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| - Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A facebook post claims that a person can live just by eating dates and water. We fact checked it and found this claim Mostly False.
The Claim
An image promoting the benefits of dates and claiming that a person can survive solely on dates and water was posted by a Facebook account under the name Dr. Zakir Naik (fan page). The post has garnered significant attention, accumulating an impressive 2.6k likes on Facebook.
Fact Check
Fasting religiously and adhering to mono diets based on the belief that even God consumed a particular food reflect the intersection of faith and dietary choices. Across various cultures and religions, individuals embrace these practices to express their devotion and seek spiritual enlightenment. However, while such traditions hold significant spiritual meaning, science raises concerns about the potential dangers of mono diets. Mono diets involve consuming only one type of food or a limited variety, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health risks in long run. In this article, we will fact check if a person can survive on water and dates while exploring the scientific perspectives on the potential hazards of mono diets.
What are mono diets?
Mono diets, also known as monotropic diets or single-food diets, are eating plans that involve consuming only one type of food or a limited variety of foods exclusively for a specific period. These diets often focus on a single fruit, vegetable, or food item. Proponents of mono diets claim various health benefits, such as weight loss and detoxification. However, they are highly restrictive and can lead to nutrient deficiencies if followed for an extended period. Mono diets are not considered a sustainable or healthy approach to long-term nutrition and should be approached with caution.
What are the side effects of mono diets?
Mono diets, which involve consuming only one type of food or a limited variety of foods exclusively, can have several side effects and health risks:
- Nutrient deficiencies: Mono diets lack a variety of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and proteins..
- Low energy levels: Mono diets may not provide enough calories, leading to low energy levels and fatigue.
- Digestive issues: Consuming the same food repeatedly can cause digestive problems like bloating and constipation.
- Muscle loss: The limited protein intake in mono diets can lead to muscle loss over time.
- Slower metabolism: A prolonged restrictive diet can slow down the metabolism, making it harder to maintain weight in the long run.
- Disordered eating patterns: Following mono diets may lead to unhealthy relationships with food and potential eating disorders.
- Lack of long-term sustainability: Mono diets are challenging to maintain for an extended period, making them unsuitable for long-term health.
Can a person survive on eating water and dates?
Not really. Surviving solely on water and dates is not recommended as a sustainable long-term diet due to potential health risks and nutrient deficiencies. While dates are a good source of carbohydrates and some nutrients, they lack essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins required for overall health. Additionally, excessive consumption of dates can lead to imbalances in blood sugar levels due to their high sugar content.
Research papers suggest that a diet lacking in essential nutrients can have adverse effects on health. A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine (2019) found that restricted diets, including those with limited food choices like a mono diet, can lead to nutritional deficiencies and impaired metabolic functions, affecting overall health.
In summary, while short-term consumption of water and dates may not be immediately harmful, relying solely on this limited diet for an extended period can lead to serious health issues and nutrient deficiencies. It is crucial to maintain a diverse and balanced diet to meet all nutritional requirements for sustained health and well-being.
How long can one live without food?
The human body can generally survive without food for about three to four weeks, depending on individual factors such as overall health, body composition, and environmental conditions. However, it’s important to note that going without food for extended periods can lead to severe malnutrition, dehydration, and other health risks. The body requires essential nutrients found in food for proper functioning and overall well-being. It is not recommended to intentionally fast for prolonged periods without medical supervision and support. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining good health and sustaining life.
Sports Nutritionist Manasi Bandhuni says, “To lead a long and healthy life, one needs to have a balanced diet consisting of all nutrients. Dates are rich in potassium and fibre which helps the body in retaining water. By consuming only dates and water, one can definitely survive but will have a lot of nutrient deficiencies which may lead to several diseases and loss of various body functions. Dietary supplementation may help in overcoming some of the deficiencies but it is important to have a diet consisting of all food groups for a healthy life.”
According to Nutritionist Dr. Swati Dave, “A healthy individual can survive approximately 3 weeks without food, considering climatic conditions. However, extended water fasting for 4-5 days is possible for a healthy person, but temperature and humidity should be taken into account.” She emphasises that a colourful diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the best way to obtain essential vitamins and minerals. When asked about a diet solely consisting of dates and water, she responded, ‘That’s a lot to ask for. Such a restrictive diet can lead to protein energy malnutrition and severe health consequences.”
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