THE DATE AND ITS USES AS DESCRIBED IN THE QUR'AN

In a number of Qur'anic verses, the humble date is honoured as one of the blessings of Paradise. (Qur'an, 55:68) When this fruit is examined, it can be seen to have a great many important features. One of the oldest known species of plant, the date is today a food of preference not only for its delicious taste but also for its nutritious properties. New benefits imparted by the date are being discovered every day and has come to be used as a medicine as well as a food. These features of the date are noted in Surah Maryam:

The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She [Maryam] said, "Oh if only I had died before this time and was something discarded and forgotten!" A voice called out to her from under her, "Do not grieve! Your Lord has placed a small stream at your feet. Shake the trunk of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you. Eat and drink and delight your eyes…" (Qur'an, 19:23-26)

There is considerable wisdom in the way that Allah recommends Maryam to eat this fruit. The date is an excellent choice of food for the pregnant women and for those who have just given birth. This is a widely accepted scientific fact. Maryam was inspired to understand this point, in order to make her own labour easier. The date has one of the highest sugar levels, 60-65%, of all fruits. Doctors recommend that pregnant women be given foods containing fruit sugar on the day they give birth. The aim behind this is to energise and revitalise the mother's weakened body and at the same time to stimulate the milk hormones and increase the levels of mother's milk essential to the new-born baby.
In addition, loss of blood during birth leads to a fall in body sugar levels. Dates are important from the point of view of enabling sugar to enter the body and prevent blood pressure from dropping. Their high calorific value strengthens people weakened by illness or suffering from extreme fatigue.
These facts reveal the wisdom in the way that Allah recommended Maryam to eat dates, designed to energise and invigorate the woman and ensure the emergence of milk, the only food for a baby. For example, the date contains more than ten elements of vital importance if the body is to remain healthy and energetic. Modern-day scientists state that human beings can actually live for years on nothing more than dates and water.110 V. H. W. Dowson, a recognised expert in this field, says that one grain of date and a glass of milk are enough to meet all of a person's daily nutritional requirements.111
The substance oxytocin, which is present in the date, is used in modern medicine to facilitate birth. In fact, oxytocin means "rapid birth." It is also known to increase levels of mother's milk after birth.112
Oxytocin is actually a hormone released by the pituitary gland which stimulates contractions of the womb during childbirth. All the pre-birth preparations in the body take place thanks to this hormone. The effects of the hormone can be seen in the muscles that form the mother's womb and in cells in the muscular structure that enables the secretion of mother's milk. The effective contraction of the womb is essential if birth is to take place. Oxytocin enables the muscles that comprise the womb to contract in a very powerful manner. Moreover, oxytocin also initiates the secretion of mother's milk. This feature of the date alone-the way it contains oxytocin-is important evidence that the Qur'an is the revelation of Allah. The medical identification of the benefits of the date only became possible in recent times. Yet it was set out fourteen centuries ago in the Qur'an that Allah revealed to Maryam that she should eat dates.
Dates also contain a form of sugar that gives the body high levels of mobility and heat energy and which can be easily broken down in the body. Furthermore, this sugar is not glucose, which rapidly raises the level of blood sugar but the fruit sugar fructose. A rapid rise in blood sugar levels in diabetics in particular has a damaging effect on a great many organs and systems, especially the eyes, kidneys, heart and circulatory system and nervous system. High blood sugar is one of the main causes of disorders as serious as loss of sight, heart attacks and kidney insufficiency.
Dates contain a great many vitamins and minerals. They are very rich in fibre, fat and proteins. They also contain sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine, as well as vitamins A, beta-carotene, B1, B2, B3 and B6. Some of the benefits of the vitamins and minerals in dates to the normal human body and especially during pregnancy can be summarised as follows:

• The nutritional value of dates stems from the appropriate mineral balance within them. The date also contains folic acid, a B vitamin of great importance to pregnant women. Folic acid (B9) is a vitamin which serves important functions in the construction of new blood cells and of amino acids, the body's building blocks, and in cell renewal. The need for folic acid thus rises significantly during pregnancy and the daily requirement doubles. When folic acid levels are insufficient, red blood cells that are larger than normal but with lower functionality emerge, along with the symptoms of anaemia, appear. Folic acid plays a particularly important role in cell division and in the formation of the genetic structure of the cell and is the only substance daily requirements of which double during pregnancy. The date is exceedingly rich in folic acid.
  
• On the other hand, the long-term nausea and physical reactions that appear during pregnancy do so because of a lack of potassium. Levels therefore need to be reinforced. In the same way that the large quantities of potassium in dates are of great importance in this regard, they are also important in regulating the water balance in the body. Moreover, by helping oxygen to reach the brain potassium enables one to think clearly. In addition, it provides the appropriate alkaloidal features for body fluids and stimulates the kidneys to expel toxic bodily wastes. It helps bring down high blood pressure and the formation of healthy skin.113
  
• The iron contained in dates controls the synthesis of haemoglobin in the red blood cells and ensures an appropriate level of red cells in the blood. This is of vital importance in preventing anaemia during pregnancy and the development of the baby. Red blood cells play a role in keeping cells alive by carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Due to dates' high iron levels, a human being can meet his or her iron requirements by eating just 15 dates a day and will thus be protected from disorders arising from iron deficiency.
  
