Dates are the sweet and chewy fruit of the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera). Dates have been the staple food of the Middle East for thousands of years. They are low in fat and protein but rich in sugars, mainly fructose and glucose. They are a high source of energy.
Dates are packed with lots of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals and are cholesterol-free, gluten-free, and fat-free. Date seeds contain higher protein and fat as compared to the flesh. It is also high in dietary fibre, phenolics (antiseptic and disinfectant in nature), and antioxidants (compounds that protect your cells from the damage caused by free radicals).
Read on to learn more about the health benefits of dates.
7 Health Benefits of Dates
1. Good Source of Energy And Highly Nutritious
Dates are a powerhouse of nutrition. They contain B vitamins, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and manganese. They are not just loaded with sugar or empty calories, they are an excellent source of energy as well.
2. High in Antioxidants
Dates can be a good source of antioxidants, mainly carotenoids (any of a class of mainly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments) and phenolics. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may cause harmful reactions in your body and lead to disease.
3. Help in Digestion And Are An Excellent Source of Fibre
Dates are high in fibre. Three dates can provide about 18% of your daily goal for fibre, which helps in good digestive function. Fibre can benefit your digestive health by preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements by contributing to the formation of stool.
4. Improves Bone Health
Dates can prevent potential bone-related disorders like osteoporosis (a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle) as they contain several minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
5. Lower Cholesterol
Dates are rich in potassium, which reduces the risk of stroke and other heart-related problems. They also have properties to reduce LDL cholesterol (also called bad cholesterol).
6. Maintain Healthy Skin And Hair
Dates can increase skin elasticity as they are abundant in vitamin C and D, which boost collagen (the main structural protein in your body) production. They are also extremely rich in antioxidants, especially tannins, which prevent cell damage and oxidation and help reduce inflammation.
Dates can improve blood circulation to the scalp as they are rich in iron, leading to faster hair growth. They can also strengthen the hair follicles and hair roots, and prevent breakage and hair loss.
7. Provide Relief from Anaemia
Dates provide ample sources of iron that increase haemoglobin levels in the blood. According to research, dates can increase the amount of iron absorption and help improve iron deficiency anaemia (a condition in which your blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells).
There are multiple ways to add dates to your diet. Dates are often regarded as desserts because of their sweetness, but they can be eaten at any time. Add dates to your diet and make your meals nutritious and delicious.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.