Dates are the sweet, chewy fruit of the date palm tree that is cultivated from the trees scientifically classified as Phoenix dactylifera. Dates are known as stone fruit that means it has a single seed surrounded by an outer fleshy fruit such as peaches, mangoes, olives, etc. Dates are a staple food of the Middle East for thousands of years and hold significant cultural and historical value. Muslims consider date palms and the fruit as a sacred entity and it is typically found in most dishes that are consumed during the fasting period of Ramadan. Fossil records have shown that date palms have existed for at least 50 million years although their exact place of origin is uncertain. It is widely believed that they originated from Egypt and Mesopotamia or they are native to the Persian Gulf area or West India. Dates are also a great source of incurring various health benefits so make sure to buy dates from an authentic place that sources them naturally. Some of the various health benefits that can be derived from dates are
1. Dates have an Excellent Nutrition Profile
Dates are a great source of energy, fiber, sugar, and various other vitamins and minerals. Since dates are dried, their calorie content is higher than most fresh fruits. The calorie content of dates is similar to that of other dried fruits such as raisins and figs. Essential minerals such as iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and sulfur can be found in them. They are also rich in vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K. So buy dates and incorporate them into your favourite dishes to get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body requires to lead a healthy life.
2. Boosts Brain Health
Scientific studies have suggested that dates are capable of protection against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. When plaques accumulate in the brain, they tend to disrupt communication between brain cells that can lead to the promotion of brain cell death and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Date palm trees are a good source of dietary fiber and are rich in total phenolics and natural oxidants such as anthocyanins, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, and caffeic acid.
The presence of all these polyphenolic compounds can potentially inhibit and slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Buy dates and add them to your favourite dishes to get a unique culinary flavour and to keep your brain healthy.
3. Offers Relief from Intestinal Disorders
Consumption of dates in moderate amounts can lead to gaining relief from intestinal disorders. Research has proven that date fruits contain soluble and insoluble fibers as well as several beneficial amino acids that stimulate the digestion of food and ensure easy passage of digested food through the gastrointestinal tract. The fiber content present in dates also aids in the treatment of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids. So buy dates and consume them in minimal amounts after meals to ease digestion and to gain relief from any intestinal disorders.
4. Helps in Improving Bone Health
Dates contain boron which is a nutrient that is essential in promoting healthy bones in one’s body. A significant amount of minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that are found in dry fruits makes them a superfood for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Organically pitted dates contain selenium, magnesium, copper, and manganese which are all helpful in managing bone health, particularly amongst older adults. Buy dates that are organically grown to help in improving bone health and maintaining bone health.
5. Offers Relief from Anemia
Dates are a good source of nutrients including iron. A deficiency of iron can contribute to anemia, a condition characterized by dizziness, fatigue, brittle nails, and shortness of breath. Increasing your intake of iron-rich foods such as dates may help provide relief from symptoms of this disease. So buy dates and incorporate them into your daily dishes to ensure that you get the required amount of iron inside your body for a fruitful life.
6. They are High in Disease Fighting Antioxidants
Dates are rich in various antioxidants that have a number of health benefits that can vastly reduce the risk of several diseases. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals which are unstable molecules that can cause negative reactions inside your body and make you more susceptible to diseases. Dates have high antioxidant content such as flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. They also contain antioxidants known as carotenoids which are proven to promote heart health and reduce the risk of eye-related disorders such as macular degeneration. Dates also contain phenolic acid which helps lower the risk of cancer and onset of cardiovascular diseases. So buy dates to gain all the antioxidants your body will ever need.
7. Promotes Natural Labour
Dates have been long studied and revered for their potential to promote and east labour in pregnant women. Consuming dates can help in promoting natural labour and also ease late-term labour for pregnant women. Eating dates throughout the last weeks of the pregnancy may promote cervical dilation and lower the need for induced labour. So buy dates and eat them in moderation if you are blessed with a child as they don’t have any adverse effects on the mother or the child and can ease the experience of giving birth.
8. Helps in Treating Chronic Diarrhea
According to several studies conducted by the scientific community, foods rich in potassium such as dates may help replace and replete electrolytes lost due to chronic diarrhea. Due to their high fiber content, they may also aid in digestion and alleviate the unpredictable nature of chronic diarrhea. So buy dates and consume them if you are experiencing chronic diarrhea.
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