Dates have been served on plates across the globe for generations. They are actually among the oldest cultivated fruits and were first discovered in 4000 B.C. It is clear to see why dates have remained a part of our diets for so long with their sweet flavor that pairs well with so many meals.
Two of the most popular varieties include Deglet Noor and Medjool dates. Although the fruits look alike, they have different flavors, sizes, textures. Customers with a sweet tooth would probably prefer Medjool dates that are larger and softer than other types. In contrast, Deglet Noor dates are firmer with a slightly nutty flavor.
The Dessert Valley Dates team is passionate about our products and the fruits’ numerous health benefits. Whether you are already a date enthusiast or simply looking for clean eating tips, we are sure your tastebuds will be satisfied by these spectacular fruits.
Eating dates is excellent for your overall physical and mental health. We will review a few reasons why you need to include more of these fruits in your diet for this post.
Health Benefits Of Consuming Dates
Even though these sweet dried fruits may look small, they are packed with a myriad of vital nutrients that keep your body healthy. Below are some of the stellar health benefits that dates have to offer:
Dates act as an all-natural sweetener.
The fruits’ soft (and sort of wrinkly) exterior may seem misleading to picky eaters. But trust us, they taste super sweet. Dates taste a little more like caramel candy rather than fruit. Hence the reason many use it as a popular natural alternative to sugar.
Making date-infused desserts with your family is an easy and fun way to incorporate dates into your diet. We actually feature an entire post dedicated to baking with dates on our blog, including tips on substituting them for sugar. Besides, who doesn’t love fruit in their granola bars or oatmeal cookies?
Dates contain immune-boosting antioxidants.
Dates are full of vital antioxidants that will keep you happy and healthy this upcoming Winter season. Eating antioxidant-rich fruits like dates is essential to help your body combat oxidation. The three primary antioxidants found in dates include carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acid.
Each antioxidant targets different body parts, allowing for a well-rounded nutrient profile. Cartenoids are crucial for overall eye health and may limit the risk of vision loss or other eye diseases. Furthermore, flavonoids and phenolic acids boast anti-inflammatory properties that come in handy during the cold season.
Dates may support brain function.
Have you ever heard of brain food? Dates are a prime example of that since they contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that reduce inflammation. The fruits are also believed to prevent Alzheimer’s disorder, impacting one’s cognition and memory. Antioxidants protect the brain and limit stress from oxidation, allowing everything up there to run more smoothly. So, dates may be the perfect snack for you during hectic finals weeks or stressful office meetings.
Dates provide a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Dates are a wonderful source of good for you vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12. In addition, the fruits feature high amounts of fiber, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain iron, a mineral that impacts many body parts. It is essential to ensure you get enough iron in your diet to avoid deficiencies that lead to breathing issues, fluctuating body temperatures, and even anemia. Eating more dates may help to relieve such symptoms and increase iron levels.
Plus, they are a tasty treat for anyone interested in superfoods. Our team enjoys blending dates with fruit smoothies. It is a delicious yet flavorful addition that we recommend trying at home.
Dates can improve gut health.
Regularly consuming these fiber-packed dried fruits is an easy (and tasty) way to keep your gut healthy. They also come in handy to achieve one’s weight loss goal and relieve symptoms of irregular bowel movements. Therefore, if you experience digestive issues, it may be time to start featuring more dates in your diet.
Dates are known to possess properties that lower cholesterol levels, limiting the risk of heart disease and colon cancer. The dried fruits also have a low glycemic index. Thus, dates are ideal snacks for people with diabetes craving something sweet without causing spikes in their blood sugar levels.
