Dates grow on trees known as the date palm tree. This fruit is a pantry must-have and it’s a favourite amongst many nations. Rich in natural sugar, the dates are also high in nutrients that could benefit the human body.
The importance of dates can be seen when our Muslim brothers and sisters break their fast with it. Dates are highly nutritious and easily digested, making them a perfect food to nourish the body after a day of fasting.
Here’s what dates can offer you:
#1 High fibre
Including dates in your diet is a good way to increase your fibre consumption. Fibre helps improve your digestive health as it promotes bowel movements which in turn aids in stool formation.
#2 Disease fighting antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high in your body.
Dates are high in antioxidants such as Flavonoids, Carotenoids and Phenolic acid. These antioxidant compounds may help prevent the development of certain chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
#3 A natural sweetener
Dates are sweet with many claiming they could taste a subtle caramel-like taste upon consumption. This is because dates contain fructose in them which is a natural type of sugar found in many fruits. Hence, dates paste is a popular choice to substitute white sugar.
#4 Improves brain function
The antioxidants in dates have been attributed to potential brain boosting properties known to reduce inflammation, including flavonoids. Further research also suggests that dates may help in preventing plaques from forming in the brain. This is important for preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
#5 May promote natural labour
Researchers believe that consuming dates in the last few weeks of pregnancy may promote cervical dilation, hence lowering the need for induced labour. Dates have also been studied for their potential to promote and ease late-term labour in pregnant women.
Source: Healthline & WebMD
