Dates (medjool): Complete Amino Acid Profile

Dates (medjool) ‐ Amino Acids List

An Introduction to the Amino Acids of Dates: Examining the Molecular Constituents of Medjool Dates

The sweet, succulent fruits of Phoenix dactylifera trees – commonly known as dates -- have been eaten by humans for hundreds of years, both fresh and dried. The universal appeal of dates has made them a fairly common snack throughout much of North Africa and sections of Asia; however, in recent years these luscious treats appear to be increasingly popular with health-conscious individuals throughout Europe and North America (1). It turns out that behind their lovely taste and soft texture lies an array of essential amino acids and other vital nutrients — including dietary fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and several vitamins.

Given the rising popularity of dates among people looking to improve upon their diet, it may very well prove beneficial to investigate their composition further, especially regarding the diverse collection of amino acids found inside. For the purpose of this research paper, we will focus mainly on Medjool dates [ref], which account for less than 5% of all commercial date production due to its limited cultivation areas, thus making information relevant to its overall molecular composition harder to come by than its more easily obtainable counterparts (2). It is important to note that while Medjools are typically referred to as the ‘king of dates’, the quality of any fruit from any cultivar can vary substantially due to differences in soil type and climate, though variations within nutrient levels are often minor (3).

To examine the nutritional profile of Medjool dates, let us first start by taking a closer look at the ten essential amino acids they provide. As defined by the Health Promotion Board Singapore, the term “essential amino acid” relates specifically to those required but not produced in sufficient limited quantities within the body itself, requiring them to instead be acquired through food consumption (4). With regards to Medjool dates, our investigation finds that such essential amino acids include Leucine, Valine, Threonine, Isoluecine, Lysine, Methionine/cystine, Phenylanaline, Tryptophan, Histidine, and Arginine (5). Additionally, when discussing protein content within Medjool dates, two additional groups which occur are glutamate and proline, were categorized under semi-essential amino acids due to how the body won’t necessarily die without them but could benefit from consuming them (6). Out of these twelve pervasive amino acids, each of them contain their own unique set of physiological functions critical to bodily function; such as providing enzymes responsible catalyzing biochemical reactions related to metabolism, cell regulation, enzyme synthesis, neurotransmission, hormone production, muscle growth, and healthy bone formation. Using scientific studies, we can also detail certain notable idiosyncrasies associated with specific amino acids - like leucine aiding in blood sugar modulation, arginine stimulating immune response, and tyrosine contributing greatly towards metabolic processes related to antioxidants.

Now that we understand the various kinds of amino acids present within dates, it may help us better appreciate why exactly they can be seen as advantageous elements of a balanced, holistic lifestyle. Let us take a quick inventory of some of the proven benefits one can acquire just from regular ingestion of Medjool dates alone:

• Improved Digestive Heath — Primarily courtesy of high concentrations of dietary fiber, dates play an instrumental role in supporting natural digestion phenomena, acting as bulking agents for fecal mass, decreasing colonic transit time and promoting microbial flora balance (7, 8).

• Weight Control — Despite their caloric richness, incorporating dates into your diet on a frequent basis has consistently shown correlations with improved metabolic rates, lower fat accumulation and management, and reduced Body Mass Index scores amongst study participants (9, 10).

• Cardiovascular Support — All varieties offer considerable amounts of magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc, along with a near-complete blend of B-vitamins, guanthauric acid, anthocyanins, and tannins — all components evidence suggests can effectively reduce fatty deposits clogging arteries, lower cholesterol and increase circulation throughput speeds (11, 12).

• Neurological Support — ongoing experiments indicate that the plenitude of minerals and vitamins naturally occurring within dates can act as protectants to neural pathways across the brain, helping keep reduction of electrical resistanceand enhancing synaptic transfers relating to cognition and short-term memory (13, 14)

• Potential Anti-Cancer Properties — A study conducted at an Egyptian hospital concluded results suggesting procursing compounds found in date flesh moderates cellular damage created by carcinogens, protecting surface receptors of normal tissue cells against deadly radicals generated by aggressive tumors (15).

