Dates – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com
06/21/2017 / By Bridgette Wilcox
Dates are a fruit grown from the date palm, a flowering plant that is grown in tropical areas across the world. According to NaturalSociety.com, they have been cultivated since 6000 B.C. The fruit is available in many varieties, and can be eaten fresh, though it is more common to find the dried kind, similar to raisins or prunes. Dates have a reputation for being one of the sweetest fruits available, making them ideal for those who have a sweet tooth but want to keep a healthy diet.
List of known nutrients
According to Nutrition-and-You.com:
- Calcium
- Copper
- Fiber
- Folic acid
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Niacin
- Pantothenic acid
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
Medicinal uses for dates
Dates are as healthy as they are sweet, providing many nutritional advantages for those who consume them on a regular basis.
Dates are a known laxative, making them an effective remedy for those who experience constipation. According to OrganicFacts.net, they contain a significant amount of soluble fiber that stimulates smoother bowel movements. At the same time, they are also an effective remedy for diarrhea. They also contain nicotine, which is believed to cure intestinal problems and contribute to the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria.
Some studies also point to dates being able to prevent or reduce the risk of abdominal cancer.
Dates are effective in preventing painful bone diseases such as osteoporosis, through minerals such as selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, which all promote bone strength and development.
They are a rich source of iron, which makes them an ideal supplement for those who have anemia.
They contain organic sulfur, which can reduce allergic reactions and seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Dates contain a lot of protein and natural sugar, and almost 3,000 calories in a one kg serving. This makes them ideal for underweight people who want to gain, or for those who are looking to build muscle. The natural sugars in dates also make them effective in spiking energy levels, ideal for those who need a boost midday or during an intense workout.
The potassium content present in dates promotes brain function, and maintains alertness in those who age. Potassium also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Dates also reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels, which lead to heart disease and stroke.
Dates have also been associated with improved fertility and sexual performance. When soaked in goat milk and combined with cardamom and honey, dates are said to increase sexual endurance and eliminate sterility. Studies find that this is due to the high amounts of estradiol and flavonoids present in dates. These compounds are believed to increase sperm count and motility, thereby improving fertility.
Dates can prevent night blindness when taken orally.
They are also a common remedy for intoxication or hangovers from alcohol, stimulating soberness and providing relief from the side effects of alcohol.
Dates may also help with:
- Anemia
- Blood sugar disorders
- Bronchitis
- Free radicals
- Impotence
- Mental fatigue
- Pancreatic cancer
- Weight loss
Body systems supported by dates
Here are the body systems that benefit from dates, according to StyleCraze.com:
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Liver
- Nervous system
- Reproductive system
- Respiratory system
Ways to use dates
Because of their very sweet flavor, dates are often used in recipes as a healthy swap for sugar. According to HuffingtonPost.com, they can be turned into a paste and used as a sweetener for dessert dishes including cakes, pies, brownies, and ice cream. They can also be used to top granola or cereal, or stuffed with cheese and wrapped with bacon for a savory-sweet dish.
Where to learn more
- 8 Collective Facts You Should Eat Dates Every Day
- The Known Health Benefits of Dates – What are Dates Good For?
- Top 10 health benefits of dates that you should take note
- Eating dates can reduce cancer, diabetes and heart disease risk, without toxic drug side effects
- What Happens to Your Body When You Eat 3-4 Dates Daily?
Summary
Dates are a laxative that can cure constipation.
Dates aid digestion and can be effective at treating other intestinal disorders.
They can prevent osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases.
Dates can be used to manage anemia.
They can reduce allergic reactions and treat seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Dates can aid with weight gain and building muscle. They also provide an energy boost.
They can promote heart attack, heart disease, and stroke whilst boosting brain function and lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
Dates improve fertility and sexual performance.
Dates can prevent night blindness.
They can fight hangovers and intoxication.
Sources include:
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