Benefits of Eating Dates
Esha Dhawan
Feb 15, 2024

When we talk about natural sweets, a delectable treat that stands out due to its numerous health benefits is date. Known for their rich flavour and chewy texture, dates are not only a delicious snack but also a nutritional powerhouse. Join us as we discuss the plethora of benefits of dates, their impressive nutritional value and what makes them a versatile ingredient and culinary staple.

What are Dates?

Date is a tropical fruit from the date palm tree, scientifically known as Phoenix Dactylifera. It is an important staple of West Asian cuisine and has a soft and chewy texture along with a caramel-like flavour. They are used in different dishes and are consumed in different forms around the world. For instance, they are dried to extend their shelf life and are also used as a natural sweetener in various desserts. Also, dates are commonly known as Khajoor in hindi and are a beloved snack and fruit. Learn about the benefits of eating dates below.

Nutritional Value of Dates (Khajoor)

When it comes to the nutritional in dates, you will be shocked at how rich this small fruit is. They are abundant in essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to any diet. Let’s break down the nutritional components found in this magical fruit:

  • Calories: 277
  • Carbs: 75 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Magnesium: 13%
  • Manganese: 13% 
  • Potassium: 15% 
  • Copper: 40% 
  • Iron: 5% 
  • Vitamin B6: 15% 

12 Health Benefits of Dates (Khajoor)

Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits and have been a staple food in the Middle East. They can be used in cooking, and baking, and as a natural sweetener in various dishes. Here are some major advantages of eating dates you should know.

1. Aids in Better Digestion
2. Promotes Bone Health
3. Works as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent
4. Improves Brain Functionality
5. Helps Fight Diabetes
6. Prevents Microbial Infections
7. Can Protect Your Kidneys
8. Helps with Hangovers
9. Can Improve Fertility
10. Facilitates Natural Labour
11. Improves Your Skin Health
12. May Reduce Risk of Cancer

    1. Aids in Better Digestion

    Since dates are a rich source of dietary fibre, they are excellent for preventing constipation, promoting bowel movement and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Thus, dates help in improving overall gut health and digestion.

    2. Promotes Bone Health

    The myriad of nutrients present in dates, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus help improve your bone health. Thus, if you are someone who is suffering from a lower bone density, you must leverage this benefit of dates and prevent bone-related disorders.

    3. Works as an Anti-inflammatory Agent

    Dates can also act as an anti-inflammatory agent as they contain flavonoids and phenolic acid. Thus, regularly eating dates can help reduce the chances of diseases like arthritis and gout and promote overall well-being.

    4. Improves Brain Functionality

    If you are looking for a solution to improve cognitive function and protect cells from oxidative damage, dates are an excellent option. The antioxidants in dates help improve the blood flow to the brain and improve your memory and overall brain function.

    5. Helps Fight Diabetes

    Did you know that despite being sweet in taste, dates actually have a low glycemic index? The fruit causes a slow and steady increase in blood sugar levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes and those at risk of developing it.

    6. Prevents Microbial Infections

    Another health benefit of dates is that the fruit helps prevent microbial infections due to the high concentration of bioactive compounds. These compounds help inhibit the growth of any harmful bacteria and viruses and help strengthen the immune system of the body.

    7. Can Protect Your Kidneys

    Being naturally rich in potassium, dates benefit your kidney function and help prevent kidney stones and diseases. Be it any existing kidney issues or age-related decline in kidney function, dates can come to your rescue and contribute to overall kidney health.

    8. Helps with Hangovers

    If you are feeling major hangover symptoms, you must try dates as a remedy. This is because dates are a natural source of fructose that helps speed up alcohol metabolism. Thus, consuming this fruit before or after drinking alcohol can help reduce any hangover symptoms.

    9. Can Improve Fertility

    Another advantage of eating dates is that it can help improve male fertility. In fact, dates have been used to enhance sexual health and fertility since ancient times. This is due to the nutrients like vitamin B6, magnesium, and amino acids that help improve blood flow and support hormone production.

    10. Facilitates Natural Labour

    Here’s another fascinating benefit of date seed that makes it beneficial for pregnant women. Dates have been known to promote natural labour and ease childbirth. This is because they help facilitate cervical dilation and provide energy during the labour process.

    11. Improves Your Skin Health

    Known for being rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and other essential nutrients, dates promote skin rejuvenation and even help protect the skin against UV damage. Thus, you can reduce the early signs of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles and achieve youthful-looking skin by adding this fruit to your diet.

    12. May Reduce Risk of Cancer

    Lastly, since dates contain a high amount of antioxidants that help neutralise harmful free radicals, it is believed that they can help reduce the risk of cancer. Thus, dates can help with slowing down the spreading of cancer cells and reduce the risk of different types of cancers.

    The Takeaway

    Apart from being a delicious and satisfying snack, dates are also a nutritious addition to your diet. From promoting heart health, boosting your energy levels to supporting the digestive process, dates have a wide range of health advantages. Shop for dates, dry fruits and other mindful eating options at Amala Earth and begin your health journey today!

    FAQs on Benefits of Dates (Khajoor)

    How many dates should I eat in a day?

    Although the daily intake can depend on the health goals of the person, it is recommended to consume them in moderation. Eating 2 to 3 dates per day can help you harness the benefits of dates without adding any harmful calories or sugar.

    What are the benefits of eating dates daily?

    There are numerous health benefits of eating dates on a daily basis. This includes better digestion, higher energy levels, enhanced brain function and supporting bone health. Having this fruit regularly also reduces the risk of certain diseases like kidney stones, diabetes, etc.

    Are dates good for the skin?

    Yes, there are numerous benefits of dates for skin, including slowing down premature ageing and protecting from UV damage. In addition, dates promote collagen production and skin elasticity that contribute to radiant skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

    Can we eat dates at night?

    Yes, you can eat dates with milk at night time. There are many benefits of dates with milk, such as inducing sleep and stabilising blood sugar levels. Thus, if you are looking for an ingredient that can help promote restful sleep, you must try consuming dates (Khajur) with milk at night.

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