Health Benefits of Dates

Dates are healthy and flavourful fruits loaded with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They come in different varieties, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Not only are they nutritious and delectable, but they are also incredibly versatile. In this blog post, you’ll get to know some interesting facts about dates, their history, and health benefits.

Being one of the oldest and most widely consumed fruits in the world, dates have a long and rich history that links back to ancient Mesopotamian civilisations.  Originally cultivated in the Middle East, dates have transcended boarders and become ingrained in diverse cuisines and cultures worldwide.

History of Date Fruits

Health Benefits of Dates

Dates are a rich source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, with scientifically proven health benefits.Following are some top health benefits of this sweet fruit.

• Dates promote digestion and regulate bowel movement.     
• Dates helps prevent constipation as it contains both soluble and insoluble fibre.
• Dates have a low glycemic index making them useful for diabetics. They contain natural sugar that provides an energy boost but doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

. Date Incredible Benefits for Expecting Mothers

As expecting mothers, there is an array of nutritional choices  that can benefit both you and your little one.  Recent research has shed light on the compounds found in dates that can potentially promote cervical dilation and facilitate a natural birth, when consumed as a part of a well-balanced diet during the final month of pregnancy .https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21280989/ This exciting findings add yet another reason to consider incorporating dates into your prenatal routine.

• Dates are packed with minerals like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin K, which are beneficial for the health of your bones.

• Studies revealed that the potassium in the dates may help lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Date fruits are a powerhouse of beneficial compounds, boasting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti -tumor properties. These extraordinary  qualities not only aid in controlling disease development and progression, but also emphasise the signs of holistic well-being. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3992385/

• Compared to other dried fruits, dates are found to contain the highest concentration of antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid, and carotenoids.

While dates are commonly known for being a sweet and tasty snack, there are many things most people don’t know about dates.

Interesting Facts about Dates

• Did you know dates have a long history in traditional medicine? In ancient times, they were believed to have healing powers and were used to treat a variety of ailments like digestion and heart problems.

• When it comes to using dates in baking and cooking, most people only think of using them as a sweetener in desserts. However, you can also use dates in savoury dishes, such as stews and tagines, to add a sweet depth to the flavour.

Many people don’t realise that dates come in different varieties with different textures. Some popular varieties are Medjool, Barhi, Mazafati, Piarom, Ameri, and Deglet Noor. It’s worth trying different varieties to find the ones you enjoy the most.

How to Select the Dates

Here are some useful tips to help you choose the best dates and keep them fresh for longer:

• When buying, look for plump and shiny dates rather than dry or shrivelled  dates that may be old or not fresh.

• Always check the colour as they come in a variety of shades, ranging from light to dark. The darker the shade, the sweeter the date is. However, if you prefer less sweet dates, you can pick the lighter ones.

• Smell the dates to get a sweet aroma. If you notice a sour or fermented smell, they may become overripe or spoiled.

How to Store the Dates

Once you purchased your preferred variety of dates, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If stored properly, they can last for up to five to six months. For longer storage, place them in the fridge or freezer.

How to Cook with Dates

Here are some tips for cooking with dates.

• Prefer to buy Medjool dates as they are soft, plump, and sweet. They also blend easily into the recipes.

• If your dates are hard, soak your dates in hot water for a few minutes before blending them into a paste and using them in recipes.

Dates are naturally sweet and you can use dates in place of refined sugar in the recipes. Simply blend the dates and use them as a sweetener.

What to Pair with Dates

You can use dates in a variety of dishes from desserts to smoothies to savoury dishes. You can stuff dates with goat cheese, feta, or nuts and wrap them in lettuce, or prosciutto before grilling or baking. You can use dates in the meat marinades to add a touch of sweetness. Combining them with seeds or nuts, you can use dates as a base for homemade energy bars.

Dates are truly a great addition to a healthy diet and very versatile. Get inspired, with date recipe desires! http://tinyurl.com/4hh6bwwp

Dated! Smoothie Recipe

 Ingredients

Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
   
   Enjoy!
2. Quick Tip

For a higher protein packed smoothie – add 1 scoop of your favourite protein powder.