Benefits Of Dates On Health And Morale: What Are They?

Let's face it, we don't think enough about buying dates. However, it is believed that a daily consumption of 3 organic dates per day relieves several health problems such as anemia and chronic diseases, certain cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, etc. Sweet but healthy, these exotic fruits (which you soon won't be able to live without) promise to change your life. Focus on all the benefits of dates, known and unknown, that will convince you to add them to your menu!

Consumption and benefits of dates: what is happening in your body?

Cultivated for 8000 years and originating in the Middle East, dates are also known under the name of “bread of the desert”. A rare plant that has the power to survive in the extreme climate of desert areas, the date palm has always been an important source of energy for the nomadic peoples who reside there. Traditionally widely consumed during Ramadan and during Iftar (the meal for breaking the fast), these fruits of the sun are packed with energy. However, they have many other assets, sometimes unsuspected to discover.

What are the nutritional benefits of dates?

After figs, dates are the fruits richest in fiber, with almost 8%. Perfect for stimulating intestinal transit, “desert bread” is also a good source of iron and magnesium, (two essential minerals for vegetarians and vegan mothers). The potassium they contain promotes good acid-base balance in the body as well as muscle contraction. For their richness in available sugar, they are particularly useful for athletes performing intense and more prolonged efforts.

Daily amount not to be exceeded

Like all dried fruits, dry dates have a high carbohydrate content (1 date = 1 lump of sugar), which makes them a great alternative to chocolate and sugar. Because of their too high glycemic index, it is necessary to avoid consuming more than 3 of them per day in order not to promote the storage and the cravings. Otherwise, you can always slip them into your chestnut cake, your morning smoothie, a meat meal or simply in your pot of yogurt instead of sugar.

8 health and morale benefits of dates

As already mentioned, dry dates are very nutritious. Thus, 1 kg of dates provide about 3,000 calories. This is why they are a useful snack and very popular with many athletes who need “fuel” for their muscles. However, this is not their only virtue. Dried dates also help …

Prevent the risk of stroke

Rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, dates are very beneficial for the nervous system. They lower blood pressure, thus preventing strokes. In fact, an intake of 400 mg of potassium per day goes a long way in reducing the risk of cerebrovascular disease.

Keep the heart healthy

It is well known that dates cleanse the blood vessels by preventing the formation of clots in the blood and by regulating cholesterol. Soaked in water and eaten on an empty stomach in the morning, dates are good for the heart and promote weight loss.

Prevent anemia

As already said, dates are packed with iron, a very useful nutrient for people with anemia, vegetarians, pregnant women and children. 100 g of dry dates contain approximately 0.9 mg of iron, an amount essential for red blood cells and hemoglobin which stimulates the flow of oxygen in the blood. According to some research, pregnant women who consume dates during the last 4 weeks of their pregnancy have easier and less painful deliveries.

Promote intestinal transit and relieve digestive disorders

Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting or other digestive problem, dates are your best allies! Made up of insoluble fiber, they play an important role in bowel regularity. In fact, they increase the volume and weight of the stool, thus facilitating their evacuation. They also reduce the risk of cancer of the abdomen, while being an effective and 100% natural remedy against hemorrhoids.

Strengthen the immune system

A true mine of benefits, dates are composed of several essential nutrients and vitamins. It includes vitamins C, E, B2 and B3, but also A1, B1, B5, B6 and K. Focus on vitamin B6 which allows the body to strengthen its immune system against viruses, bacteria, toxins and parasites. It also helps to keep morale because it plays an important role in the manufacture of hormones (serotonin, adrenaline, etc.).

Make it look younger

Mentioned in our article on anti-aging foods, fresh dates are a real mine of antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These exotic fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and vitamin P, which are very beneficial for the elasticity of the skin. They even enrich the subcutaneous tissue making the face softer and smoother. Dates, especially in the form of essential oil, also contain antimicrobial properties, ideal for the treatment of certain skin problems.

Boost libido

Given that they are a great source of energy, it is not surprising that dates were used extensively in previous centuries as an aphrodisiac.

Dry or fresh dates? How to choose them well?

If there are dozens or even hundreds of varieties of dates, on our stalls, there are only two:

• Deglet-Nour from Tunisia and Algeria - highly prized for its tender flesh and sweet taste
• Medjoul, originally from Jordan and Israel - more expensive, sweeter and rarer

Prefer soft and shiny dry dates. So that they are not coated with glucose syrup, pay attention to the labels. Choose them natural and organic! As for fresh dates, they are rich in water and low in sugar, but less concentrated in minerals.