Indonesian Researchers Discover That Dates Can Be Used to Manage High Blood Pressure and Protect Heart Health
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 09, 2025 1 hour, 17 minutes ago
Medical News: Ancient Fruit Shows Modern Promise for Heart Health
A new international review study has highlighted the potential benefits of eating dates for people with high blood pressure. Researchers from Royal Taruma Hospital in Jakarta, Sam Ratulangi University in Indonesia, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, University of Napoli Federico II in Italy, Universitas Airlangga, the Medical Research Center of Indonesia, and UIN Sunan Kalijaga have compiled data from clinical and lab studies showing that this traditional fruit could be a natural way to manage hypertension.
Dates contain heart-friendly nutrients that may help naturally lower blood pressure
According to this
Medical News report, dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are packed with nutrients like potassium, magnesium, fiber, polyphenols, and flavonoids—all of which play key roles in lowering blood pressure. The researchers found that even modest daily consumption—such as 3 to 7 dates per day—could lead to measurable reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over a period of four to six weeks.
Nutrient Rich and Heart Friendly
Dates are high in potassium and low in sodium, a combination that supports healthy blood pressure. Each 100 grams of dates contains over 600 mg of potassium, helping to flush out excess sodium and relax blood vessels. The fiber in dates, especially in the seeds, supports gut health and helps regulate cholesterol, while the flavonoids—such as rutin and naringenin—fight inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage blood vessels.
Certain varieties like Ajwa, Hallawi, and Medjool were noted for their higher phenolic and antioxidant content, which enhances vascular protection. Extracts from date seeds were also found to inhibit ACE—the enzyme targeted by many blood pressure drugs—suggesting dates may work in a similar way to common hypertension medications.
Evidence from Human Trials
Several human clinical trials were reviewed. One study involving older adults found that consuming 7 Ajwa dates daily for six weeks reduced systolic blood pressure by about 14 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 8.5 mmHg. Another trial reported improvements in cholesterol levels and antioxidant markers with 100 grams of Medjool or Hallawi dates over four weeks, without raising blood sugar levels. These effects were achieved without negative impact on weight or glucose metabolism.
How Dates Help the Heart
The study outlines four main mechanisms:
-Antioxidant activity: Dates reduce harmful reactive oxygen species in blood vessels.
-Anti-inflammatory action: Polyphenols lower levels of TNF-α and CRP, which are linked to vascular inflammation.
-Endothelial support: Flavonoids boost nitric oxide, helping blood vessels relax.
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-ACE inhibition: Dates help prevent blood vessel constriction and water retention.
Why More Studies Are Needed
While the evidence is encouraging, the researchers note that results may vary depending on the date variety, ripeness, and processing method. More large-scale, standardized clinical trials are needed to determine ideal dosages and assess long-term effects, especially for people with diabetes or kidney disease.
Conclusion
Dates could offer a sweet and natural option for supporting cardiovascular health. Their blend of minerals, fiber, and plant compounds work together to reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow, and protect against inflammation and oxidative damage. As part of a healthy diet, regular date consumption may help reduce hypertension risk and support long-term heart health. However, doctors should be consulted before making changes to treatment, especially for those with other health conditions.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Foods
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/24/4208
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/extract-from-date-palm-shows-promise-against-diabetic-cardiomyopathy
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/cardiology
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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