Dates are healthy sweet treats in your daily diet. They are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibre, protein, minerals (iron, magnesium, copper, calcium, sodium, etc.), and vitamins (A, B1, B2, C,) that help you to gain optimum health. Including dates in your daily diet may prevent free radicals damage, protect against coronary heart disease and the development of cancer.

Dates are rich in antioxidants, tannins being the most important of them. These tannins prevent cell damage and protect against inflammation. In fact, eating dates on an empty stomach is known to kill intestinal worms.

Benefits of Dates

Relieves Constipation

The soluble fibre in dates helps in healthy bowel movements and eases the passage of food through the intestinal tract, relieving the symptoms of constipation. To achieve the laxative effect- soak dates in water overnight, then consume in the morning.

Strong Bones

The abundance of minerals found in dates makes it a great fruit for strengthening bones. Dates are full of calcium, manganese, selenium, magnesium, and copper all of which are vital for healthy bone development and to prevent osteoporosis. Treat yourself with dates to give a boost to your bones.

Digestive Health

The presence of dietary fibre, as well as essential amino acids in dates helps to maintain digestive health. Regular intake of dates helps to promote the growth of gut-friendly bacteria in the intestine and relieves digestive discomfort.

Energy Booster

Dates are a great source of natural sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), which makes them ideal for an instant energy boost. Dates provide a quick lift of energy and boost stamina levels post workout, and when you feel exhausted.

Dates are beneficial in keeping your heart healthy. Dates reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol (LDL), that improves blood flow towards the heart, prevents hypertension, and stroke. The presence of flavonoids, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and potassium protects the heart from free radical damage, strengthen the heart muscle, and nervous system.

Helps Gain Weight

Dates are a good choice of fruit for people who need to gain weight. Packed with high calories(23 calories in one date), dates help to increase weight in a healthy way.

Augments Brain Functions

The presence of inflammatory markers like Interleukin is attributed to the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Regular addition of dates to the meal plan has been found to be helpful in reducing inflammatory markers and lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, dates also assist in reducing anxiety disorders and boost memory power and learning.

Also Read: World Alzheimer’s Day 2020: Healthy Eating Strategies To Manage Dementia

Lowers Risk Of Cancer

Several pieces of evidence revealed that the presence of bioactive plant compound beta D-glucan in dates is valuable in supporting anticancer activity within the system. While being a powerhouse of antioxidants dates aid in combatting free radical damage and reduce the chance of cancer formation. Having dates daily can remarkably lessen the risk of cancer and the development of benign tumours.

Averts Microbial Infections

A recent study disclosed that the extracts of dates pits and leaves had significant resistance against certain harmful bacteria. Also, adding dates can be immensely beneficial to combat harmful microbes like E-coli and pneumonia.

How Many Dates In A Day?

Good way to start the day and boost the body's metabolism is eating 2-3 medium- sized dates.