Dates have been known for their healing properties since they were first discovered thousands of years ago. Dates provide a number of health benefits, including raising energy, increasing iron levels in the body, and assisting digestion.
Dates are popular all around the world because they are high in numerous nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants. Because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor characteristics, these dried fruits may be useful in treating a variety of ailments.
So, before we go any farther, let’s get a better understanding of dates.
What exactly are dates?
Dates are tropical fruits that are grown on palm plants called date palms. Phoenix Dactylifera is the scientific name for one of the world’s healthiest fruits. Dates are a type of dry fruit that has long been a part of West Asian culture.
Dates contain a lot of natural sugar in them. Dates in their dry form have more calories than dates in their fresh form. Dates’ appeal stems from their high calorie content, which provides energy throughout the day.
Dates can be traced all the way back to about 5320 BC. For populations in the Middle East and North Africa, the fruit is a staple.
Mainly cultivated in these regions, dates are highly beneficial due to the innate composition of macronutrients and many other healthy elements.
The need for dates to be included in your diet will form a long list. Its highly beneficial advantages can be harnessed by introducing it into your diet.
Muslims consider date palms and dates sacred, and throughout the religious fasting period of Ramadan, these dried fruits are a common ingredient in the diet. Each date can be about 60 to 70 percent sugar and a high amount of fiber. It is also high in iron and may help in fighting anemia.
Dates are now popular all over the world and are used as a natural sweetener in smoothies, juices, nutrition bars, and baked products like cakes and muffins. Now let’s discuss some of the proven health benefits of dates.
Health Benefits of Dates:
1. Dates are Highly Nutritious:
The nutrition data of dates are really off the charts. The fruits are packed with a lot of essential vitamins and other nutrients that can be extremely helpful to your overall health. Dates are also rich in fiber and carbs which without a doubt makes it one of the healthiest dry fruits.
2. High Concentration of Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are basically compounds that inhibit the process of oxidation and thereby eliminate the dangerous free radicals which can cause a lot of harm to your cells. Oxidation can be very dangerous as it can be very harmful to the structural and genetic integrity of your cells.
Dates are known for their high concentration of antioxidants. When compared to other dried fruits in the same category, dates tops the chart with the highest concentration of antioxidants. The need for antioxidants in your daily diet cannot be stressed more. Dates are rich in antioxidants including:
Carotenoids: Carotenoids are known for their ability to significantly reduce the chances of macular degeneration which can be highly dangerous to your ocular well-being. Carotenoids are also known for their ability to work wonders for your heart. Cardiac health is one of the most pressing issues in today’s health scenario and the use of dates can help in promoting better heart health.
Flavonoids: This is an antioxidant that can benefit your body by helping with multiple issues. Flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their high affinity in helping to reduce the effects of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Flavonoids are also beneficial to your brain and work a lot towards the reduction of the risk for brain degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. There are also indications that prove that Flavonoids can also help in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer too.
Phenolic Acid: Phenolic acid is a much-discussed antioxidant mainly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has got a very good history in reducing the risk of developing cardiac issues and also works a lot in reducing the chances of being inflicted by certain types of cancer.
3. Promotes Bone Health:
Dates are highly rich in micronutrients such as selenium, manganese, magnesium, and copper. These micronutrients help in the development of your bone health.
Dates can be one of the most important supplements to your diet if you are suffering from bone problems. The micronutrients in dates are also highly effective in treating bone conditions such as osteoporosis. So, it’s highly advisable that you include dates as a part of your diet for healthier bones.
4. Improves Your Skin:
Dates are a very good alternative to harmful chemicals found in skincare products. The high concentration of vitamin C and vitamin D in dates ensures that your skin receives all the nourishment required for healthy glowing skin. Vitamin C & D work for the improvement of your skin’s elasticity which is very hard to maintain as you age.
The nutrients present in dates are also helpful in preventing faster aging and help you look young for a longer period of time. Dates are also useful in maintaining a healthy balance of melanin in your skin by reducing the chances of it being deposited in various locations.
5. Reduces the Rate of Hair Loss:
Dates are a very good substitute for many over-the-counter medications that claim to stop hair fall. Dates are extremely rich in iron which makes them extremely beneficial for your hair.
The increased iron content in dates ensures that the blood flow remains strong and the scalp gets the nourishment it deserves. The increased flow of oxygen to your scalp will facilitate the growth of new hair and also reduce the rate of hair fall by a great margin.
6. Reduces Risk of Cancer:
In-depth research on dates has discovered that the presence of a molecule called beta D-glucan in dates is beneficial in increasing anti-tumor activity in the body.
Dates have a high content of antioxidants, which helps to limit the activities of free radicals (elements that might cause cancer) and thus lowers the risk of cancer. Date consumption on a daily basis can considerably lower the risk of cancer as well as the incidence of benign tumours.
