Dates have been a staple food of the Middle East for thousands of years and are widely cultivated and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions across the world. There are many different types of dates, amongst them the Mazafati (Kimia) date, Piarom (Piarum) date, Kabkab date, Morder Sang date and Zahedi (Zahidi) date.
Whilst dates are common in the diets of those from European and American countries, in Middle East and Arab countries, they are considered a food stable, full of nutritional value. Perhaps the reason that dates are so popular amongst some populations is because of their recognised nutritional content and health benefits. Dates are a powerhouse of various vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and can be used by almost everyone.
Benefits of dates
Reasons for the popularity of date fruit
- Date fruit is packed full of vitamins (A, B, C and E), as well as numerous minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, iron and magnesium, all of which have their own unique health benefits. Magnesium, for example, is thought to have anti-cancer properties and can also be beneficial to our hearing and vision, as well as for back and joint pain.
- Date fruit is particularly popular during the fasting period of Ramadan. High in fibre, it can help to replenish the energy lost during fasting. Not only that, but it is thought to have laxative properties which can help to relieve the constipation that one may suffer during this period.
- Feeling tired and sluggish? Because of their potassium and magnesium content, eating dates has been found to have a direct positive impact on fatigue, whether this is due to a period of fasting, a busy lifestyle, or simply when you’re feeling run-down. Date fruit’s high magnesium levels also helps to strengthen muscles and increase physical power, as well as improve memory function.
- For those who suffer from anaemia, dates are a great way to top up your iron levels. Iron is key to the production of red blood cells, allowing more oxygen to travel around your body. This can help to overcome the symptoms of anaemia such as weariness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, leg cramps, dizziness and insomnia.
- Dates are rich in potassium and can therefore help to strengthen your nervous system. Potassium has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol levels in your body.
- Mineral substances such as copper and magnesium, found in good supply in dates, are vital for strong, healthy bones.
- Looking to curb your tendency to snack on unhealthy, sugary foods? Dates provide a great, just as tasty alternative, and are far better for you than foods containing simple sugars.
- One of the most impressive benefits of eating dates, however, is that they have been found to be effective in preventing certain cancers.
To increase the positive effects of eating date fruit, it is recommended to leave the dates to soak in water overnight, then crush them and eat in the morning as a great, nutritious way to start the day.
You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at GreenDiamond.CO). No other copying or use is permitted without written agreement from Green Diamond International Sdn. Bhd.