Nutritional and health benefits of some foods mentioned in the Holy Quran

Abstract

Abstract

Background-The Holy Quran provides direction for both spiritual and religious practices. Additionally, the Quran contains numerous references to health and dietary practices. This review aims to establish a connection between the Quranic teachings and scientific evidence regarding the health benefits of selected Mediterranean foods (dates, grapes, olives and olive oil, pomegranates, honey, lentils, onions, and figs). Materials and Methods- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using scholarly databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to gather relevant scientific studies and findings. Results- The foods mentioned in the Quran and analyzed in this literature review exhibit a dense nutritional profile and pharmacological virtues supported by contemporary research. Fruits (dates, pomegranate, grapes, figs) and honey demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Extra virgin olive oil and lentils favorably modulate lipid profiles and metabolic health, while onions and figs contain compounds with chemo-preventive potential. Conclusion-The results show that these foods are rich in specific bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, monounsaturated fatty acids, hydroxytyrosol, and organosulfur compounds. These compounds are responsible for their documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and chemopreventive effects. Thus, the study confirms that the emphasis placed by the Quran on these natural provisions is supported by modern science, aligning spiritual guidance with evidence-based nutrition for holistic health