Why Dates are considered superfoods
For centuries, dates have been considered an essential part of a healthy diet and a natural superfood because they are an excellent source of energy, fiber, sugars and nutrients.
Dates contain vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K. Minerals including calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulfur and zinc can also be found in dates.
According to a 2008 review in the Food Science and Nutrition journal, eating around 100g of dates daily could provide over 15% of the daily requirement of essential minerals.
Consuming dates as part of a healthy lifestyle has a long list of health benefits. Check out our list below for more:
Natural Energy Booster
The high proportion of carbohydrates and natural sugars contained in dates make them great natural energy boosters, giving you a pick-me-up when energy levels are running low. This is why they are a popular ingredient in organic energy bars consumed by athletes and gym-goers.
A Healthy Gut
High levels of dietary fibre aid digestion, relieve constipation and help you avoid that bloated feeling after a heavy meal. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry also suggests that these dried fruits have high levels of dietary fiber and insoluble fiber, in particular.
These fibers, in addition to beneficial amino acids can also aid in the treatment of intestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids, according to the Journal of Nutrition Reviews.
Treat Anemia
The high iron content of dates helps people suffering from anemia (iron deficiency), which can lead to dizziness, brittle nails, fatigues and shortness of breath.
Fight Disease: Dates provide antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acid, whose anti-inflammatory properties reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that consuming dares fights the risk factors associated with heart disease.
Treat Sexual Dysfunction
Date palm pollen and oil have been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for male infertility and for boosting both male and female libido, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine.
Night Vision
According to an article in the Heart Views journal, dates are rich in carotenoids, which may help prevent night blindness and preserve healthy vision.
Strong Bones
Research at North Dakota State University found that date contains boron - a vital nutrient for healthy bones. Other studies have suggested that they contain minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium that can help fight disease such as osteoporosis.
Brain Food
Each date contains significant amounts of choline, a B Vitamin that helps boost memory, learning ability and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Natural Labor
A 2017 study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that 154 women who ate dates did not need to be artificially induced for labor.
Beautiful Skin
Dates are a natural source of Vitamins C and D, which helps keep your skin smooth, soft and youthful.