Dates - Astounding Health benefits you never knew

Date palms or simply referred as Dates have numerous health benefits more people don’t even know about. Dates are sweet, dark edible fruit that we all are well aware of and most of us really enjoy with their sweetened taste and relishing flavours. This small, chewy dessert is now an important cuisine of majority Asian and Arabian countries.

Dates Health benefits — Astounding benefits of Dates on health

Date is one of the most ancient fruits in the world, being thousands of years old. According to their history, date palms are known to have originated from the regions of Iraq, however today these honeyed mini candies are cultivated in almost all parts of the world, enjoyed by many and these dates also carry numerous health benefits.

Types of Dates:

Apart from their sugary, candied flavours, dates exist in several varieties, each having their own qualities. Dates are usually differentiated in two forms; Dry dates and soft dates. However, they exist in multiple types, the common ones are:

Ajwa – known as “holy date.” This type is exclusive and limited to the state of Medina, Saudi Arabia. These have a resin like texture, being dark brown or black in colour.
Khudri – these are the most common of type dates, differentiated by their large size and maroon colour. They have a sweet taste, and soft texture.
Kholas – These mildly sweet, small, golden brown dates have a toffee flavour. these are often served with Arabian coffee.
Medjool – Also known as California Style date, these have thick, amber coloured skin. Medjool have a caramel flavour, being very moist when eaten fresh.
Sokari – also called Royal Date, this type is extremely sweet and easily distinguished. These are small sized and have a light brown, wrinkled skin.
Thoory – Sweet, nutty flavoured, golden brown date. It has a mildly sweet flavour and are suitable for baking.
Wanaan – Long and Cone- shaped, highly wrinkled in texture. These are similar to Khidri, but has a slightly sweeter taste, being extremely delicious.

Apart from their “treat to taste-bud” flavours and candied appearances, these tiny desserts have astounding benefits on human health, that you never knew. Following are some reasons why you need to start eating Dates everyday:

Strengthen bones:

Date palms are rich in variety of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous etc, all of which plays significant role in maintaining bone health. Dates are proven to be fruitful in preventing bone-related disorders like osteoporosis.

Therefore, these small fruits should be included in your meal, especially if you’re older than 40 years.

Keep digestion in check/ relieve Constipation:

Few soaked in water and consumed on daily basis maintains digestive system in proper health. With their high fibre content, dates are claimed to relieve constipation, allowing the colon to work efficiently. Moreover, being colon friendly, dates also reduce the risks of colon cancer, colitis and haemorrhoid.

Anti-inflammatory qualities:

Dates are considered to be natural anti-inflammatory desserts, as they are rich in magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory response. In addition, magnesium also hinder heart diseases, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Dates and Promotion of Brain Health:

A number of studies have concluded that Date intake on regular basis minimise toxins and proteins that are harmful to brain, reducing the chances of Alzheimer disease and brain plaques, hence promoting brain health. Moreover, potassium in date also boost your nervous system, improving the speed and consciousness of brain activity.

Treating allergies with dates:

Out of all other benefits of date, the most amazing one is present of organic sulphur, that is not commonly found in edibles. With sulphur components, date can be used to treat seasonal allergies and allergic reactions.

Aiding Hypertension:

Being rich in magnesium and potassium, dates play their part in lowering blood pressure, hence keeping hypertension in check.

Dates in Treating Anaemia:

Dates are rich source of Iron, hence consuming a few dates everyday helps in treating anaemia (Red Blood Cells Deficiency). They not only prevent deficiency of iron, but also provide strength and liveliness to anaemic patients.

Protection from various diseases:

Date palms are rich in disease fighting antioxidants like Flavonoids, Carotenoids and Phenolic acids, and contribues to defense mechanism of the body. Compared to other dried fruits, date has highest levels of antioxidants, protecting the body from multiple diseases.

Rich in vitamins and sugars:

Dates are natural supplements for vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, A1 and C, maintaining proper health. Moreover, these contain a variety of sugars, such as glucose, sucrose and fructose, fulfilling sugar requirements.. So dates can be considered as a quick and light snack.

Date paste can also be used in place of white sugars due to their honeyed taste.

Treating diarrhoea with dates:

Dates are rich in potassium, that helps in relieving chronic diarrhoea. With their high fibres content, date palms are proven fruitful in promoting excretory system health.

These also prevent variety of GIT cancers, including abdominal cancers, uterine and ovarian cancers, renal, pancreatic and liver cancer.

Dates Skin and Hair benefits:

Being rich in vitamins and minerals, date palms nourishes the hair follicles, making your hair stronger, lengthier and increased in volume. They also have proven affects on skin, making it smooth and young.

These sweet candies may be very small in size, but they are all what you need as special ingredient of your diet, in order to maintain your body’s wellness and health.

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