What are the dates? What are the health benefits of eating dates? How many dates should I eat? Are dates healthy for pregnancy? I am diabetic, can I eat dates? Let’s answer all your queries here!
What are the dates?
In this article, we will mention some of the health benefits of eating dates, but let us first discuss what type of fruit are dates. Also known as the fruit of dessert, dates grow on the date palm tree which is found in most parts of the world such as Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Mexico, and the USA. The tall date trees have bunches of dates hanging on them. As they are ripe, they become brown and their moisture level reduces. A typical date has wrinkles on its outer side and is textured and sticky on the inner side. The dates have a sweet taste. There are a variety of dates available in the market, some specific to a region, some to their types. The most expensive date is Medjool, while the most famous one is Ajwa.
Now we know what dates are, let’s explore the health benefits of eating dates!
What are the health benefits of eating dates?
Without a doubt, the small-sized fruit is a power pack of nutrients and health benefits. The people of the Middle East incorporate it into their diet, while Muslims eat it as a sunnah. However, regardless of religion and region, there are enormous health benefits of dates. And thereby shall Date have to be a necessary part of your diet. Traditions say that the people of the Middle East in the past would at only a few dates for the whole day as they were struck by poverty. Thus, it is a complete source of energy. Dates are a rich source of antioxidants, such as carotenoids and phenolics. Along with fibers and essential fats and proteins. The dates are natural sweeteners.
10 Amazing health benefits of eating dates!
1. Lowers cholesterol
Dates should include in your diet as they can instantly reduce cholesterol and help to manage your weight. The amazing health benefits of eating dates is regulating cholesterol levels! People who are health conscious, have high cholesterol levels, or have a cholesterol history in the family can rely on dates to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body, given that they maintain a healthy lifestyle.
2. High level of Antioxidants
As I said, dates are a complete powerhouse. They are rich in antioxidants. The antioxidants help the cells fight off or protect from free radicals which is helpful in protecting the body against reactions and diseases. Dates have high levels of Carotenoids, an antioxidant that is very useful in maintaining heart health and reducing the eye-disorders. Flavonoids are also present in dates, which are antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidant named Phenolic acid is also abundantly present in dates which has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps in reducing exposure to certain cancers. It has also been found vital in protecting the heart.
3. Helps in strengthening bones
With high levels of copper, magnesium, and selenium, dates are found to help in strengthening the bones. Incorporating dates in the diet would mean improving bone health and reducing the risks of bone disorders. The dates are also rich in Vitamin K which is extremely good for the bone’s health. Dates are recommended for lactose-intolerant people and people with osteoporosis. As they are likely to suffer from fractures during an injury.
4. Improving the brain health
One of the best health benefits of eating dates is improving memory and improve the learning process. Each date contains choline and vitamin B that is very beneficial for the learning and memory process, especially in Alzheimer’s disease children. It also reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Improving the digestive health
With 8g of fibers, Dates are a rich source of natural fibers that help regulate digestive and gut health. Improved gut health is very important to maintain a healthy heart, liver, and kidney. Regular consumption of dates helps in reducing the issue of constipation and other digestive and stomach issues. The high fiber content of dates helps in nutrient absorption improves bowel movement and regulates digestion. Studies also find that gut health is important for healthy minds.
6. Acts as a detoxification agent
As dates are found to improve liver health, they are known as a detoxification agent. Eating dates regularly helps in reducing the risk of developing liver cirrhosis. It is one of the natural detoxification agents, which naturally supports liver functions.
7. Aids in Controlling diabetes
One of the most common diseases which is also known as a silent killer is diabetes mellitus. While diabetic patients rely either on medicines or insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, the dates are found fruitful in reducing blood sugar and fat levels. It aids in the production of insulin in the body and absorbs glucose.
8. Improves skin health
As dates have a high content of vitamins C and D, it helps in attaining fresh and healthy skin. Thus one of the best health benefits of eating dates is improving skin! They have anti-aging properties which help you in getting fresh and healthy skin.
(Read more about healthy and fresh skin)
9. Helps in losing weight
While any sweet thing would mean cheating on your diet and gaining weight, such is not true for dates. I recommend eating dates on an empty stomach just before the workout as a pre-workout snack. This will give a boost of energy, and allow you to burn extra fats. Also, they are rich in fiber thus aiding in high metabolism. The health benefits of eating dates is weight loss!
(If you are working out, here is a guide on pre and post-workout meals)
10. Fights back sleep disorders
If you are having sleep disorders and Insomnia, then you shall try having dates. One of the health benefits of dates is fighting sleeping disorders! A date shakes with fox nuts before bedtime acts as a natural and side-effect-free nerve relaxant and allows you to sleep peacefully. Dates are vital in improving heart rate, thus, aiding in relaxing the body.
Can everyone have dates? Health benefits of eating dates!
However, I will like to add that some people do develop allergies against date. If you develop swelling, teary eyes, coughing and sneezing by eating dates, consult a doctor. Otherwise, dates are equally beneficial for children, young and adults. I would suggest a date shake or pitted dates for kids. Also, dates are beneficial for pregnant women. Traditions say that it aids in natural births. Dates are also beneficial for lactating mothers!
