You are looking for a way to satisfy that sweet tooth without compromising your health? You’re tired of your usual pick-me-ups to get you through the day. You’ve come to the right place! You can find a healthy and delicious snack in pitted dates.
Pitted dates are often referred to as nature’s superfruit. This delicious treat will boost your energy and improve the health of your vital organs, such as your heart and brain, with its chewy texture. If that’s not enough, the delicious flavor will satisfy your sweet tooth!
There’s still more! Dates aren’t just good for your taste buds. Dates are also full of vitamins, nutrients and health benefits that will make your body smile. Pitted dates are an excellent fruit to store in the refrigerator or pantry to keep them fresh for as long as possible, especially with the COVID-19 on the rise.
The dark, juicy fruits are believed to date back to thousands of years ago and were discovered in Iraq. Egyptians used them to make wine. Even though they were believed to have magical healing properties! Today, science has made it easier to understand the benefits of these plants. They are truly magical!
There are many types of pitted dates. Delget Noor dates are small, nutty and very popular. Medjool dates are also a popular choice. They’re juicy and delicate. All kinds of pitted dates are delicious and healthy fruits to include in your diet.
Explore the many reasons why you need dates in your life.
1. Dates have a long shelf life
People are advised to prepare for any situation and stay at home as much possible due to the current health scare caused by the coronavirus. The supermarket shelves are empty as people stock up on things like toilet paper, hand soap and food.
You might think of boring rice or pasta, or canned vegetables. It doesn’t need to be this way. The Medjool Date is a delicious and durable superfruit.
The shelf life for most fresh dates is only 45 days. If you refrigerate the dates, they can be kept for up to six months. You can refrigerate dried dates for up to one year! Put your dates in the freezer and they will last several years. It would be surprising if they lasted that long, but they are so tasty!
You can buy a large quantity of Medjool Dates and enjoy a delicious snack for a long time.
2. Dates Contain Antioxidants That Fight Disease And Illness
Dates are rich in nutrients that our bodies require to fight illness.
Foods that are high in free radicals can be found in our daily diet. These chemicals are toxic in excess and can damage cells.
Dates are rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals. They protect us from harm and help to prevent cellular damage. Dates contain three antioxidants that are very beneficial for our health.
- Flavonoids – Their inflammation-reducing abilities lower your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers.
- Carotenoids– Their ability convert into vitamin A boosts our immunity and protects us against sicknesses and life-threatening illnesses. They can improve eye health.
- Phenolic acid – Absorbing through your intestinal walls, they fight free radicals. They also prevent cancer.
3. Dates can improve your heart health
Medjool dates are also beneficial for your heart, which is one of the most important organs in your body.
Medjool dates are high in fiber. Fiber can reduce LDL cholesterol (or bad cholesterol) levels, which can, in turn improve heart health. A healthy cholesterol level helps keep your arteries clear to prevent atherosclerosis, which lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
4. Dates Are A Natural Energy Booster
The healthy carbohydrates and protein in Medjool Dates are a good source of nutrition. Also, they have a high natural sugar content. Combine all of these elements and you’ll get a natural energy boost.
Contrary to popular opinion, it is best to eat within 30 minutes or an hour after working out. You need carbohydrates to stay energized, and to allow your muscles to heal. Dates are a good choice for nourishing your muscles that are aching and providing them the nutrients they require to recover.
On some days, a little energy boost is needed to get us through the afternoon. Try eating some dates instead of a sugary drink or another cup of coffee to boost your energy.
5. Dates Are Okay For Diabetics To Enjoy, Too (In Moderation)
Dates have a low Glycemic Index despite their high sugar content. It is therefore okay for diabetics to eat dates in moderation. These foods are a good source of nutrients for diabetics, including vitamin B1, B5, B6, magnesium, copper and manganese.
Vitamin B1, B5, B6, and vitamin E protect diabetics against nerve damage and neurological problems. Copper reduces the risk of biochemical problems. Dates can replace magnesium and manganese, which are vital nutrients for diabetics.
Pitted dates may also regulate blood sugar. It is not only beneficial for diabetics but also those without diabetes. This can help reduce the chances of developing diabetes.
