Why dates are good for health

This size portion also supplies smaller amounts of a wide range of nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and manganese. In addition to their vitamin and mineral content, dates are rich in health protective antioxidants. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of cell-damaging free radicals and the body's ability to counter their harmful effects.

Dates also contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, which means they may also play a role in combating infectious diseases. Other research has shown that dates contain many antioxidants , including carotenoids, polyphenols e. They also possess anti-fungal properties. And because dates are whole, unprocessed fruit, their sugar content is naturally occurring. In other words, if an energy bar is sweetened only with dates, the label can list 0 grams of added sugar.

The American Heart Association AHA recommends that women consume no more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day, which equates to 25 grams or calories. The advised cap for men is nine teaspoons of added sugar, which is 36 grams or calories.

One study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition , looked specifically at the impact of date consumption on the gut. Healthy men were randomly assigned to eat either seven dates per day, or a control addition of a carbohydrate and sugar mixture for 21 days. After a day washout period, the groups switched. Researchers found that while eating dates, the study subjects experienced improvements in their bowel movement frequency and a reduced level of stool chemicals known to damage cells and trigger mutations that may lead to cancer.

Dates can be a simple way to get things moving. In-depth studies about dates revealed that the presence of a compound called beta D-glucan in dates is very advantageous in promoting an anti-tumour activity within the body. The high concentration of antioxidants in dates also helps in reducing the activities of free radicals elements that can cause cancer and thereby reduces the chances of cancer from happening. The daily consumption of dates can significantly reduce the risk of cancer and the occurrence of benign tumours too.

Bacterial infections can sometimes be deadly and can also cost a lot to treat. In the current medical scenario, almost all microbial infections are treated with the help of antibiotics which is an expensive way of treatment and also comes with a baggage of side effects. Substituting antibiotics with natural products can be both a physically and financially sound decision. A study conducted using extracts from the pits and leaves of date, revealed that it had active resistance against certain harmful bacteria.

It was found that dates can be beneficial against deadly microbes such as E-coli and pneumonia. Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common diseases around the world. Diabetes is treated using synthetic medicines with a combination of several oral medicines and insulin supplementation. Dates have the ability to increase the production of insulin and also have several properties that can help reduce the rate of absorption of glucose from the intestine.

This can help a lot in reducing the risk that is posed by diabetes. The reduction of glucose absorption will inevitably reduce blood glucose levels that are beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. The exact procedure of how dates help in reducing the effects of diabetes is still being researched upon. Inflammation is a reactive mechanism of the human body that helps fight against several diseases, trauma and infections. The regulation of inflammatory agents plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the patient.

Compounds in dates known as phenolics and flavonoids are effective in reducing inflammation within the body. There are proofs from conclusive studies that show that the extracts from date leaves can be used as an effective anti-inflammatory drug.

Dates have various properties that can help your kidneys stay healthy in difficult circumstances. In a study conducted on Ajwa, a type of date that is mainly found in West Asia, it was found that the fruit can actively reduce the lesions caused by nephrological disorders. Date extracts can also help reduce excess plasma and creatinine in the kidney that improves the overall health of kidneys. There are various vitamins and minerals present in the fruit which can help in improving the sperm count and also in increasing the sexual libido in the person.

The presence of flavonoids and various amino acids in dates makes sure that the sexual performance of the male is fulfilled with enough energy. The microelements that are constituents of date palm such as estrone and sterols can help improve male fertility by a huge margin. Date pollen extracts are also studied widely for their positive effects on male sperm motility and count.

Dates are highly rich in micronutrients such as selenium, manganese, magnesium and copper. These micronutrients help in the development of your bone health. Dates can be one of the most important supplements to your diet if you are suffering from bone problems. The micronutrients in dates are also highly effective in treating bone conditions such as osteoporosis. The nervous system is basically the communication network that keeps your body functioning.

Neurological problems are highly dangerous as they can affect multiple parts of the body at the same time. Dates are rich in nutrients such as potassium which is very beneficial for your neurological health. Foods that are high in potassium makes the communication between nerve cells easier. The low amount of sodium in dates also reduces the chances of hypertension which in turn will help keep your nerves safe from increased blood pressure. Dates are a very good alternative to harmful chemicals found in skincare products.

The high concentration of vitamin C and vitamin D in dates ensure that your skin receives all the nourishment required for healthy glowing skin. The nutrients present in dates are also helpful in preventing faster ageing and helps you look young for a longer period of time.

Dates are also useful in maintaining a healthy balance of melanin in your skin by reducing the chances of it being deposited in various locations.

Dates are a very good substitute to many over the counter medications that claim to stop hair fall. Dates are extremely rich in iron which makes them extremely beneficial for your hair. The increased iron content in dates ensures that the blood flow remains strong and the scalp gets the nourishment it deserves. The increased flow of oxygen to your scalp will facilitate the growth of new hair and also reduce the rate of hair fall by a great margin.

Most millennials today miss a lot of productivity due to drinking the prior day. There are various products out there that are beneficial to heal the problems associated with alcohol-induced hangovers. Although not conclusively proved, there are many cases in which soaked dates has helped reduce the effects of inebriation and hangovers. For better results, it is advised that the date is peeled gently and soaked in water and has to be consumed the following morning.

There are also known cases in many tribal communities where date palm extracts are added to beer to reduce the intoxicating effect it has. Taking a couple of dates after the party night can get you up and running for the following days.

Dates can provide you with a great dose of Vitamin requirement for your body. It is a great alternative to Vitamin supplements. Dried or fresh dates are both very good sources of vitamins including B1, B2, B3 and B5. These are all essential vitamins that are required to maintain the optimum health of your body. The need for vitamins can be easily met by including a sufficient amount of dates in your daily diet. The major cause of night blindness is long-term deprivation of vitamin A.

Dates are rich in vitamin A and regular consumption of it can ensure that you do not get affected by night blindness in the long run.

Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Five benefits Nutritional information Risks and considerations How to eat dates Summary Dates are high in natural sugar, so many people think they may not be good for them. Five benefits of eating dates. Share on Pinterest Dates are high in fiber and potassium.

Nutritional information. Risks and considerations. How to eat dates. Share on Pinterest Add dates to smoothies for extra nutritional value. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

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