The Health Benefits of Dates
Dates are tropical fruits that provide a healthy alternative to sugary desserts. They are high in potassium, calcium and iron. They also contain phenolic compounds and flavonoids that reduce inflammation in the body. They are also a good source of fiber and help promote regular bowel movements.
Moreover, eating dates can help lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol in the body. They are rich in dietary fiber, which helps in reducing bad cholesterol.
They are a good source of potassium
Dates are a sweet, tropical fruit that is often used as an alternative to refined sugar. Although they contain carbohydrates, the sugar they provide is naturally occurring and packaged with fiber and other beneficial plant compounds. They are a good source of potassium, magnesium and folate. They can also reduce (LDL) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, and help prevent vascular diseases.
The high amount of dietary fiber in dates helps promote healthy digestion by promoting bowel movements and encouraging the growth of good bacteria. In addition, they are rich in antioxidants, which are disease-fighting compounds that protect the body from free radical damage.
The antioxidants in dates can help fight off heart disease, cancer and other conditions, as well as shorten the length of labor during childbirth. They also contain magnesium and potassium, which can lower blood pressure by relaxing or dilating blood vessels. This makes them an excellent food choice for those with high blood pressure or who are at risk of heart disease.
They are a good source of calcium
Dates are a good source of minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They also contain moderate amounts of iron, phosphorus, and zinc. They are low in sodium, making them a healthy choice for people with hypertension. A 100 g serving of dates provides about 15% of the recommended daily intake for these minerals.
They are rich in polyphenols, which are natural plant compounds with antioxidant properties. These compounds may help prevent vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and heart disease. Polyphenols also help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, dates are a good source of soluble fiber.
Eating a handful of dried dates or adding them to your breakfast cereal or porridge is a healthy way to get more fiber in your diet. However, they are high in sugar and calories, so you should eat them in moderation. Also, it is best to stick to a whole food diet when consuming dates.
They are a good source of iron
Dates are high in iron, a nutrient that helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. They also contain magnesium and potassium, both of which help lower your blood pressure. These nutrients also play an important role in heart health by relaxing or dilating blood vessels.
Moreover, dates are rich in phenolic acid, which is an antioxidant that protects the brain from inflammation. In preclinical studies, phenolic acids have been shown to reduce the formation of amyloid beta proteins, which interfere with brain cell communication and lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, a diet that includes dates can help promote bowel movements and prevent constipation. However, if you are sensitive to sulfites, you should avoid eating dried fruits that contain sulfites.
They are a good source of dietary fiber
Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are nutrient-dense tropical treats that can satisfy your sweet tooth and offer a healthy alternative to empty-calorie sweets. They are also a good source of dietary fiber and can help improve digestion and stool frequency.
Date-rich diets can also reduce the risk of labor complications, such as prolonged delivery or c-section, by increasing contractions and ripening the cervix. This is due to the presence of compounds that latch onto oxytocin receptors and trigger contractions.
Polyphenols found in dates can prevent vascular diseases and protect cells from damage caused by oxygen-free radicals. The antioxidant properties of these plant compounds also reduce inflammation.
Dates are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heartbeat and lowers triglyceride levels. They also contain calcium, iron, magnesium and B vitamins. However, those with kidney problems should limit their intake of dried fruits. They are also high in sulfites, which can cause stomach pain, diarrhea and worsen symptoms like wheezing in those with asthma.
