Dates commonly called “Khajoor” are delicious, humble-looking fruits having an excellent nutritional profile and offer surplus health benefits. One can differentiate whether dates are dry or fresh based on their skin. A smooth skin date means they are fresh, whereas a wrinkled skin implies they are dry. These are chewable and small in size with a sweet flavor. One can harness the benefits of dates by introducing them into your diet plan. In this article, we will share some essential benefits of dates and the impact they have on your health.
- Highly Nutritious in Nature
Being a dried fruit, dates have a lot of nutritional value. Their servings provide good enough calories, carbs, proteins, iron, potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, and Vitamin B6. Apart from these dates are also rich in fiber and high in antioxidants. The essential nutrients present in the ingredient provide health benefits from improving digestion to a reduced risk of disease. It comprises a high content of natural sugars and higher calorie content.
- An Excellent Substitute for White Sugar
Being naturally sweet and chewy these can be enjoyed on their own. At the same time, they are used in desserts as an alternative to sugar. Swap in dates for sugars for sweet taste, nutrients, fiber and antioxidants.
- Prevent Constipation
Dates promote regular bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool due to their high fiber content. Thus, helps prevent constipation and also keeps the intestinal tract clear. Adding it to your diet will enhance frequent stool production and can aid you in having a better lifestyle.
- Prevents Weight Gain
Packed with nutrients and full of fiber, dates are the best to satiate your sweet tooth as well as keep your hunger pangs at bay. This keeps a check on unwanted munching of snacks and thus prevents you from gaining weight.
- Controls Blood Sugar
Though it may sound weird that a fruit that is sweet in itself might help in controlling sugar levels but that’s true. Fiber tends to slow down the process of digestion as a result of which blood sugar levels do not spike too high after meals. Being rich in fiber dates have a low glycemic index (GI) and are thus beneficial for blood sugar control.
- Promote brain health
The antioxidants in the dates help in lowering the inflammation thus reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. Moreover, dates also prevent the formation of plaques responsible for brain cell death and Alzheimer’s disease. Further improves brain functioning and boosts memory and learning.
- Prevents the development of chronic diseases
Dates are full of antioxidants of which Flavonoids, carotenoids, and Phenolic Acid have proven to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as Cancer Alzheimer’s, Heart disease, eye-related disorders, and diabetes. All this is due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Assumed to promote Natural Labor
Studies have shown considerable cases where the consumption of dates during the last few weeks of pregnancy might have promoted or eased natural labor. Though, more research is needed to come to some conclusion. However, there’s no doubt that being a rich source of natural sugar and calories, dates help maintain energy levels during labor. Also, the intake of these fruits during the last few weeks of pregnancy might promote cervical dilation and lower the need for induced labor.
- Good for bone health
Dates contain lots of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Thus they are promising enough to have the potential to be good for bone health and also be able to prevent bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis. Though much research is needed in this respect.
- Prevents against Microbial Infections
Bacterial infections can be harmful for the body and too costly to treat. In medical science currently most of the microbial infections are treated through antibiotics. This mode of treatment may also have side effects. To come up with a better natural solution, naturopaths recommend extracts from the pits and leaves of date. Studies reveal that dates had active resistance against these harmful bacteria. There are many additional fruits as well that have defensive capabilities to fight back microbial infections.
- Home Remedy for Diabetic Patients
A large population suffers from mild and severe diabetes due to excessive consumption of unhealthy food or a diet plan with high calories and sugar. One needs to take proper care of their diet to balance sugar level in the body. Dates intake helps enhance the production level of insulin in the body. Also, it helps reduce the absorption rate of glucose from the intestine. Diabetes mostly happens due to the lack of insulin in the body. Adding the natural ingredient to your diet plan will help reduce the effects of diabetes.
- Can help Protect Kidneys
Kidney issues and failure is getting common nowadays. Most people face discomfort or failure due to health issues. To keep your kidney, stay healthy, add dates to your diet chart. Consult with a naturopath and book diet therapy sessions with an expert who can guide you over additional fruits that can help benefit your kidney.
- Good for Nervous System
Nutrients play a crucial role in keeping you healthy and avoiding neurological problems. To maintain the nervous network and its smooth functioning, consume dates frequently. The highly nutritious nature of the fruit comprises of very low levels of sodium which is your good for your neurological health. Further, it reduces hypertension and can keep one healthy in the long run.
- Improves Your Skin
Eating healthy food can be highly beneficial for your skin. There are many fruits and vegetables that leave a lasting result on the skin and help make your skin tone inconsistent in the long run. Dates is one such fruit that comprises of high concentrations of vitamin C and vitamin D good for your skin. Sufficient nutrient intake in the body keeps your skin well-nourished and glowing. Further, it also helps maintain balance of melanin in your skin.
- Reduces Hair Loss
Dates are a great alternative to stop hair fall in comparison to the cosmetic products found online or in the market. Many people undergo stress or depression due to excessive hair loss. Well! the only solution to keep your hair strong and healthy is to maintain a proper diet. Add Dates to your diet chart and notice the change with time.
Dates versatile nature makes it easily consumable. Enjoy all the benefit of dates and add more nutritional value to your diet without even realizing you are consuming dates. The natural fruit is highly beneficial for your skin and health. Get more tips on the health benefits of natural ingredients. Subscribe to our newsletters for nutritional advice and naturopathy counseling sessions online.