Health Benefits Of Dates

Dates are one of the most naturally sweet and healthy foods. Dates are fruits of the date palm tree, found mostly in the middle eastern countries or in the Persian Gulf. There are many different types of dates, having a different texture, taste and color. The unripe fruits are yellow or red in color and they become brown and shriveled on ripening. Dates can be consumed fresh or in the dried form. Most of the varieties have seeds in them, but we also get deseeded dates in the market. In this article we talk about the Health Benefits Of Dates.

Dates are used in many cuisines, especially in desserts, sweets and pastries. Due to the rich taste, flavor and health, dates can easily be included in our diets. Today, dates are grown in many parts of the world and are easily available in the market. Dates are rich in vitamins, energy, minerals, sugar and fiber. Further, dates contain calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium etc.

There are different types of dates and some of the more popular varieties are Barhi and Halawy (from Iraq), Medjool (from Morocco), Hayani (from Egypt), Deglet Noor (From Algeria) etc.

Health Benefits Of Dates

1. Dates help in promoting heart health.

Dates are rich in potassium which helps in boosting heart health. A regular consumption of dates (atleast twice a week) has shown to reduce the LDL cholesterol in the body. Dates are free of cholesterol and also do not add more weight. Due to its low cholesterol benefit and reduction in triglycerides, it helps in boosting heart health.

Further, potassium and magnesium present in dates help in regulating the blood pressure. It is also said that you can soak dates overnight and eat them the next day for improving heart health.

2. Dates improve the digestive health of the body.

Dates have both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps in maintaining good bowel movement that leads to healthy digestion. The amino acid present in dates helps in having good digestion. In order to get the best benefits, soak the dates before chewing them.

People suffering from constipation are encouraged to eat soaked dates overnight as it is a natural laxative if consumed in the right quantity. The nicotine present in dates helps in the growth of friendly bacteria, which helps in digestion.

3. Dates help in strengthening the bones.

Dates are rich in selenium, copper, magnesium and potassium, which is good for the bones. Eating dates regularly will help to keep the bones healthy and away from diseases like osteoporosis. As you age your bones start becoming weak and so it is important to enrich your diet with foods which boost the bone health.

4. Dates help in maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals, which helps in boosting the nervous system. Potassium present in dates helps in improving the alertness and the speed of the brain. As you age, your mind starts becoming sluggish. Dates are also low in sodium, which is also good for the nervous system. So the inclusion of dates in your diet will help the mind to become more alert.

5. Dates are good for anemia.

Dates are rich in iron, which helps in boosting the iron levels in the body. Anemia is caused by iron deficiency and the low quantity of red blood cells. The inclusion of dates in your normal diet will help in boosting the iron in the blood. Dates also help in increasing the strength and vitality of the body.

6. Dates help in giving relief against allergies.

Dates consist of organic sulfur, which helps in reducing the allergic reaction in the body. The inclusion of dates in the diet of people suffering from allergies is helpful in preventing these allergies.

7. Dates are good for the skin.

Dates are high in nutrition and vitamins, which are good for the skin. Some of the benefits of dates for the skin are listed below :

• Dates are loaded with flavonoids and vitamin C, which help to improve the elasticity of the skin.
• Dates also contain vitamins which help in preventing stretch marks.
• Dates are loaded with antioxidants which help in boosting anti-aging properties. Vitamin C present in dates helps in preventing wrinkles.

8. Dates are good for the hair.

Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are good for hair. Many people face hair loss, split ends or brittle hair due to the deficiency of vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of dates in your diet will help in keeping the hair healthy.

9. Dates help in treating night blindness.

Research has indicated that dates helps in reducing night blindness. It is good to include dates in your diet in order to have healthy eyes.

10. Dates help in having good dental health.

Dates contain fluorine which helps in removing plaque and preventing tooth decay. Further, it also helps in strengthening the tooth enamel.

Some of the tips for consuming dates are as follows –

• You can soak dates overnight and consume them the first thing in the morning.
• Add dates to your milk and blend it into thick milkshakes.
• It is good to break your fast by eating dates.
• Dates can be added to cakes, cookies and pastries in order to make them healthy.
• Dates paste or Chutney can be a good accompaniment alongwith the main course dishes.

These are some of the health benefits of dates. It is good to include dates in your regular diet. Eat dates in moderation as excess eating can lead to diarrhea.

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