During Ramadan, while health professionals advise diabetics to avoid sugary juices, they permit the consumption of dates. This article explores the biochemical differences between the sugars found in dates and those in juice. Both contain glucose and fructose, but dates provide these sugars within a fibrous matrix that helps regulate their absorption in the body, making them a healthier option for breaking the fast.

The article delves into the type of sugars known as simple carbohydrates, comprising carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules. It distinguishes between monosaccharides, like glucose and fructose, and disaccharides, such as sucrose and lactose. The professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at Benghazi University, Dr. Ashraf Al-Hoshani, explains that the sugars in dates are delivered to the bloodstream differently than those in juice, emphasizing the role of dietary fiber in dates that helps modulate blood sugar levels effectively.

This distinction underscores the importance of understanding how various food forms can affect health, especially for those managing conditions like diabetes. The preference for dates in Ramadan could reflect a broader dietary trend emphasizing whole foods over liquid sugars, contributing to a healthier approach during the fasting month.