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The Sweet Benefits of Dates

Benefits of Dates
Natural products make a great remedy as they are affordable and easy to access. Dates, chewy and sweet dried fruits of the date palm tree, grown in tropical regions worldwide, and have been commonly used in the Middle East for thousands of years. 
You can enjoy these healthy, sweet snacks anytime, anywhere. They are not only a delicious treat but also a healthy substitute for white sugar in desserts. Date sugar or syrup can also be used in many dishes acting as a natural sweetener to enrich its flavor. Dates are known for their subtle caramel-like taste, texture, nutritional value, and countless health gains, but how do these fruits specifically affect our health? Let's learn more about the benefits of dates to our health.
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Health Benefits of Dates

Dried dates are higher in calories than most fresh fruits. They also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and a significant amount of fiber, making them valuable for a healthy diet and the treatment of various diseases. Let’s explore in depth some of the health benefits of dates:

Boosting Brain Health

Eating dates helps improve brain function due to their antioxidants known to lower inflammation and prevent plaque buildup in the brain, which can ultimately lead to brain cell death. Studies have found that consuming dates not only improves memory and learning but also helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety.

Promote Healthy Bowel Movement

Dates are rich in fiber, which supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, preventing constipation. Additionally, the fiber in dates helps detoxify and cleanse the colon.

Strengthen Bones

Dates are rich in minerals like selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, which support bone development, strength and preserve bone mass as we age. 

Control Blood Sugar Levels

Studies suggest that eating dates may improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in diabetics. They slow glucose absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes. 

Increase Male Fertility

Dates contain amino acids and hormones that boost stamina, support the male reproductive system, improve sperm count, motility, and fertility. They also help treat male impotence and erectile dysfunction.
Dates are among the dried fruits with the highest levels of antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative damage. Rich in carotenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids, they play a role in lowering the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

Benefits of Dates for Women

There are multiple benefits of dates for women, as they have the ability to ease late-term labor in pregnant women. Eating these fruits during the last few weeks of pregnancy may promote cervical dilation, lower the need for induced labor and help ease contractions. They may also reduce labor time. As dates are a good source of natural sugars and carbohydrates, they tend to boost energy levels during labor. The role dates play in pregnancy is mostly due to their oxytocin hormone which causes contractions during childbirth.

Types of Dates

Types of Dates
Dates are available in many varieties which differ in size, appearance and taste based on their origin, while fresh dates have smooth skin and range in color from bright red to yellow, dried dates have wrinkled skin. Here are some common types of dates:
  • Medjool Dates: Often considered the best type of dates for their large size and sweet caramel-like taste.
  • Deglet Noor Dates: Smaller in size and slightly drier than Medjool dates, they give a nutty flavor, and are used in many dishes.
  • Barhi Dates: Yellow in color and become crunchy when fully ripe, usually eaten fresh.
  • Halawy Dates: Golden-brown skin and a soft creamy texture, and are praised for their honey-like taste.
  • Khadrawy Dates: Dark brown with a soft texture and a caramel-like taste, they're a popular snack choice.
  • Dayri Dates: Mildly sweet in flavour, small and cylindrical in shape with a firm texture.
  • Thoory Dates: Dry and chewy, mostly used in cooking and baking.
  • Zahidi Dates: Golden-yellow color, oval-shaped, they have a gentle, sweet taste, perfect for snacking and making date sugar.

Healthy Meal Delivery

Healthy Meal Delivery
Ready to fulfill your cravings? We’ve got exactly what you need! Delicious and nutritious! Calo app offers healthy, mouth-watering meals delivered to your office or home. You can choose a monthly subscription and savor an endless variety of meals, all prepared according to international standards by world-class chefs and supervised by nutrition experts to fit your dietary needs. Plus, you’ll find healthy snack options to complement your day, dates included!

FAQ

How many dates should you eat per day?

To fully reap the benefits of eating dates, make it a habit to consume two dates every day.

Are dates good for skin?

Yes, consuming dates as part of a balanced diet can contribute to healthier skin as it contains various nutrients and antioxidants that can benefit the skin, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. 
There are endless benefits of dates ranging from improved digestion to a reduced risk of disease as they are high in several nutrients, fibers and antioxidants. 
It’s easiest to find dates in their dried form, though these are higher in calories than fresh fruit so it is important to eat them in moderation, eating 2 dates a day can keep the doctor away. They are definitely worth adding to your diet, as they are both nutritious and delicious. You can find more healthy snack ideas and healthy dinner recipes, and much more health-related topics on the Calo Blog.

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