Date seeds contain a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate…
By OLUFUNKE
By now, we already know that there is hardly any waste in nature. So, this week, I’ll be talking about date seeds. They are used as a caffeine-free alternative to regular coffee, and they are made by roasting and grinding the seeds.
Date is a tropical fruit from the date palm tree, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, in the family Arecaceae. Most of us use it as a sweetener.
Before we proceed, let me briefly revisit the just-concluded articles on socialising. They really hit differently! I never envisaged that there would be such massive feedback.
I would like to add that we should be mindful of the people we socialise with. Our emotional well-being should not be jeopardised in the name of socialising.
Let us take a trip down history lane with date seeds. The story of date seed coffee began centuries ago in ancient cultures across the Middle East.
While dates were consumed regularly for their sweet flesh, the seeds were traditionally discarded. However, communities in high date-producing regions soon discovered that these seeds could be roasted and ground to create a warm, aromatic drink.
Much like coffee, it provided comfort and warmth, especially on cold desert nights.
By the late 19th century, as global coffee prices soared, date seed coffee became a practical alternative in many Middle Eastern households.
It was brewed in much the same way as regular coffee and provided a similar taste, but without the caffeine. Over time, this tradition made its way into Europe, where it has been enjoyed for years as a caffeine-free, sustainable substitute.
Date seeds are rich in phenolic compounds. Extensive studies have been carried out on their effects in terms of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Owing to these health benefits, they possess high potential as a nutritional therapeutic agent for several chronic diseases.
They are abundant sources of carbohydrates, oil, and dietary fibre. They also contain bioactive phenolic compounds that may possess potential biological properties. In addition, their rich chemical composition makes them suitable for use in food product formulation, cosmetics, and medicinal supplements.
Date seeds contain a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate, and different types of minerals, with the most abundant being potassium.
Other minerals include boron, calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, fluorine, selenium, sodium, and zinc.
Of these, potassium, phosphorus, and iron are present in higher concentrations. In addition, date seeds also have high fluoride content and can help prevent tooth decay.
They have been found to contain high levels of total polyphenols compared to other fruits such as grapes, nut seeds, and even their flesh.