• The calcium and phosphate in dates are important elements for skeletal growth and balancing the body's bone structure. The high levels of phosphorus and calcium in dates protect the body against bone weakness and help reduce such disorders.
  
• Scientists also emphasise the way in which dates reduce stress and tension. Research by Berkeley University experts has revealed that dates contain high levels of vitamin B6, which strengthens the nerves, and magnesium, which is very important for the kidneys. A person can meet his magnesium requirement by eating just 2-3 grains of date a day.114
  
• The vitamin B1 in dates facilitates the health of the nervous system, assists the transformation of the carbohydrates in the body into energy and the use of protein and fats to meet the body's needs. Vitamin B2 assists in the burning of protein, carbohydrates and fats for the provision of bodily energy and cell renewal.
  
• The body's vitamin A requirement rises during pregnancy. Thanks to the vitamin A it contains, the date improves vision and bodily resistance and strengthens the teeth and bones. Dates are also especially rich in beta-carotene.115 Beta-carotene helps prevent cancer by controlling molecules that attack the cells.

In addition, unlike dates, other fruits are generally lacking in protein.116 Thanks to this feature, dates enable the body to protect itself against illness and infection, to renew cells and ensure fluid balance. Meat is also a useful foodstuff but maybe not as much as the date, which

Reasons behind sleepless nights

Restless sleep is a recurring problem with most of us. And while a snoring partner is one of the primary reasons for you waking up  abruptly in the night, the other factors could be internal and may be related to your health. We get experts to break it down for you.

Headache
 The recurrent night awakenings  causes the person to wake up with headaches. There are other symptoms like nocturnal snoring and daytime sleepiness to name a few.  Sleep apnea poses several health hazards including uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, etc. It can be easily diagnosed by doing a dedicated sleep study medically known as polysomnography.’
Solution: Treatment options depend on the results of the study and the advice of your specialist.
Breathlessness
Asthma is one of the primary causes of breathlessness and cough at nights. Breathlessness at night in an asthmatic should sound the alarm on uncontrolled disease, and warrant a review of the medication prescribed. Often the disease hasn’t even been diagnosed, as in children with asthma.

Solution: Better control of asthma means better sleep, and therefore better growth. In a patient with cardiac disease, never ignore a night-time cough and breathlessness, especially an episode that wakes up the patient around 2 am. It is often a sign of cardiac decompensation and may need review of treatment, especially drugs to reduce fluid overload in the body, and others to optimise cardiac function.’

Back pain
 Usually due to a bad mattress, either too hard or soft. Try putting your hand between your spine and the mattress. If it goes too easily, then the mattress is too hard. If it goes with difficulty, then your mattress is too soft.’

Solution: Mattresses should be changed once in eight to 10 years at least. Also, do not use too many pillows (unless you suffer from acid-reflux), and the ideal possible way to sleep would be to use one pillow below neck, and one below knees to reduce back strain. Patients with arthritis tend to get worse pain at nights, and may benefit with an anti-inflammatory (pain-killer) before sleeping. However, be careful with regular use of these drugs too, as excess use can cause kidney damage.
Leg cramps
Restless leg syndrome RLS is a condition which is characterised by an urge to move , associated with unpleasant sensations that occurs or is worsened by rest and improves with activity. It can occur exclusively at night during sleep and therefore cause sleep disturbances. Various factors like iron deficiency anaemia, kidney failure, fibromyalgia, some neurological diseases and medications have been implicated as a cause.’

Solution: Detailed evaluation by sleep specialist and a polysomnography( sleep study ) is recommended. As the syndrome can vary from night to night. Treatment includes correction of anaemia if detected or treat any other suspected cause. Sometimes some types of oral medicines which alter neurochemical transmitters in the brain may be needed. These are to be consumed only after consulting a specialists.
Cough

In the horizontal position the acid from the stomach can travel up through the food pipe and cause irritation in the throat, which in turn causes cough and sleep disturbance. Some people are inherently predisposed to this and some may have it occasionally when they have had a very heavy meal just before sleeping.’
Solution: Interval of at least two hours between eating and sleeping and eating a light dinner can decrease this.
Sleeping with two pillows and keeping the head high will help in this condition. Antacid medications as advised by your doctor if the symptoms persist. The nose normally drains into the throat. When there is a cold and the sinuses are  filed with secretions they drain into the throat in the lying down position and this triggers a spasm of cough. This can be rectified by sleeping in a slightly propped up position using two pillows. A cough suppressant or cold medicines as advised by the physician may be needed.

10 Foods reduce blood pressure

1 Apricot dried Apricots are helpful in lowering high blood pressure as well as relieve constipation.

2 Avocados They have good sources of potassium and thus helps regulate blood pressure.

3 Bananas Banana is extremely potassium rich and potassium is a mineral which helps maintain blood pressure.

4 Beets Beetroots are used as a treatment for constipation and its juice is used to lower high blood pressure. According to a study drinking 500 ml of beetroot juice helps lower blood pressure within an hour.

