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What are the Health Benefits of Dates?

What are the Health Benefits of Dates?

In this article, we will discuss Dates's health benefits. We will also discuss some common questions related to Dates.

What is Dates?

Dates are nutritious fruits from palm trees grown in tropical regions of the world. A person can consume dates dried or fresh based on availability and appearance as the dried ones are wrinkled and the fresh ones are smooth. Dates contain all important nutrients with selenium, potassium, copper and magnesium being the important ones. 100 g daily consumption of dates can provide 15% of daily allowance. Important vitamins like B-complex and C are also present in the dates which makes dates a perfect nutritional fruit. There are various varieties of dates, medjool and deglet noor dates are commonly consumed.

What are the Health Benefits of Dates?

Dates have been widely used as a nutritional substance for a long time because it contains a balance of all important nutrients required for good health. Here are some of the health benefits of Dates:

High in Nutrition

Dates are liked and consumed because of their high value in nutrition compared to other fruits. Dates are usually consumed as dried fruit so the fruit has more concentrated nutrients with high value. Dates contain all important nutritional components like carbs, proteins, dates, vitamins, fibres etc. in good quantity. Following is the percentage of different nutritional components of dates

Component

Concentration

Calories

277

Carbs

75 grams

Fibre

7 grams

Protein

2 grams

Potassium

15% DV

Magnesium

13% DV

Copper

40% DV

Iron

13% DV

Iron

5% DV

Vitamin B6

15% DV

*DV: Daily Value

High Antioxidants for disease-fighting

Dates are good sources of antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, phenolic acids etc. which help to fight diseases and improve the health of the person. Antioxidant property also acts as antiaging molecules that neutralise the free radicals responsible for ageing created from metabolic activities. 

Boosts Immunity

Dates have been effective in frightening the seasonal flu and other common diseases like colds, respiratory viruses etc. Studies have shown that people consuming Dates have more antibody responses and stronger immune responses to diseases. Fresh Dates are more effective in boosting immunity and fighting against cough, cold and other seasonal infections. However, more research and studies can unlock more benefits of Dates.

Improves Brain Functioning:

Studies have shown that eating dates help in reducing the inflammatory markers i.e., interleukin 6 (IL6). This marker is associated with neurodegenerative disorders of the brain like Alzheimer’s disease. Dates help to reduce these markers and improve brain health by controlling the inflammatory markers in the body. 

Natural Sweeteners

Dates are naturally a good source of fructose, a natural sugar present in fruits. Dates are very sweet and caramel-like taste which makes them the perfect sweeteners. People having issues with sugar consumption or even healthy people can replace the white sugar with the dates. Dates along with their sweet taste contain all important nutrients and antioxidants, which give various benefits along with being a replacement for sugar. The best way is to make a paste and use in place of sweeteners to get the taste and health benefits.

Other Benefits of the Dates Include:

  • Lowering cancer risk
  • Weight management
  • Keeps mouth Healthy
  • Eases period pains
  • Bone health
  • Blood sugar level
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Improves mental health etc.

Which Test Should Be Taken Regularly?

A person should take regular health tests to be aware of the internal health of the body. Early awareness keeps the person alert and can take early measures to avoid any damage. Here is the list of tests, a person can look to take: 

Conclusion

Dates are nutritious fruits from palm trees grown in tropical regions of the world. A person can consume dates dried or fresh based on availability and appearance as the dried ones are wrinkled and the fresh ones are smooth. Dates contain all important nutrients with selenium, potassium, copper and magnesium being the important ones. Various benefits of Dates include boosted immunity, brain health, natural sweeteners, nutritional value, antioxidant activity, prevents cancer, regulates sugar levels etc. A person can remain updated on health issues by going for regular checkups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is Dates?

Dates are nutritious fruits from palm trees grown in tropical regions of the world. A person can consume dates dried or fresh based on availability and appearance as the dried ones are wrinkled and the fresh ones are smooth. Dates contain all important nutrients with selenium, potassium, copper and magnesium being the important ones. 

What are the benefits of Dates?

Various benefits of Dates include boosted immunity, brain health, natural sweeteners, nutritional value, antioxidant activity, prevents cancer, regulates sugar levels etc. 

What are the various side effects of Dates?

Dates in excess usage cause abdominal issues, weight gain, increased sugar levels, skin rashes etc.

Can I take Dates during diabetes?

Yes, you can take Dates during diabetes in limited quantity, Dates have a natural tendency to regulate blood sugar.

Does Dates expire?

Yes, Dates can expire depending on the packaging and storage conditions.

Can we feed babies with Dates?

Yes, we can feed older babies with dates older than 6 months.

Can I take Dates with other medications?

Yes, you can take but it is better to consult your doctor because some medications may have interaction.