Dates (the fruit of Phoenix dactylifera) have been increasingly studied for their potential anticancer and cancer-preventive properties, mainly due to their rich phytochemical content and strong antioxidant activity.
Dates contain a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds linked to cancer prevention:
-Phenolic acids – e.g., ferulic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid
-Flavonoids – e.g., quercetin, luteolin, apigenin
-Carotenoids – e.g., β-carotene, lutein
-Tannins, saponins, and sterols
-Dietary fiber and polysaccharides
These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects.
Date fiber and polyphenols foster beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which protect the colon and may lower colon cancer risk.