An American doctor has warned about the risk of mold growth in dates, advising against consuming them without checking the inside after removing the pits. Dr. Kunal Sood explained that the high sugar and moisture content in dates — which are rich in fiber and antioxidants — make them more susceptible to mold growth, which can pose serious health risks.
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Dates are considered among the healthiest foods for both physical and mental well-being. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals, and they benefit digestion, cardiovascular health, and even aid in weight loss.
According to Dr. Sood, dates may contain hidden mold that is not always visible. Opening dates before consumption significantly increases the chances of detecting any fungal contamination and avoiding potential health hazards.
Why Are Dates Prone to Fungi and Mold?
Experts say that the high sugar and moisture levels in dates create a favorable environment for fungi and mold to thrive. Mold also flourishes in high-acidity foods, producing spores that give moldy food its color — green, white, black, or gray — with thread-like roots deep inside the food that are invisible to the naked eye.
How Does Moldy Food Make You Sick?
There are many types of mold — some are harmless, while others can trigger allergic reactions or produce highly toxic substances. While consuming moldy food may not always cause harm, some molds are actually beneficial — like those used in mushrooms and blue cheese, which are made using specific types of mold.
However, harmful molds — like those found on spoiled dates — can cause stomach upsets and produce mycotoxins, toxic substances that may lead to severe nausea accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Signs and Symptoms of Mold Allergy
Doctors note that mold allergies resemble other types of respiratory allergies, and may include:
Runny or congested nose
Wheezing
Itchy eyes or throat
Coughing and sneezing
Headaches
Skin rashes
For individuals with asthma, mold allergies can trigger asthma attacks. Some mold types may even cause flu-like symptoms, including fever and a general feeling of malaise.
In more severe cases, certain molds can lead to serious conditions like lung infections or anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The body can absorb mycotoxins through the respiratory tract, skin, or digestive system.
Why Should You Eat Dates Daily?
Despite their chewy texture and sweet taste, dates are incredibly rich in important nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits. These include:
Rich in Antioxidants
Dates contain various antioxidants that offer multiple health benefits, including reducing the risk of diseases like cancer. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals — unstable molecules that can cause harmful reactions in the body leading to illness.
Enhances Brain Health
Regular consumption of dates can improve brain function by lowering inflammation markers like interleukin (IL-6) in the brain. High levels of IL-6 are linked to a greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Strengthens Bones
Dates are a rich source of minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, which help prevent bone-related diseases like osteoporosis.
Source: Times Now
