Health Benefits of Date
Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in many tropical regions of the world. Dates have become quite popular in recent years.
Almost all dates sold in Western countries are dried.
You can tell whether or not dates are dried based on their appearance. A wrinkled skin indicates they are dried, whereas a smooth skin indicates freshness.
Depending on the variety, fresh dates are fairly small in size and range in color from bright red to bright yellow. Medjool and Deglet Noor dates are the most commonly consumed varieties.
Dates are chewy with a sweet flavor. They are also high in some important nutrients and have a variety of advantages and uses. Some benefits are ;
1. Lowers cholesterol
Dates should include in your diet as they can instantly reduce the cholesterol and help to manage your weight.
2. Rich in disease-fighting antioxidants
The date provides various kinds of antioxidants to treat different diseases. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals that may cause harmful reactions in your body and lead to disease. Dates are rich in antioxidants including:
* Carotenoids – It is very beneficial for your heart health. It also reduces the risk of eye-related disorder.
* Flavonoids – It is a powerful antioxidant with multiple benefits. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that it is useful to reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancer.
* Phenolic acid – It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce the risk of some cancers and heart issues.
3. Strengthen bones
Dates are rich in copper, selenium and magnesium which are very important nutrients to keep your bone healthy and prevent bony related disorders. It is also rich in vitamin K which helps to regulate the coagulation of blood and helps metabolize your bones.
People who are suffering from osteoporosis are more likely to suffer from bony fractures. Dates can strengthen your bone and make it strong.
4. Helps to detoxify the body
Dates and date extracts help to support liver health and also work to prevent liver fibrosis. By supporting healthy liver function, dates allow your body to detoxify in a natural way, as the liver performs the task of keeping waste and harmful substances out of your body. Liver fibrosis is significantly reduced with regular consumption of date extract, this lowers your risk of developing liver cirrhosis.
5. Aids Weight Loss
Consuming dates every morning on an empty stomach before your workout can help to keep you feeling, give you a burst of energy and thus aid in healthy weight loss. This is because dates are high in fibre, slowing down absorption in the large intestine. This makes you feel full for longer hours thereby cutting down on the need to eat more food which equals more calories. The more calories you eat the more you need to burn. Similarly, you can also gorge on 6-7 dates in between your big meals as a healthy yet satisfying snack. Dates can also stimulate metabolism by cutting down on the manufacture of short-chain fatty acids.