Dates are a popular fruit in the Middle East, historically providing a staple diet for millions of people in dry and semi-arid areas around the world. Date seeds, sometimes called as stones or pits, are an integral component of the date fruit, which is made up of a fleshy pericarp and a seed that accounts for a significant portion of the date fruit’s weight. Date pits range in size from 0.5 to 4 grams and makes for 6-20% of the weight of the fruit, depending on maturity, date variety, and grade.
Though pits are usually considered as a waste, there are many ways of how date seeds are utilised today – some are distinctly surprising. Historically, date pits were normally discarded, or used as an animal feed which is still a common widespread practice.
How are date seeds used today?
While using day-to-day products, such as soap, cream, or certain medicines, sometimes we might be not aware, but date seeds play an important role in the creation of these products. Date seeds have been known and used to treat both ordinary and infected wounds. They are also said to be beneficial in treating digestive problems, particularly prolonged diarrhea. Organic dates also act as a potent antiseptic, killing bacteria that reach the gastrointestinal tract. With its high antioxidant content, date seeds helps the immune system, and protects the DNA structure.
Date seed oil has been utilised to replace the proportions of other vegetable oils in formulating body lotions, shampoos, and shaving soaps. In general, the quality of these cosmetic formulations has been quite promising.
It is considered as an excellent source of oleic acid. Numerous studies have found that date seed oil has antiproliferative properties and significantly reduces oxidative stress. Furthermore, date seed oil is a liquid with a bright yellow colour and a pleasant odor, which is highly valued in pharmacological and cosmetic industries. It is an edible oil that has gained commercial importance in recent years due to its versatile biological constituents and physicochemical properties. Date seed oil is used in the creation of products benefiting the following:
- Skin– Date seed oil contains a significant amount of phenolic compound and demonstrates a variety of pharmacological effects, including antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Also used in cosmetics, specifically in the creation of a photoprotective cream. Furthermore, date seed oil reduces cellular and oxidative rancidity while also protecting the skin from UV rays. It offers anti-wrinkle capabilities owing to the presence of phytohormones that can diminish wrinkles and enhance skin suppleness.
- Hair– With a high concentration of Omega-6 fatty acids, date seed oil contains polyunsaturated fats that nourishes the scalp. The oil also contains a high amount of lauric acid, which reduces dandruff and acne, creating an ideal environment for hair growth. The high content of amino acids and riboflavin (vitamin B2) can help to prevent hair loss too. Being naturally rich in copper and pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), it helps prevent premature greying of hair.
- Nails– Date seed oil is rich in Vitamins B, C, and E. Vitamin C shields nails from free radicals caused by pollution and radiation. Usage of the oil strengthens the skin, connective tissues, and blood vessel walls, which helps to maintain strong nails.
Coffee substitute
Caffeine, being an inherent part of modern lifestyle, with its addictive quality it’s recommended to be consumed in moderation.
As a result, an alternative natural substance that has qualities similar to coffee but has no health risks is constantly searched for. Roasted date palm seed can be used as a coffee substitute. It is a caffeine-free coffee that is made from date seeds by drying, roasting, and grinding them the same way coffee beans are treated. In comparison to Arabica coffee, the date seed extracts are lighter in colour, less hazy, less bitter, and have a mild coffee flavour. Its taste profile is compared to somewhere between coffee and tea, with a subtle hint of chocolate. As it is a little lighter than regular coffee, it is more refreshing yet energising at the same time.
A study has proved that date seeds are free from any toxic effects, different from many other fruit seeds, and have the potential to be a valuable and excellent source of functional food components as well as a low-cost cocoa substitute beverage.
Each date pit contains phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium, as well as polyphenols, and is high in vitamins. It is a source of phenolics and antioxidants that are great for lowering oxidative stress and enhancing immune system function. A few of the health benefits of consuming date seeds are:
- Studies shows it protects the liver from chemically induced liver damage and oxidative DNA damage. This effect can be attributed to the presence of proanthocyanins.
- Beneficial in the treatment of blood sugar issues, diabetes, and its complications.
- Date pits act as antiviral agents against a variety of human pathogenic viruses and have the potential to be useful in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of viral infections.
- Antioxidants and free radical scavenging activities of the pit help to protect the body from the effects of oxidative stress.
Every year, Bateel harvests about 3,000 tonnes of the highest grade, organic dates. The date seeds or date pits are used as camels feed and utilised in the making of nutrient-rich compost.
Café Bateel introduces its recent launch of the date seed coffee, available in all cafés in the UAE and KSA. It is perfectly paired with plant based milk as well, maximising its health benefits and natural organic flavour.
We are proud of our organic culture and continue to develop it, employing innovative sustainable methods to produce plentiful yields. Dates and date seeds have long been recognised by chemists and biologists as an attractive resource for producing pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals because they provide numerous health benefits to humans.
No part of the priceless fruit goes to waste, and you may be utilising date pit oil-based products without even realizing it.
