Dates

Dates are one of the ancient fruits that their cultivation traces back to around 8,000 years ago.

Dates are such a holy fruit in the Middle East, so much that the date palm is regarded as the “Tree of Life”.

Date flesh is found to be low in fat and protein but rich in sugars, mainly fructose and glucose. It is a high source of energy, as 100 g of flesh can provide an average of 314 kcal.

Dates are high in dietary fiber and contain ten minerals, the major being selenium, copper, potassium, and magnesium.

Vitamins B-complex and C are the major vitamins in dates.

Dates are a good source of antioxidants, mainly carotenoids and phenolics. Date seeds also contain good amounts of protein, fats, antioxidants and dietary fiber.

You can click here to read more about the nutritional value of dates.

This detailed information on Nutritional value of dates will enhance our knowledge and appreciation for the use of dates in our daily diet as a functional food ingredient.

Here are 10 impressive health benefits of Dates

Cures Anemia

Anemia is characterized by unusually low quantity of red blood cells in the human body and is caused by the deficiency of iron. Dates contain an impressive level of iron which makes them the perfect home remedy for treating iron deficiency.

Treatment of Diarrhea

Dates are effective in treating diarrhea as they contain potassium which helps in managing looseness of the intestine.

Bone Health

Dates are useful in strengthening bones and curing painful diseases like osteoporosis. Minerals such as selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium found in Dates greatly contribute to healthy bone development and strength.

Maintains Healthy Nervous System

Dates are a good source of vitamins which enhance the health and functionality of the human nervous system. The abundant potassium content of Dates also works to increase the speed and alertness of the brain

Treatment of Allergies

Dates contain organic sulfur, which is rarely found in other foods. Organic sulfur has several health benefits, which include reduction of allergic reactions and seasonal allergies.

Dental Health

Dates contain fluorine, an important chemical element that inhibits tooth decay by removing plaque as well as strengthening the tooth enamel.

Good for heart

Dates are a rich source of potassium which has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart diseases. They prevent heart disease, heart attack and stroke by reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the body.

Maintenance of Healthy Skin

Dates are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids, which can improve the elasticity of the skin and enrich the subcutaneous tissues, thus making skin tender and smooth.

Anti-ageing Benefits

Dates are a rich source of antioxidants, which can effectively counter the harmful free radicals in the body, thus preventing premature ageing of skin. Vitamin C, in particular, helps to decrease the occurrence of wrinkles by resisting oxidation and preventing the accumulation of melanin inside the human body.

Healthy Hair

Dates are abundant in vitamins, particularly vitamin B5, which is vital for the maintenance of healthy hair. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause hair problems like hair loss, brittle hair and split ends. Consumption of Dates can help minimize these problems.

Types of dates

There are so many varieties of dates with different shapes, flavors and Colors , however, all of them are the same in nutrition. Each type is also graded based on size and uniformity.

Popular types of dates are: