Origins: Iran, Pakistani, Turkish
Dates are usually eaten as dry fruits, though fresh fruits are also available. Dried dates or fresh dates, they are both very healthy for you. People in the Middle East consume dried as well as fresh dates on regular basis as part of their diet, and it has been found that the rate of heart diseases, and cancer, is very low around these parts. Dates are not only rich in nutrients and energy, but they are also medicinal in nature and have the capacity to cure several stomach ailments and strengthen body immunity in general; there are several benefits of eating dates. In this article we will discuss the various ways in which dried dates are good for you.
Dates are a rich source of vitamins – One reason why fresh or dried dates should be a part of your daily diet is because of the variety of vitamins that are present in this fruit. Dried dates contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Thiamin, Niacin and Riboflavin.
Dates contain essential minerals – If you are suffering from an anemic condition, caused by hemoglobin deficiency, it can be easily cured by eating dried dates on daily basis simply because of the high iron content in these fruits. Dates are also rich sources of calcium which help develop stronger teeth and bones, also preventing conditions like rheumatism and arthritis. Other essential minerals present in dates are Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Copper, Manganese and Selenium.
Dates can relieve constipation problems – If you have recurring problems related to your bowel movement, causing constipation or other excretory problems, then you must try eating dates on regular basis. Dates in their dried or fresh forms are very rich in dietary fiber which helps clear the colon and provide bulk to remove the fecal matter. In fact, dates act as mild laxatives. You can soak the dates, as dry fruits, in water for a day, and eat them at night before going to sleep (also drink up the water in which they were soaked) to have clear bowel movement the next morning.
Dates help strengthen muscles – It has been found that dates can help people with a weak heart by strengthening the heart muscles. It is also advised the pregnant women eat fresh or dried dates so that the muscles of the uterus are strengthened for easier delivery. Many body builder eat good amounts of dates prior to a workout, as it provides them with energy and strength to workout longer.
Dates improve your stamina – In certain tradition it’s believed that dates, fresh or dried, help improve your physical stamina as well as libido. Dates are rich in minerals and contain several phytonutrients which are responsible for providing higher strength and stamina in the body.
Dates aid with digestion and stomach health – It has been seen that the antioxidative properties of dried dates can aid in digestion and provide relief from conditions like acidity and heart burn. It can also help provide relief from conditions like stomach ulcers and colitis. It curbs the growth of several pathological organisms in the intestines and aids in the growth of friendly bacteria that help digestion.
Are Dried Dates Fattening?
When you eat dates as dry fruits, they are intensely rich in calories. In fact one Medjool date (a variety of dry fruit date), can provide as much as 66 calories of energy. So eating a lot of dried dates can make you gain muscles and bulk, so you can gain weight in a healthy manner by eating dates. For people who are skinny, eating dates can be a great solution to putting on bulk.
In conclusion
So are dried dates good for you? Yes they are. Dates are very beneficial for your body and should be a part of your daily diet. Dates are good for your muscles, stomach health, colon health, they provide immunity and strengthen your heart muscles – these are reasons enough to eat these delicious fruits on daily basis. Dried dates make for a tasty snack or can also be eaten with cereals or oatmeal for a healthy breakfast.