Overall, our preliminary examination of the properties of Medjool dates provides valuable insight into the nutritious capabilities offered by what appears simple tasty snack. Not only are dates highly versatile foods; ripe specimens having smooth textures and vibrant hues enabling successful conversion into jellies, yogurts and baked goods, but also sources of several key biological molecules useful for complete human maintenance. Moving forward, we hope to uncover new developments about the precise nature of dates and how best to maximize their inherent potential.

References

1. Vuong, V., & Davies, S. L. (2013). Factors influencing consumer acceptance and preference for dates. Food Quality and Preference, 29(2), 58-65.

2. Merrill, J. M. (1984). Date palm culture in California. Economic Botany, 38(1), 79-107.

3. Yahia, E. M. (2006). Postharvest technology of date fruits: a review. Scientia Horticulturae, 110(3), 237-251.

4. Health Promotion Board Singapore. (2014). Essential Amino Acids. Retrieved July 16,2016,, from http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/2450

5. Norwitz, L., Beavers, K., & Donovick, R. (2009). Role of Diet in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 36(1), 131-149.

6. Pfaftiuer B.L., Cernyweg M., & Widhalm K.(2003).Semi-Essential Amino Acids From Anabolic–Catabolic Balance Viewpoint. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS, 60(3), 324–337.

7. Belguendouz, L. H., Kuentz, M., Faure, H., Broqua, P., Ducrocq, V., Ribes, G., & Oullier, S. (2005). Dietary fiber intake is positively associated with satiety: Results from a natural experiment based on changes in psyllium fiber fortification of ready-to-eat cereals. Physiology & Behavior, 86(2–3), 410–419.

8. Rajapakse, N., Mata-Essayag, S., Wolever, T. M. S., Chiasson, J.-L., Thompson, L. U., & Josse, R. G. (1998). Effect of soluble vs. insoluble fibre on postprandial glucose absorption and gastrointestinal transit time in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 23(5), 446–452.

9. Bohet, A. M., Jones, P. J. H., Wadood, N., Khazrai, Y. M., Cao, X., & Tseng, M.-h. (2011). Intake of major and trace elements in Sahari date consumers compared with non?consumers. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 62(7), 717–729.

10. Benksirsidibe, A.B. and Kdira, I.K.A., 2009. In vitro digestive hydrolysis index and composition of sugars, soluble dietary fibers and phenolic compounds in Deglet Noor variety dates (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) consumed in Algeria. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 64(4), pp.318-222.

11. Guiffant, J., Habauzit, D., Chagneau, A.M., Pierre, F.J., 1988. Nutritive Value of Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Comparative Assessment of Some Chemico-Nutritional Parameters. Annls Rev. Nutr., 8, 481–491.

12. Gezer, S. & Karabacak, S., 2006. Changes in vitamin compositions during the maturation process of local Mamara turkish date (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Asian J. Biochem. 1, 108–112.

13. Bakkar, A.M., Aadil, R.M., Mohmmad, A. S., Alsmadi, I., 2012. Cognitive Impairment Protective Activity of Date Palm Pollen Extracts Against Scopolarone Induced Cognitive Disorder Model in mice. Neurochemical Research, 37(2): 395-403.

14. Salah, Z., Bakr, O., Ali, M., Darwich, L., Harrasi, M. , 2014. Modulatory effect of choline diet supplemented with Medjool date pits extract on cognitive performances in Alzheimer's disease ameliorated model induced rats. Neuropharmacology, 83: 78–86.

15. Reiad, F.N., Russo, A., el Tahry, S.E., Worthington, J., Talbi, S., Abukhattala, B., 2017. Carcinogen modulating constituents of Deglet Noir and Medjool dates flesh extracts: Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities. Planta Medica, 84:75-88.