Dates actually come from a type of palm tree, and seems to have originated in the Middle Eastern area of Iraq. The species is widely cultivated across Northern Africa, Middle East and South Asia, and is neutralized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The botanical name of date is Phoenix Dactylifera. Regardless of their origin, dates have multiple uses beyond that of health, but the benefits we are interested in stem from the support it can offer the human body.
Dates are ones of the healthiest fruits you can consume, as they are rich in beneficial ingredients that treat various health issues, including hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, and high cholesterol. They also accelerate the metabolism. Other benefits includes preserving healthy intestinal microbiome, reducing the risk of colon cancer, supporting a healthy pregnancy, slowing down aging process and boosting sexual desire.
Here are 8 of their health benefits:
1.Dates prevent diarrhea
Dates are high in potassium, which prevents diarrhea by the healthy bacteria and thus relieving the belly flora and the intestines.
2.Dates regulate cholesterol
Dates cleanse blood vessels and prevent the formation of blood clots, so they effectively regulate the unhealthy cholesterol or LDL.
3.Dates regulate blood pressure
Dates are high in potassium and contain no sodium, so they are perfect in the case of hypertension. Moreover, 5-6 dates contain 80 mg of magnesium, which boosts the blood flow and is spread through the blood vessels. To reduce blood pressure, you need about 370 mg of magnesium.
4.Dates for anemia
These fruits are a rich source of iron, so they are extremely useful in the case of anemia, pregnancy, and for children. 100 grams of dates daily will provide 0.9 mg of iron, which is about 11 % of the recommended daily intake of iron. Iron has a beneficial effect on the red blood cells and hemoglobin and helps the oxygen flow through the blood.
5.Dates prevent strokes
The high potassium content in these fruits enhances the nervous system and prevents strokes. Hence, the daily intake of 400 mg of potassium successfully prevents strokes.
6.Dates for heart health
Soak the dates in water during the night, and in the morning eat them or add them to your smoothie to support heart health.
7.Dates soothe constipation
Dates are extremely useful in the case of constipation. You should keep them in some water overnight, and then drink the water in the morning to help digestion, and use their mild laxative properties.
8.Dates help weight loss
The consumption of dates on an empty stomach will help you control your body weight, as they contain no cholesterol.
Dr Aabid Altaf Wani is a medical doctor and can be mailed at draabidwani@gmail.com