29–31. https://doi.org/10.3109/01443615.2010.522267
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