Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values for dried bisr and tamr dates

Background: Date fruits can be consumed at different stages of maturity and thus might vary in glycemic response. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the nutritional composition, glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values of dried Bisr (mature unripe) and Tamr (mature ripe) dates. Methods: Fifteen healthy female participants (18 and 25 years), were recruited to assess the GI and GL values of dried Bisr and dried Tamr dates. Each participant was tested in three different times. Trials were separated by 1 week and proceeded in a randomized counterbalanced manner. Anthropometrics and food records were obtained for all participants.Results: Proximate analysis revealed significant differences between Bisr and Tamr dates in moisture, ash, fat, protein, and fiber content (P<0.05), whereas, carbohydrate and energy contents were comparable (P>0.05). The incremental area under the blood glucose response curve was higher (164.5 +/- 47.8) for the standard food in comparison with dried Bisr (88.5 +/- 24.1, P < 0.0001) or dried Tamr dates (88.2 +/- 27.9, P<0.0001), whereas, no significant differences were detected between the test foods (P>0.05). Both GI (Bisr: 54.6 +/- 15.2 vs. Tamr: 54.3 +/- 14.3) and GL (Bisr: 13.65 vs. Tamr: 13.58) were not significantly different between the test food items (P>0.05). Conclusion: Dried date fruits induce similar glycemic responses regardless of their maturity stage.