Health Benefits of Dates
The health benefits of dates are not only vital but also amazing for your body from head to toe. There are more than 200 varieties of dates. Medjool is the hardest form of date to grow and yet the most expensive one. Dates are the fruit of date palm tree, which is widely popular throughout the world. Dates have earned quite a fame over the recent years due to its exposed nutritious and health benefits. Researchers are keen to find what else is hidden in this little fruit. They are usually of two kinds: dried which are wrinkled or fresh which have smooth skin. They have a high content of some important nutrients and also rich in their flavors. They have a variety of advantages and uses which are listed as follow:
1.Highly Nutritious
The nutritious profile of dates is highly rich. Since dates are dried fruit, the calorie content in them is rich as compared to most fresh fruits. However, it is quite similar to other dried fruits such as raisins and figs.
Most of the calorie content comes from carbs while the rest is a small number of proteins along with vitamins and minerals in addition to a significant amount of fiber. The nutrients found in 100 grams of dates are as follow:
- Calories: 277
- Carbs: 75 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Potassium: 20% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 14% of the RDI
- Copper: 18% of the RDI
- Manganese: 15% of the RDI
- Iron: 5% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 12% of the RDI
Also, antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body. They are as immunizing agents too. Since they are very high in calories so they should be taken in optimum quantities.
2.High in Fiber
Getting enough fiber throughout the day is most important for your overall health. Including dates in your everyday diet is a great boost for your daily fiber intake.
What is fiber important for? It is commonly known, “Constipation is the mother of all diseases.” Thus, fiber kills constipation. It promotes regular bowel movements and helps in the formation of stool. So, it aids to develop a great digestive system.
The fiber in dates is also beneficial for keeping control of blood sugar. They do so by slowing the process of digestion and preventing the sugar levels from shooting too high. They have a low glycemic index which measures how quickly your blood sugar level rises after eating a certain food.
3.Rich in Disease-Fighting Antioxidants
Antioxidants are also of various kinds and most of which are found in dates alone. It reduces the risk of several chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that cause harmful reactions in the body and lead to lethal diseases.
Some of the most potent antioxidants in dates are:
- Flavonoids: They are the most potent ones that may help to reduce inflammation and is associated with reducing the risks of cancer, Alzheimer and diabetes.
- Carotenoids: They help to promote heart health and reduces the hazards of eye-related disorders, such as macular degeneration.
- Phenolic acid: It is highly known for its anti-inflammatory properties and lower the risks of various cancers and heart diseases as well.
4.Promotes Brain Health
One of the most prominent functions of dates is to improve brain functioning by lowering the inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6, specific for the brain. High levels of IL-6 are associated with a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
It reduces the activity of amyloid beta proteins, which can form plaques in the brain. When plaques form, they block the communication between brain cells. It ultimately leads to cell death or Alzheimer’s diseases in which brain cells degenerate.
Also, it boosts memory and improves learning ability. Eating dates to an optimal level helps to regulate the mood swings and anxiety levels.
5.Enhances Sexual Health
An Indian study proved that date palm pollen is very useful in traditional medicines which enhance male fertility. It ensures better sexual health and normal intercourse. It helps to regulate disorders such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, arousal difficulties, orgasmic disorder (both in men and women), etc.
6.Reduces the chances of Intestinal Disorders
Dates, being high in potassium and other minerals is best known when facing an intestinal disorder, especially for diarrhea. It improves the condition by smoothening the bowel movements and helps relieve the pain.
It can reduce the development of colorectal cancer. Actually, the consumption of dates provides a habitat in which beneficial bacteria grow in the gut, thus promoting colon health.
7.Promote Weight Gain
Good news for those who have been insanely searching artificial remedies to gain weight. Dates provide an easy and healthy way to help gain weight, yet a cheaper source. It could be the best addition to your diet if you are looking to put on some healthy weight.
According to a study conducted on lambs, who were fed ground date seeds, it was observed that they gained weight to as much as 30%. Well, more research is required in this field with regard to humans.
8.Benefits for Skin
Dates are a rich source of Vitamin C and D that works great when it comes to skin care. It improves skin elasticity in the long run. It brings great anti-aging effects which you will soon observe if you add dates to your diet. They prevent the accumulation of melanin in your body which otherwise may out-rule your skin.
Date palm kernel extract is basically rich in phytohormones which counter the effects of hormones that start dominating as you grow older. They also combat wrinkles and bring back the glow of your actual skin.
9.Aid in Anemia Treatment
Dates contain Iron which is an essential component of hemoglobin. It is essential to maintain the optimum level of hemoglobin in the body for blood formation. Otherwise, a person may get prone to a deadly disease like anemia. A date can be the best option if you are low on hemoglobin in your blood.
10.Prevent Hair Fall
Coming to hair, the dates are equally effective as much as to the rest of the body. Being rich in iron, it promotes blood regulation and circulation to all parts of the body. Better blood circulation in the scalp region means less hair fall. This happens as oxygen is properly distributed to all parts of the body, even to the scalp. Thus, it stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss too.