Dates are one of the world’s healthiest fruits.They are sweet, chewy fruits and are typically grown in tropical regions.
They are of several varieties with different colors and sizes. Most of the dates sold in western countries are usually dried, with wrinkled skin.
They are highly concentrated with vital nutrients giving off a host of health benefits. You should incorporate them into your diet.
Here are 5 confirmed health benefits of dates.
- Nutrient dense
Dates are loaded with important nutrients that are great for proper body functioning. They contain minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber and powerful antioxidants. Because they are dried, they usually have high calorie content compared to fresh fruits.
- Improve brain health
Eating them can significantly boost brain function and cognitive performance in persons. They contain compounds like flavonoids that can actively reduce inflammation and prevent plaques from forming and accumulating the brain, thereby lowering common brain disease risks.
- Contain powerful antioxidants
Antioxidants have properties that can fight off harmful toxins and reduce disease risk. Thankfully, dates flourish with these antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy free radicals in the body, reduce inflammation, promote heart and eye health, and reduce the risk of heart diseases and cancer. Antioxidants present in them include, phenolic acid, flavonoids and carotenoids.
READ ALSO: Always Tired? Here’s Why (And How You Can Avoid It)
- High fiber content
Fiber is important because it regulates bowel movement, prevents constipation and enhances digestive health in humans. Due to their fiver content, dates have a low glycemic index and can assist in lowering elevated blood sugar levels.
- Serves as a natural sweetener
Because of the sweet taste of dates (this is because of the fructose present), they can be easily used in sweetening cakes and other foods. Begin using them as healthy substitutes for white table sugar.
- Assists in inducing natural labor
Studies have shown that eating them few weeks before delivery can promote cervical dilation and reduce the woman’s need to go through induced labor. It eases natural labor and lowers overall labor time.