Two to three dates will not harm you if you have diabetes and crave something sweet. If you exercise at least 30 minutes per day and eat a healthy, balanced diet, you can put up to 10% (or more) of your calories in safe sugars.
6. Dates promote natural and shorter duration of labor!
Dates can also promote natural labor in pregnant women. According to studies, a woman who consumes five to six dates daily towards the end her pregnancy will go into natural labor and may even reduce the length of the process.
Dates produce in our bodies compounds that are similar to oxytocin, a hormone. This hormone makes the uterus contract.
Dates are a great way to induce labor. There’s still more research that needs to be done, but they can help you in the final stages of pregnancy.
Looking for an interesting gift to give at a babyshower? Give a box of dates to a pregnant friend or relative! You’ll thank yourself later.
7. Dates Can Promote Healthy Digestion And Relieve Constipation!
Dates’ high fiber content has a great effect on digestion. Dietary fibre should be part of every diet, as it helps to break down and digest food. Fiber can ease constipation, and encourage regular bowel movements.
8. Dates can help strengthen your bones!
Magnesium, copper and zinc are essential for bone health. They can help prevent osteoporosis, and other diseases that cause bone loss. Both of these nutrients are abundant in dates.
Dates also contain calcium and phosphorus, which are minerals that promote bone health. Phosphorus is essential for healthy teeth and kidneys. It also helps maintain our cells. Calcium is essential for our bones, as well as our muscles, nerves, and heart.
9. Dates can help reduce blood pressure and reverse anemia!
Magnesium is also a great way to reduce your blood pressure. Magnesium and potassium, another nutrient found in dates, work together to improve the heart’s function and lower blood pressure.
A lower blood pressure level can reduce your risk of having an stroke. This can also help prevent heart disease.
Dates are rich in iron and can lower blood pressure. It can be beneficial for those who have severe iron deficiency, like anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, chest pains, and shortness of breathe. The iron in dates will help you reverse anemia.
10. Dates can boost brain function
Dates can be beneficial for brain health in multiple ways. Antioxidants like flavonoids reduce inflammation. This can help prevent neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
Dates also contain nutrients that can help reduce amyloid beta protein plaque formation in the brain. A buildup of plaque can cause a disruption between brain cells that can lead to common brain diseases.
Further, mice studies have shown that regular consumption of dates releases hormones that reduce anxiety. It can improve memory and learning abilities.
How to Enjoy Dates
You now know how good dates are for our health. How can dates be incorporated into your daily diet? Dates taste great straight from the palm tree, or even in the package. There are many recipes to choose from that will allow you to enjoy dates in a variety of ways.
Dates originated in the Middle East but they are now grown around the globe, including Northern African nations, India, California, and more! Dates are used in a variety of ways to enhance the taste and sweetness of dishes around the world.
- Add them to your smoothie! Add them to your smoothie! What will you get? Start your morning with a nutritious smoothie that boosts energy. Medjool date, banana, coconut milk, cinnamon and Cinnamon are a delicious combination. Yum!
- Add them to your salad! Are you trying to lose weight? Add dates to your healthy salad for an extra dose of vitamins and minerals. Medjool date, greens with blue cheese crumbles, walnuts and pear slices are a wonderful combination.
- Enjoy them stuffed. Dates can be stuffed and sprinkled in honey, garlic, herbs and goat cheese to give them a sweet and savory taste. They are a great appetizer for your holiday party. To make a healthier option for dessert, stuff them with almond butter or peanut butter. Sprinkle with honey or cinnamon.
- Add dates to your cookie recipes! Dates are a great way to add nutrition. Enjoy with chocolate chips and nuts.
- Use them to sweeten your food in a healthier way! Pitted dates contain natural sugars like fructose and glucose. Use date paste in recipes instead of white refined sugar for cookies, cakes or other desserts. Date paste can be added to tea and coffee for a sweeter taste.
- It’s over! Wrapped dates are another great appetizer you can bring to your event. Wrap your dates in bacon or prosciutto, and then stick them onto a toothpick. These bite-sized parties will have your guests drooling.
In conclusion
Dates contain vitamins and nutrients that can boost your health. It’s no wonder that they are called nature’s superfruit! These chewy delights can be added to breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes, or enjoyed as they are. You’ll love it!