5 Broccoli Broccoli is high in glutamic acid which is helpful in reducing blood pressure.

6 Figs Figs are rich in fiber as well as potassium so dried figs act as a laxative and helps control blood pressure.

7 Garlic Garlic is said to lower blood pressure. Some say garlic if taken as roasted can help reduce the high blood pressure.

8 Mangoes Mangoes are rich in potassium which is key mineral for lowering high blood pressure.

9 Mushrooms Mushroomshelp lower high blood pressure.

10 Watermelon The juice of watermelon is said to be effective for high blood pressure.

People who suffer from high blood pressure should limit the salt intake in their food.

Some other foods that help in relieving constipation are

Spinach spinach is considered to be helpful in regulating bowel movements. Fresh spinach boiled and taken early in the morning is considered to be useful for relieving constipation.

Some other foods that help regulate blood pressure are

Limes, Lemons, Chestnuts and Cantaloupe.

Manage Stress with a Positive Attitude

Maintaining resilience and combating stress are major issues for a man. There is a natural tendency in all of us to react emotionally when our expectations are frustrated in any way. When something we wanted and hoped for fails to materialize, we feel a temporary sense of disappointment and unhappiness.

The optimistic person, however, knows how to manage stress in difficult situations and soon moves beyond this disappointment. He responds quickly to the adverse event and interprets it as being temporary, specific and external to himself. The optimist responds with a positive attitude, knows how to manage stress and counter the negative feelings by immediately reframing the event so that it appears positive in some way.

Since your conscious mind can hold only one thought at a time, either positive or negative, if you deliberately choose a positive thought to dwell upon, you keep your mind optimistic and your emotions positive. Since your thoughts and feelings determine your actions, you will tend to be a more constructive person, and you will start moving forward and more rapidly toward the goals that you have chosen.

It all comes down to the way you talk to yourself on a regular basis. In our courses of problem solving and decisions making, we encourage people to respond to problems by changing their language from negative to positive. Instead of using the word problem, we encourage people to use the word situation.  You see, a problem is something that you deal with. The event is the same. It’s the way you interpret the event to yourself that makes it sound and appear completely different.

Even better than situation is the word challenge. Whenever you have a difficulty, immediately reframe it, choose to view it as a challenge, and start moving forward.  Rather than saying, “I have a problem,” say, “I have an interesting challenge facing me.” The word challenge is inherently positive. It is something that you rise to that makes you stronger and better. It is the same situation, only the word that you are using to describe it is different.

The best of all possible words to maintain a positive attitude and manage stress is the word opportunity. When you are faced with a difficulty of any kind, instead of saying, “I have a problem,” you can say, “I am faced with an unexpected opportunity.”  And if you concentrate your powers on finding out what that opportunity is—even if it is only a valuable lesson—you will certainly find it. As the parable says, “Seek and ye shall find, for all who seek find it.”

Tips to Manage your stress:

• Change your perception. You must learn how to form healthier attitudes and beliefs by knowing what your personal strengths are, letting go of what you can’t control, and branch out to your support network. Your support network could be anything - a blog or an online friend or group that are easily accessible.
• Eat better. Make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet. It will not only make you feel better physically, but can help combat stress-related problems.
• Work out. Exercising does more than help you look trimmer; it also fights stress. When you are exercising you are releasing endorphins which help to give you a more upbeat outlook. It also gives you a healthy outlet to dissipate tension and mental fatigue. One way to incorporate exercise into your work day is to leave your computer for 30 minutes and go for a walk outside; the fresh air will help clear your head.
• Stop. Smell the roses. It is difficult to relax when you are consumed with stress, therefore you must find something that relaxes you. Find different relaxation and meditation methods that will oppose your body’s reaction to stress which can help you calm down. Relax on the computer by listening to music, looking at old photos, or even searching YouTube for funny videos, anything that frees your mind.
• Take time to make time. Time management is key. If you have a lot of things to do, don’t spend time worrying about what you have to do. Make a schedule for yourself and try to stick to it. Prioritizing will help you replace mere activity with accomplishment. Make a list on your computer or use the scheduling reminders on OutLook to help stay organized.
• Learn about different behavior styles. In other words, 'Don’t poke the bear'. Be armed with a better understanding of behavior styles that differ from your own. Many of our IT clients are mainly left-brained. This could mean that they are more likely to be orderly, analytical (especially factual analysis), sequential, or logical in their thinking. Knowing small things like this about your co-workers can help you approach workplace problems.
• Be assertive. Have confidence! When you stand-up for yourself, you are building your self esteem which pushes stress to the side. See where you can improve in the assertive, aggressive, and passive behaviors.

In order for any of these steps to work you must be proactive. You must take care of yourself in order to maintain your resilience.

Few things to rember

An apple a day                  =                             no doctor

1 lemon a day                    =                             no fat

Tulsi leaf a day                   =                             no cancer

1 cup milk a day                                =                             no bone problem

3ltre water per day         =                             no disease