CLAIM:
Dates can carry a fungus called Aspergillus because they grow in hot and humid climates and have high sugar content, which may make them harmful to the liver if consumed in large amounts. The reel also claims that worms or insects may be present inside dates and refers to a past outbreak of Hepatitis A linked to contaminated dates.
FACT:
Dates are generally not harmful to the liver and may actually support liver health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, with some animal studies showing protective effects against liver damage. However, scientific reviews also note that improper storage can lead to microbial contamination, including fungi that produce toxins potentially harmful to the liver. Moderation is key, and it is advisable to check the quality of dates – both inside and out – before consuming them.
During the holy month of Ramadan, dates are among the most commonly consumed foods. Traditionally used to break the fast, they are valued for their natural sweetness and quick source of energy after long hours without food or water.
However, a recent Instagram reel by doctor and influencer Yokesh Arul, who has over 1 million followers on the platform, has raised concerns about the safety of eating dates. In the video, Arul suggests that the fruit may pose health risks, particularly to the liver.
In the reel, he claims that dates can carry a specific type of fungus because they grow in hot and humid climates and contain high amounts of natural sugar. According to him, this creates an ideal environment for the fungus Aspergillus to grow. “Do you know how unhealthy dates can be for you? A lot of people don’t know that dates are a common carrier of this particular unique fungus,” he says in the video, adding that consuming them in large quantities could potentially harm the liver.
Arul also warns that insects may lay eggs in the outer layer of the fruit. He states that worms or insects may sometimes be found inside dates and advises people to check them carefully before eating. Referring to a past incident, he claims that a company once had to recall dates after an outbreak of Hepatitis A that led to hospitalisations.
He also advises viewers to inspect dates carefully before eating them. “That’s why before eating dates, always open it, check for any black webbings or black powderings and if you find anything suspicious, just discard it,” he says.
The reel has gained significant traction online, amassing 4.42 lakh views, 11,900 likes, and over 4,800 shares, prompting First Check to examine whether eating dates can actually harm liver health and how accurate these claims are.
Are dates harmful for liver health? What research says
Dates are generally not harmful to the liver and may actually support liver health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, with some animal studies showing protective effects against liver damage. However, scientific reviews also note that improper storage can lead to microbial contamination, including fungi that produce toxins potentially harmful to the liver.
Several studies have explored the potential effects of dates on liver health. A 2014 animal study investigating the protective effects of date extract on liver damage found promising results. Researchers examined the impact of an aqueous date extract (ADE) on rats exposed to dichloroacetic acid (DCA), a chemical known to cause liver injury. “The hepatoprotective activity of an aqueous date extract (ADE) against dichloroacetic acid (DCA) induced liver damage in rats was investigated.”
The study found that the extract contained several beneficial compounds including phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenolic acids such as gallic, chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic, and syringic acids, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
According to the study, oral administration of the extract significantly reduced markers of liver damage in rats. “Oral administration of the ADE… demonstrated a significant protective effect by lowering the levels of hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH and GGT) and conjugated bilirubin, and by improving the histological architecture of the rat liver.” The extract also reduced oxidative stress and protected liver DNA from damage. The researchers concluded that date extract protected the liver against chemically induced toxicity, though they noted that further biochemical investigations are needed.
Another 2023 study examining the effects of date seed extracts on liver health also reported protective effects in animals. In this research, scientists studied rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD), which can trigger liver fat accumulation and inflammation.
The study found that rats receiving extracts from Barhi and Ruthana date seeds showed improvements in several metabolic and liver health markers. “Oral administration of Barhi and Ruthana date seed extracts significantly decreased body and liver weights. Serum and liver total cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids were also decreased,” the researchers noted. Levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT, which indicate liver injury, were also reduced.
The study further reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. “Extract administration improved hepatocyte and parenchymal structures and decreased lipid deposition,” the authors wrote, concluding that the extracts showed strong hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects against high-fat diet-induced liver steatosis in rats.
A 2024 scientific review further examined both the health benefits and potential safety concerns associated with dates. The review notes that while dates are widely valued for their nutritional properties, food safety issues related to contamination can occasionally arise.
“Dates, like many other fruits, are susceptible to microbial contamination, particularly during improper pre- and post-harvest handling and storage,” the review states. It adds that “the prevalence of mycotoxin and bacterial contamination not only spoils the functional food quality of dates nevertheless it poses potential adverse effects on human health.”
At the same time, the review highlights that dates are considered a highly nutritious food rich in bioactive compounds. According to the authors, “Dates are valued as a highly nutritious and healthy food because of containing a variety of nutritional and nutraceutical benefits.” The fruit and its seeds contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and phenolic substances, which have attracted growing interest for use in functional foods and nutraceutical products.
The review also emphasises that date seeds, in particular, contain numerous bioactive compounds with potential medicinal properties, though researchers note that more human clinical trials are still needed to confirm their therapeutic benefits. As the authors point out, “clinical investigations using human models to extend and maximise therapeutic applications of this valuable food are still rare.”
However, researchers also caution that microbial contamination remains an important food safety issue. The review notes that dates can sometimes be contaminated with fungi that produce harmful toxins. “Dates can be contaminated with fungi that produce mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, and Alternaria toxins, which can be harmful to humans’ health.”
Because of this, the authors recommend improving pre-harvest and post-harvest handling practices, storage conditions, and food safety regulations to minimise contamination risks while preserving the nutritional value of dates.
The review also explains that aflatoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain fungi such as Aspergillus, can pose serious health risks when present in high amounts. “Aflatoxin is regarded as a highly toxic substance and may cause toxicity in humans, both acute and chronic,” the review notes, citing previous research. High exposure levels can damage the liver and cause aflatoxicosis, a severe form of poisoning linked to liver failure.
Researchers note that aflatoxin contamination of dates has been reported in several countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Italy, and Spain, although the prevalence varies depending on factors such as climate, storage conditions, and agricultural practices.
Overall, the review concludes that dates remain a nutrient-rich fruit with significant potential health benefits, but proper handling, storage, and regulatory monitoring are essential to minimise contamination risks and ensure food safety for consumers.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS
