Dates are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. They were the staple food in Middle East and Indus Valley for thousands of years. Looks like our ancestors too were aware of what a super nutritious fruit it is.
In modern times, one can simply not think of these fruits and link them to Saudi Arabia. They are an indispensable part of their culture and cuisine. So much so that the Date palm tree has made it to its National Emblem. Safawi, Ajwa and Khidri are some of the many varieties they produce. Imported dates from Saudi Arabia have flooded the Indian markets too. One can even buy good quality Dates online in India.
Here are some of the dates benefits to our health
1. Strengthens the bones
Rich in calcium, and potassium, Dates help preserve bone density which in turn keeps us from developing painful ailments like osteoporosis.
They have high content of protein and calcium which are helpful in bone mineralization and maintenance of calcium balance can also be found in good proportions in them. It also reduces the risks of fractures.
2. Prevents tooth decay
Apart from providing calcium to keep teeth strong, Dates also contain fluorine that fights tooth decay by preventing harm to Enamel, one of the 4 most important tissues of our teeth.
3. Prevents Night Blindness
Vitamin A present in Ajwa variety help strengthen vision and keeps night blindness at bay.
4. Boosts Digestion
The dietary fiber present in Dates in great proportions has earned this fruit a position as one of the natural laxative foods. They increase the bowel movements, thus preventing constipation and other diseases concerning indigestion. Safawi Dates, when eaten on an empty stomach are known to kill the worms in our stomach, paving way for a smooth digestion.
5. Helps induce natural labour and helps in overall health of pregnant women
Pregnant women require more calorie intake than normal women. Apart from being a good source of calories, Dates also contain natural easy-to-breakdown sugars that helps maintain energy level during child birth.
Anemia is common during pregnancy. Iron rich Dates keep up the haemoglobin levels strengthening the mother and the baby’s immunity.
Now let us take a look at a few more important benefits in addition to the above
6. Aids in the development of foetus
Vitamin K and magnesium helps in the development of bones in the babies. Also, the folate present in Dates keeps the foetus from developing brain and spinal cord related defects.
7. Preserves healthy functioning of the heart
The anti-oxidants present in Dates reduce the bad cholesterol level LDL and increase the good cholesterol level HDL, thereby unclogging the arteries and preventing heart attacks and strokes.
8. Brain health
Potassium present in Dates allows good amount of oxygen to reach the brain thereby enhancing neural activity. Also, regular consumption of Dates has shown a slowdown in the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
9. Improves skin and hair
Packed with vitamin C, Dates keep the skin moisturized and improves its elasticity. Vitamins and iron present in them nourishes and strengthens hair from within.
At first glance, who would have thought that this fruit can have such myriad of benefits to our health. Truly an elixir of life!
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