The Effect of Eating Even or Odd Number of Dates, on Blood Glucose Level

Objectives: There is a common belief among Muslims, to consume dates in odd number rather than even, based on cultural and religious claims; although nobody knows its effect on blood glucose level or other metabolic effects in the body. The aim of our study is to illuminate the changes that affect the 2-hrs postprandial serum glucose level after the consumption of an odd number of dates among healthy young persons and even number. Method: Intervention study was used to compare 2 groups, Fasting glucose levels was measured for all participants; group A (42 participants), who consumed even number of dates all at Tamer-stage, (net weight about 50 grams); and group B, (42 participants), presumed to consume an odd number of dates (net weight about 40 grams). Two hrs postprandial blood glucose levels were measured altogether. Blood glucose levels were determined and compared as a means. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Result: The fasting serum glucose of group A and B participants were 91.65±13.61 and 93.69±8.79 mg/dl, respectively, with an insignificant statistical difference between groups (P= 0.42327). Subsequently, the 2hrs Postprandial Glucose measurements of group A and B were 99.58±19.56 and 100.33±12.204 respectively; indicated an insignificant statistical difference between groups, (P=0.83553). All the participants were remaining within normal ranges of serum glucose level. Conclusion: There is no difference between ingestion of the odd and even number of dates fleshes from the glycemic point of view on the glucose level in fasting and postprandial states.