Halal and Highly Recommended Superfoods

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended certain foods that are both delicious and beneficial to human beings.   Lately, scientists have studied these foods and found that they have a role in maintaining and sustaining human health.

The Prophet recommended a large number of herbal foods such as dates, pomegranates, olives, figs, grapes, and black seeds.  These foods not only provide nourishment to the body, but scientists have found that these superfoods have “a wide spectrum of their pharmacological actions which include antidiabetic, anticancer, immune modulator, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.”

Dates: Provide vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Medicinal properties include polyphenol an anti-cancer agent. They can also reverse and heal liver toxicity.  Low on the glycemic index, date extract was shown to restore liver function in diabetic rats.

Pomegranates:  A delicious fruit on its own, in salads, as a juice, and more. There is mounting evidence that pomegranates can help genes and proteins suppress cancer. Pomegranates inhibit mutagens.  Research on memory loss shows that pomegranate not only augments memory function but also inhibits memory loss.  diabetes, There is also clinical evidence that a small amount of pomegranate juice or extract can lower blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health.

Grapes: Another delicious fruit recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  Grapes contain benefits including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and resveratrol; these elements have been shown to support good cardiovascular health. The research shows that they can lower blood pressure.  Many clinical studies show that grape seed extract can protect the skin, prostate, head, neck, and lungs from cancers.

Black Seed: Also known as Nigella Sativa or Black Cumin is a medicinal plant that is well known worldwide.    Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), once stated, “The black seed can heal every disease, except death”.   Studies in Tokyo show that Black Seed fought against 3 cancer lines.  Another study showed anti-diabetic effects in rats. And recently it has been found as a helpful treatment for skin disorders like hypopigmentation or vitiligo.

Figs: Another tasty fruit that has many health benefits. Its fruit, bark, stems and leaves have been found to contain medicinal properties.  Several studies show its inhibitory effects on cancer. Here is a study that shows its effect on three cancer strains.   Studies have also shown that fig extracts had an inhibiting effect on diabetes in rats.  Extracts can also aid in the treatment of numerous skin conditions.

Olives:  Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Eat olive oil and massage it over your bodies since it is a blessed tree”. The Prophet also said that the olive tree contains 70 blessings.  Research shows that there are many health benefits to olives. Olives and olive oil have a protective effect on several forms of cancer – especially when combined with a Mediterranean diet consisting of small amounts of meat, carbs, and refined foods.  Olive oil has also been found to be an anti-inflammatory, an analgesic, and a memory loss inhibitor.  It also improves glucose metabolism in diabetic rats.

The Prophet (pbuh), amongst all other foods, liked pumpkin. (Tirmidhi)

Abu’l-Hasan bin Dahhaq narrated from Aisha that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Ya Aisha when you cook, add pumpkins abundantly’.  Pumpkin can refer to any hard-skinned winter squash. Pumpkins are high in beta carotene, vitamin, C, E, Iron, and Folate. They’re good for the eyes, and skin, and protect from certain cancers. They are also high in fiber, great for weight loss, and versatile. Truly a superfood.

Islamic Services of America (ISA) is a leading USA-based Halal certification and auditing organization serving companies, the community, and the Halal industry for over 45 years.  Contact ISA at isa@isahalal.com or visit the ISA website for more information at www.isahalal.com