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.