Dates also referred to as phoenix dactylifera or khajur in Hindu, are popular fruits that grow on date plum trees. They are considered highly nutritious and rich in vitamins A, D, B6 and K, as well as various minerals. These vitamins help to improve eye health and bone health. When craving something sweet, you can opt for dates instead of candy or chocolates. They are just as sweet and great for your health. Here are some of the benefits of dates for your well-being.
1. High in Fibre
Dates contain more fibre than bananas. Fibre helps to prevent constipation and adding dates to your daily meal plan will help to promote healthy bowel movements. Additionally, fibre also helps to control blood sugar. It slows down digestion which prevents blood sugar levels from spiking.
2. Good for Pregnant Women
The fibre content present in dates also helps to prevent pregnancy haemorrhoids. Furthermore, the fruit contains healthy cholesterol, which benefits pregnant women. Eating a few of them daily ensures you take your required calorie intake without worrying about gaining excess weight. During the last few weeks of pregnancy, they can also help to strengthen the uterus muscles and reduce the amount of time one goes through labour.
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3. Natural Sweetener
Dates contain fructose which is a natural type of sugar found in fruits. They are a healthy substitute for sugar due to their high levels of fibre, nutrients and antioxidants. You can use them for recipes or as a sweetener for your tea.
The best way to do this is to make a paste. Remove the seeds from a few dates, mix the fruit’s outer part with water, and blend. If you choose to use it as a substitute for sugar in recipes, use the 1:1 ratio. If the recipe says one cup of sugar, use one cup of date paste.
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4. Promotes Healthy Skin
Dates contain vitamin C and vitamin D. These two vitamins help to promote skin elasticity. Dates also help to prevent the production of excess melanin, which causes hyperpigmentation. Eating a few regularly will have your skin looking radiant and smooth as well.
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5. Improves Heart Health
Eating a handful of dates daily can help improve your heart health. They are known to fight against radicals that cause cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidant properties contained in the fruit also stimulate cholesterol removal from the arteries.
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6. Prevents Hair Loss
Dates are rich in iron and promote blood circulation on the scalp. This helps to prevent hair loss and also stimulates hair growth.
7. It helps to Treat diarrhoea
The potassium properties present in dates promote colon health. This sweet fruit also contains anti-microbial properties that fight agents that cause diarrhoea. Health: Home Remedies For Diarrhoea
8. Boosts Energy Levels
Dates contain natural sugars like sucrose, fructose and glucose, which can help to boost your energy. They are used in different countries as a source of energy after fasting.
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9. Promotes Brain Health
Regular consumption of dates can help lower the risks of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. They are also known to improve cognitive functions in adults.
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10. Improves Bone Health
Dates are rich in magnesium, calcium and copper. These minerals help to keep your bones strong and prevent bone-related conditions like osteoporosis.
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11. Prevent Night Blindness
Night blindness is a visual impairment that causes poor vision at night or in dimly lit environments. One of the leading causes of night blindness is a lack of vitamin A. Dates also contain this vitamin, and regular consumption of the fruit can help improve vision and prevent the condition. 6 Health Benefits Of Vitamin A And Food Sources
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