12 health benefits of eating dates

Dates are enjoyed in the middle-east and rest of the world as a delicacy. Health conscious population enjoy dates as an alternative to the regular sugar. Here are 12 reasons for you to introduce dates to your regular diet.

Dates are rich in several nutrients such as fiber, vitamins (vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamin K), minerals (iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus) all of which are required as a part of a balanced and healthy diet. Some people consume dates as such while others turn it in to a paste and enjoy it with milk, yogurt or as a breakfast spread.

TO RELIEVE CONSTIPATION

Dates are significantly beneficial to relieve constipation and are often eaten as a laxative food. You may soak a few dates in water overnight to enjoy its benefit to help you with a healthy bowel movement.

TO STRENGTHEN BONES

The various minerals present in dates are beneficial to strengthen bones and reduce painful osteoporosis. So, do not forget to eat a few dates every day to strengthen your bones as you grow old.

TO REDUCE INTESTINAL DISORDERS

Dates also contain nicotine that is beneficial in curing various intestinal disorders and inhibits the growth of harmful organisms by stimulating the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria.

TO TREAT ANEMIA

The high mineral content of dates is also beneficial to treat anemia and increase the energy levels in anemic patients by reducing the feeling of sluggishness and fatigue.

TO REDUCE ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Dates contain organic sulfur, which is not a very common element present in foods. This organic sulfur is known to reduce allergic reactions, seasonal allergies and SAR (seasonal allergic rhinitis) related infections.

TO BOOST ENERGY LEVEL

For people trying to gain some weight, dates are a must have food that should be added to their diet. Dates are also naturally great source to boost your energy levels and reduce the feeling of sluggishness and lethargy.

TO HELP THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The high vitamin content of dates is beneficial to maintain the functionality and health of the nervous system.

TO MAINTAIN THE BRAIN ALERT

Potassium present in dates improves the alertness of brain and thus dates are recommended to be consumed by people of all age groups.

TO PREVENT STROKE

Overnight soaked dates when consumed in the morning are beneficial to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart related complications. Dates also help to reduce the level of LDL cholesterol and it is recommended that people with a weak heart can take dates up to twice a week.

TO ENHANCE SEXUAL ENDURANCE

Dates when soaked overnight in goat’s milk and then consumed with cardamom powder and honey the next morning, is believed to enhance sexual stamina, sexual endurance and reduces sterility.

TO TREAT ALCOHOLIC INTOXICATION

Dates are beneficial to treat alcoholic intoxication and severe hang over if they are soaked overnight and consumed in the morning.

TO PREVENT ABDOMINAL CANCER

This fruit is also beneficial to reduce the risk of abdominal cancer and can be eaten by people of all age groups.