Dates are the fruits of the palm tree, it is one of the best options for sugar cravings, while most people don’t consider dates as something with significant nutritional value, in reality, it is a powerhouse of nutrients.
Dates have various health benefits such as providing rapid energy, preventing constipation as well as preventing night blindness. It also helps in regulating cholesterol and blood pressure levels along with many more benefits. Dates are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibre, protein, potassium, magnesium, Iron and Vitamin B6.
As per Ayurveda, it pacifies Vata (Air) and Pitta (Fire) dosha in the body, it also gives strength to the body. It is the best snacking option for children to improve immunity and overall health.
Other than being a nutritional powerhouse, it has various health benefits. Some of them have been described below:
Natural Sweetener
The natural fruit sugar is accompanied by a good amount of fibre which helps to release the sugar slowly into your bloodstream. This can work as a great post-workout fuel. In case you are trying to avoid artificial processed sugar, it can work as a wonderful form of natural sugar.
Instant Source Of Energy
Dates are rich in glucose, sucrose and fructose. People can have natural fat free dates for an afternoon snack when they are feeling lethargic. A study published by the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition concluded that dates being rich in natural sugar may help regain energy level immediately post workout.
Improves Symptoms Of Anemia
Dates are a good source of iron and are highly recommended to those who suffer from anaemia caused due iron deficiency.
Helps To Prevent Night Blindness
Dates are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin A which are good for vision and better eye health.
Good For Bone Health
Being a rich source of various minerals such as manganese, magnesium, copper, selenium it helps improving bone health and to prevent conditions like osteoporosis. (Read more about osteoporosis)
Fixes Hangovers
Dates are the best way to stop intoxication or drunkenness and it also helps to cure hangovers. But the best way to use it, you have to rub the date skin a bit, and soak it in water overnight and then consume it.
Dates And Apple Smoothie
Nutritive value – 234 kcal
Serving size 1
Preparation time – 7 minutes
Ingredients
- Unsweetened almond milk – 1.5 cups
- Seedless Dates – 7-8
- Apple- 1
- Chia Seeds – 1 tsp
- Flax seeds – 1 tsp
- Cinnamon Powder – ½ tsp
- Nutmeg powder– ¼ tsp
- Sliced Dates for garnish
Method
- Soak the chia seeds for 2 hours and roast the flax seeds.
- Remove the skin of the apple.
- Make a smooth paste in the blender of all the ingredients listed above.
- Serve with the garnish of sliced dates.
So include this magical dry fruit in your daily diet and enjoy its health benefits.
