Abstract
Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pits, by-products of date fruit processing industries, can provide many essential nutrients and potential health benefits to the human body. The chemical composition of date pits includes dietary fiber, fat, protein, minerals, sugar, antioxidants, and phytosterols. Nutritional and medicinal activities of date pits are related to their chemical composition. Many studies indicate that date pits have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, antiviral, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and gonadotropic activities. Date pits have shown a potential application in the food, fermentation, chemical, and feed industries. In this paper, we review chemical composition, nutritional and medicinal value, and the utilization of date pits.