Top 10 Health Benefits of Dates

Considered the oldest cultivated fruit in the world, fossil evidence indicates that dates go back at least 50 million years ago. Ancient cultures referred to date palms as “trees of life” and they remain a critical food source for nomadic people across the globe to this day. Dates offer remarkable levels of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins B5 and B6, copper, and potassium. Here are the Top 10 Health Benefits of Dates:

Super Nutritious

The nutritional value of dates is amazing and well-rounded. Three dates provide up to 200 calories! Most of these calories come from carbohydrates and the rest are from protein.

A 100 gram serving of dates is rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, and vitamin B6. Dates are also rich in fiber making them one of the healthiest fruits out there. Dates also contain a high amount of antioxidants. This aids your pulmonary and heart health as well as can help prevent cancers.

Neuro-Boost

Aside from its nutritional benefits, dates also aid brain health. Dates may help lower inflammatory markers that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. They have the ability to therapeutically combat oxidative stress in the brain and reduce amyloid beta-protein production. Amyloid beta proteins produce plaques that are highly dangerous and can lead to cell death. Resulting in many severe brain disorders.

Eating dates improves overall brain health as well. This includes better memory and learning capabilities. As well as the property to reduce anxiety disorders.

Lowers Blood Sugar

With its taste, dates can act as a natural sweetener. Dates contain fructose which gives it its caramel-like taste. Date paste can even be used as a healthy replacement for white sugar.

People suffering from diabetes also benefit from eating dates. It has been known to increase insulin production and reduce the rate of glucose absorption in the intestine. This in turn lowers blood glucose levels in the body. Helping those suffering from diabetes. Additionally, diabetics that were told to eat dates for a period of time showed improvement in various categories. Their glycemic levels and blood fat levels were controlled and their cholesterol was lowered. It is recommended that diabetics only eat 2-3 dates at a time.

May Aid with Fertility in Men

Modern statistics of infertility in men are concerning. It has become a common issue that many men struggle with. It’s caused by drinking, smoking, as well as extended exposure to electromagnetic energy. Dates can actually work to help alleviate this problem. They have been known to help increase sperm count because of their nutritious content. Flavonoids and other amino acids also aid in sexual drive and performance. In a study done on rats, it was shown that dates reduced signs of infertility.

Maintains Healthy Skin

Research hints that dates may also improve skin health. Various nutrients in dates make sure that your skin stays nourished. Vitamin C and vitamin D are abundant in dates and work to improve your skin’s elasticity. This also reduces the effects of aging. This leaves you looking younger for a longer period of time.

Dates can also improve the overall appearance of your skin as well make it brighter. Using creams containing dates as an active ingredient will definitely help in making your skin glow.

Can Help Facilitate Natural Labor

There are studies that show women that eat dates towards the end of their pregnancy have an easier time with natural labor. Eating dates in the last few weeks may promote cervical dilation. During pregnancy, compounds in dates bind to oxytocin receptors. Tannin mimics the effects of oxytocin in the body and causes labor contractions. Dates also provide the sugar and energy needed to power women through the labor process.

In one study, women that ate 6 dates a day for the last 4 weeks of their pregnancy, were more likely to have a natural birth and spend less time in labor. In another study, women that started eating dates at the 37th week spent an average of 4 hours less in labor.  

Improves Gut Health

Constipation and poor bowel movements are health issues that no one wants. Many deal with them by drinking laxatives or other medications. Healthy fiber in your diet is key to having a happy gut.

The fiber found in dates is great for your gut and intestines. Individuals in a study that ate dates for a period of time found it very beneficial. They not only used the bathroom without any discomfort but also experienced more frequent bowel movements. Additionally, after consuming dates for 14 days, the number of harmful stool chemicals known to damage cells and trigger cancers, reduced- such as the concentration of Ammonia.

Packed with Antioxidants

Compared to all dried fruits, dates have the highest concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent oxidation which then eliminates the free radicals that damage your body. Oxidation can harm both the structural and genetic integrity of your cells. Of the antioxidants in dates, the most potent are Flavonoids, Carotenoids, and Phenolic Acid. 

• Flavonoids are great for their anti-inflammatory properties. They have the potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancers.

• Carotenoids are known for their ability to protect the eyes by reducing macular degeneration. They also assist the body in maintaining good heart health by fighting various diseases.

• Phenolic Acid is also revered for its anti-inflammatory capabilities. It has the ability to not only reduce the risk of numerous heart diseases but also reduce the chances of many cancers. In properties, it is similar to Flavonoids.

Strengthens Bones

Individuals struggling with joint pains and arthritis should look into incorporating dates in their diets as well. Dates are great for improving bone health as well. Since they contain several minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, studies have shown they have the potential to prevent osteoporosis. Other micronutrients also help in fortifying bone integrity. 

As people get older their bones naturally become weaker, and become more prone to fractures. Consuming dates will definitely help in keeping your bones stronger and healthier in the long run.

Versatile Fruit

Dates can be consumed in numerous ways. It is a popular snack item that is eaten as is in many Asian countries, particularly those in the Middle East. During the Islamic month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world eat dates to open their fasts. The super fruit does a great job to replenish lost calories and energizes with its ample supply of carbs.

Smoothies, jams, and homemade protein bars are some of the many ways you can incorporate dates into your diet. Date paste is a great way alternative to sugar and can be used with a 1 to 1 ratio. Dates pack a strong punch in a small serving size and have different flavors depending on the kind of date.