Health benefits of dates

What are dates fruits?

Dates are essentially tropical fruits grown on date palm trees. It is scientifically known as Phoenix Dactylifera and is one of the world's healthiest fruits. Dates are classified as dry fruits and have long been a part of West Asian culture.

Dates contain a lot of natural sugar. The dry fruit version of dates contains more calories than the fresh fruit version. Dates' high calorie content has contributed to their popularity as a source of energy throughout the day.

They look like a large shriveled raisin when picked. Despite their appearance, they contain moisture. Whole dates have a stone in the middle that should be removed before eating, or pitted dates can be purchased.

Fresh and dried dates are available all year, but fresh dates are best between November and January.

There are many different types of dates, but the medjool date is one of the most well-known because it has a sweeter and stickier taste and texture than others.

1. Dates are Highly Nutritious:  

The fruits are high in essential vitamins and other nutrients that are beneficial to your overall health. Dates are also high in fiber and carbohydrates, making them one of the healthiest dry fruits.

Dates have the following nutritional value per 100g:

Calories range from 270 to 310.

Protein content: 5.1 g

0.4 g total fat

2 milligrams of sodium

Sodium - 656 mg

75 g carbohydrate (dietary fiber and sugar)

Antioxidants (80400 micromoles)

2. Enhances Brain Functionality: 

Inflammatory cytokines like Interleukin can be extremely harmful to your brain. Increased levels of IL-6 (Interleukin 6) have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The presence of inflammatory markers is never a good sign for your neural health and should be treated with caution.

Dates have been found to be beneficial in lowering IL-6 levels and thus lowering the risk of developing brain degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's. An in-vivo study on mice found that including date palm in the feed reduces amyloid beta-protein activity, which can reduce the production of plaques that can harm the brain.

Plaques are extremely dangerous and can cause cell death, resulting in severe conditions such as Alzheimer's.

The study also discovered that eating dates helps to reduce anxiety symptoms and improves memory and learning. The effects of regular date consumption on your neural health are numerous. Aside from preventing degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, they can also help with overall brain improvement.

3. Promotes Natural Labor: 

Pregnant women who eat dates on a regular basis have a higher chance of giving birth naturally. Cesarean deliveries cause complications that are harmful to the women who give birth. Eating dates in the later stages of pregnancy can help to make the entire delivery process go more smoothly.

According to research, including dates in a pregnant woman's regular diet can help reduce the amount of pressure used when attempting to deliver the baby.and increases the likelihood of having healthy contractions during labor. Dates contain a high concentration of tannins, which aids in the facilitation of contractions during labor.

These effects are caused by the unique compounds found in dates, which can reduce the need for oxytocin during pregnancy. By binding to oxytocin receptors, these compounds successfully mimic its effects.

4. Improves Your Skin: 

Dates are an excellent substitute for the harmful chemicals found in skincare products. Dates contain a high concentration of vitamin C and vitamin D, ensuring that your skin receives all of the nutrients it requires for healthy, glowing skin. Vitamins C and D help to improve the elasticity of your skin, which is difficult to maintain as you age.

Dates contain nutrients that help prevent premature aging and keep you looking young for a longer period of time. Dates can also help you keep a healthy balance of melanin in your skin by reducing the chances of it depositing in different places.

5. Reduces Hair Loss: 

Dates are a great alternative to many over-the-counter medications that claim to stop hair loss. Dates are high in iron, making them extremely beneficial to your hair. Dates' high iron content ensures that blood flow remains strong and that the scalp receives the nourishment it requires. The increased flow of oxygen to your scalp will promote new hair growth while also significantly reducing hair loss.

6. Lowers the Risk of Night Blindness: 

Long-term vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of night blindness. Dates are high in vitamin A, and eating them on a regular basis can help you avoid night blindness in the long run. Dates have been used to treat night blindness throughout West Asian history. Date palms are an ancient natural medicine that is used to treat problems caused by a lack of vitamin A.

7. Strengthens Your Nervous System:

Your nervous system is the communication network that keeps your body running. Neurological issues are extremely dangerous because they can affect multiple parts of the body at once.

Dates are high in nutrients like potassium, which is great for your neurological health. Potassium-rich foods promote easier communication between nerve cells. Dates' low sodium content reduces the likelihood of hypertension, which in turn protects your nerves from high blood pressure.

8. Can Protect Your Kidneys:

Dates have a variety of properties that can help your kidneys stay healthy in difficult circumstances. A study on Ajwa, a type of date found primarily in West Asia, discovered that the fruit can actively reduce the lesions caused by nephrological disorders. Date extracts can also help reduce excess plasma and creatinine in the kidney, which improves overall kidney health.

9. Aids in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus:

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Diabetes is treated with synthetic medications that include a combination of oral medications and insulin supplementation.

Dates have the ability to increase insulin production and also have several properties that can help reduce the rate of glucose absorption from the intestine. This can go a long way toward lowering the risk of diabetes.Reduced glucose absorption will inevitably result in lower blood glucose levels, which is beneficial for diabetics. The precise mechanism by which dates help to reduce the effects of diabetes is still being researched.

10. Lowers Cancer Risk: 

Extensive research on dates has revealed that the presence of a compound called beta D-glucan in dates is very beneficial in promoting anti-tumor activity within the body. Dates' high antioxidant content also aids in the reduction of free radical activity (elements that can cause cancer), lowering the likelihood of cancer occurring. Date consumption on a daily basis can significantly reduce the risk of cancer as well as the occurrence of benign tumors.