Dates are chief ingredient in the cuisines of the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean. They are one of the world’s oldest cultivated sweet fruit from the date palm tree. Evidences show that dates have been cultivated since 6000 B.C.
They are oval and cylindrical in shape and having bright reddish or yellow colour when ripe. Each date contains a single seed. There are around 400 varieties of dates available in the market.
You can include dates in different ways in your diet like eating them as snacks, or sprinkling chopped dates in sweet dishes, puddings and cakes.
Along with being delicious, they are rich in several nutrients which provide immense health benefits. They are high in iron content and a good source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
In this article, we will discuss some of the important health benefits of eating dates every day.
Let’s begin!
Boosts Energy :
Dates are a good option for a quick supply of energy. The high content of natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose provide instant energy and revitalize the body whenever you need it. In addition, they are a source of potassium, a mineral your body needs to convert sugar into energy.
You can add chopped dates to morning cereal or smoothies for staying energetic throughout the day. The other option is to eat a few dates as an afternoon snack when you are feeling lethargic or sluggish.
Treats Anemia :
The most common cause of low hemoglobin levels is iron deficiency, which further causes anemia. Since dates are a rich source of iron they help produce hemoglobin and treat anemia. Along with this, the vitamin C of dates helps our body to absorb iron. A proper level of iron in the body is helpful in reducing feeling of fatigue and sluggishness. If you are an anemic patient, you must eat some dry dates along with a cup of warm milk.
Treats Constipation :
Due to their laxative effect, dates are helpful for people suffering from constipation. They are high in soluble fiber which further promotes healthy bowel movements and smooth passage of food through the intestinal tract.
How to Use Dates for Treating Constipation?
Take 8-10 dates, remove their seeds and soak in a glass of water overnight. Next morning, grind the dates along with the water till you get a syrup-like consistency. Drink this mixture on an empty stomach in routine to get relief from constipation.
Promotes Healthy Pregnancy :
Dates contain a good amount of nutrients which are helpful during pregnancy for both the mother and unborn baby. As discussed above, it relieves constipation, which is a common problem during pregnancy.
In addition, dates help strengthen uterine muscles thereby making the birth of the child easier. It is said that eating dates during late pregnancy reduce the need for induction and augmentation of labor. Hence, the pregnant ladies can eat 4-5 dates in routine as a healthy snack.
Relieves Arthritis Inflammation :
Dates have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both these help manage the two common symptoms of arthritis which are pain and inflammation in the joints.
In addition, the magnesium and potassium content help maintain bone strength and reduces the risk of arthritis. You can eat a handful of dates in routine or massage the affected area with warm date seed oil 2-3 times in a day.
Promotes Smooth Functioning of Nervous System :
The vitamin B of dates helps improve the functionality and health of the nervous system. When the nervous system is healthy, it helps all the parts of the body to communicate with each other properly. The potassium content of the dates regulates healthy nervous system and improves sleep and alertness of brain. In addition, the antioxidants present in dates fight free radicals, which in turn enhances your cognitive functioning.
Some Additional Tips: –
- Make sure to purchase dates in good packaging conditions.
- The best time to eat dates is when they are fresh, in season and rich in water content.
- For reaping the health benefits, you must opt for the dates of good quality. Buy fleshy and evenly colored dates and avoid the ones with artificial sugar coating on them.
- Before consuming dates wash them thoroughly
- Eat dates in moderate amount because the sugar content of ripe dates is 80 percent.
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