Many people have heard of dates but are not familiar with the magical capabilities that dates have to influence human health positively. They have an excellent nutrition profile offering most of their calories from carbohydrates and a small protein. Here’s a list of 10 incredible benefits of dates.

What Are Dates Good For?

Constipation

The best way to begin to combat constipation is by changing your diet. Eating foods that contain fiber is one of the best ways to get things moving. Dates contain large amounts of fiber, and eating them will help the bowels move with ease. Eating dates regularly and drinking enough water can make your stools more normal. (1)

Cardiac Health

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death. Heart disease is exacerbated by a poor diet and little to no exercise. A diet low in GI (glycemic index) can decrease the risk of heart disease. Dates have a low GI despite their deliciously sweet taste! Eating dates is a great way to lower the chances of heart disease. (2)

Help Cholesterol

Too much cholesterol can adversely affect our health. Luckily, if your body has too much cholesterol, there is a way to lower it naturally, often without medication. Eating dates has been proven to lower cholesterol in the human body. (3) They also contain very low saturated and trans fat amounts, making them a great alternative to unhealthy sweet treats.

Bone Health

Vitamin K can reduce bone turnover and improve bone strength. (4) It is recommended to consume 90 micrograms of vitamin K per day and dates contain 30 micrograms. So eating just three dates a day could go a long way in keeping your bones healthy and strong.

Blood Pressure

Just like dates help improve cardiac health, they can work in the same manner to regulate blood pressure. They are low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and sugar. They can be a great addition to a regimen to lower high blood pressure. (5)

Infertility

It can be a frustrating experience to deal with infertility. Many people who struggle with this can spend countless dollars on medication and procedures to try and reverse this condition. Often these measures are not effective and can cause more frustration than benefit. Before jumping to these measures, try eating more dates! Dates contain microelements such as estrone, sterols, and carotenoids that can influence male fertility. (6)

Brain Function

Certain foods can prolong the natural loss of brain function with age. Foods that contain Omega-3s, B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin C, choline, calcium, and iron do wonders for preserving the brain’s capabilities. (7) Dates are packed full of these vitamins and minerals. Eating dates is a great way to keep up the brain’s abilities.

Weight Gain

An excellent way to put on weight healthily is to snack between mealtimes. Snacking is okay as long as what you’re munching on is good for you. (8) Fruit, such as dates, is an excellent option because it is nutritious and delicious.

Skin and Hair

A bad diet can result in poor skin and brittle hair. Dates are a great superfood that promotes healthy skin and strong hair. It is because they are rich in B vitamins and niacin. (9)

Great for Pregnant Women

Not only can dates provide essential nutrients for the fetus during pregnancy, but they can help relieve constipation and hemorrhoids during the 3rd trimester. (1) Dates are also known to have contractile properties, which help labor move quickly and efficiently. Also, studies have shown that dates have a significant effect on cervical dilation. (10)

So, next time you’re at the grocery store, try picking up a pack of dates and see firsthand how they can help you.

Partha’s Prescriptions

• Blend pitted dates into a smoothie recipe. They will act as a natural sweetener.
• Bake dates into this fudge recipe.
• Mix diced dates into your morning oatmeal or cereal.
• Make a homemade trail mix with chopped dates, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, etc.

References

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/eating-diet-nutrition
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22214443
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19681613
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330619/
5. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3992385/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/
8. https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/tip-sheets/healthy-snacking
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12850886
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3992385/