Dates are a basic ingredient in the cuisines of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. They are the sweet fruit of the palm of the dates and one of the oldest cultivated fruits of the world. Evidence shows that they have been cultivated since 6000 BC.
The dates are oval and cylindrical in shape and have a bright red to bright yellow color when ripe. Each date contains a single seed. There are about 400 varieties of dates available on the market.
You can include dates in different ways in your diet. You can eat them as snacks or sprinkle the chopped dates on sweet dishes, cakes and desserts. Along with being tasty and delicious, they are rich in various nutrients that provide immense health benefits. Dates are high in iron content. They are also a good source of potassium, protein, dietary fiber, calcium, B vitamins as well as vitamins A and C.
Other minerals are copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc. They also possess anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic properties.
NOTE: Diabetics should avoid consuming dates.
The sugar content of mature dates is about 80 percent and the quality of the dates depends on the content of glucose, fructose and sucrose.
Because of this sugar content, it is recommended to eat dates in moderation. You only need a handful every day to enjoy the health benefits.
11 HEALTH BENEFITS OF DATES
Dates are undoubtedly one of the healthiest fruits on the planet and offer numerous health benefits including:
1.Dates improve digestion
Dates are rich in fiber and therefore aid in digestion, but are also high in many other nutrients, and treat various ailments. They treat heart problems, prevent strokes, regulate cholesterol levels and prevent cancer.
Thus, they suppress the appetite, and the sugar they contain can be a substitute for white sugar.
2. Dates are rich in iron
They are a rich source of iron and therefore serve to treat anemia. 100 grams of dates provide 0.90 g of iron or 11% of the recommended daily intake. Iron also improves the flow of oxygen to the brain.
3. Help to prevent heart attacks
The high content of potassium protects the nervous system, and at sufficient levels, reduces the risk of stroke by 40%.
4. Food for the brain
Dates are rich in phosphorus that supports brain function.
Continue Reading On Next Page (>) …