Health Risks Of Dates You May Not Know About

Thursday, July 23, 2026

SAEDNEWS: Dates are a highly nutritious food with many health benefits, and their consumption is often recommended. However, it is important to know that this nutrient-rich food may also have some potential drawbacks, which we will discuss in this article.

Health Risks Of Dates You May Not Know About

According to SAEDNEWS, Dates are a nutrient-packed food known for their numerous health benefits and are widely encouraged as part of a healthy diet. However, despite their nutritional value, they may also have some possible side effects and disadvantages that will be covered in this article.

Dates May Cause Digestive Problems

Dates themselves may not cause digestive issues unless they contain added sulfites, which are commonly used today. Sulfites are chemical compounds added to dried fruits to preserve them and eliminate harmful bacteria. People who are sensitive to sulfites may experience reactions such as stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Dates are also an excellent source of fiber, which, surprisingly, can have the opposite effect in some cases. If you already consume enough fiber, eating too many dates may lead to excessive fiber intake. This sudden increase can contribute to digestive problems such as constipation and bloating.

Although research in this area is limited, some reports suggest that dates may worsen diarrhea in certain cases.

Dates

Dates May Contribute To Skin Breakouts

Dried fruits like dates may also trigger skin breakouts, and once again, sulfites may be responsible. Acne or skin irritation may also occur due to mold contamination, which can be found in many dried fruits, including dates.

Dates May Trigger Asthma Attacks

There is not enough research to confirm that eating dates directly causes asthma attacks. However, because dates may cause allergic reactions, and allergies can trigger asthma symptoms, sensitive individuals should be more cautious. In fact, around eighty percent of people with asthma are sensitive to airborne allergens such as molds, which can also be present in dried fruits like dates.

Dates May Contribute To Weight Gain

Although dates are rich in fiber, they also contain a relatively high number of calories and have a considerable energy density, which may contribute to unexpected weight gain. Dates provide approximately 2.8 calories per gram, meaning they are considered a food with moderate energy density and may lead to weight gain when consumed excessively.