Date ( <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i> L.) Fruit as a Functional Food for Enhancing Athletic Performance and Recovery: A New Perspective

ABSTRACT Nutrition plays a crucial role in optimal athletic performance, taking into account hydration techniques, glycogen storage, and carbohydrate sources. Date fruit is a nutrient‐dense, functional food that offers several benefits for athletes. This review discusses dates' chemical composition and potential benefits in replenishing glycogen stores, preventing hypoglycemia, and supporting the central nervous system. These include carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and carotenoids. Dates that are better than other diet options in terms of nutrient density and functional benefits would be presented and applied in sports nutrition products, such as energy bars. The application of dehydrated fruits and their phytochemical profiles for performance improvement and recovery will also be addressed. Helpful recommendations touch on the timing of meals, how fruits should be taken, and dispelling myths surrounding natural sugar sources. According to investigations, an athlete's consumption of date fruits offers both short‐term and long‐term health benefits, and it has been proven to be an important supplement to current sports nutrition strategies.