Dates Benefits And Side Effects to the body
The benefits of dates have been known since time immemorial. Nutritious and high in calories, these fruits can be a healthy alternative to classic desserts.
The KP, together with an expert, understands what else dates can be useful for, and what is their harm to the body of men, women and children.
History Of Dates
The history of dates goes back thousands of years. Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera), which is native to the Middle East and North Africa. The earliest record of date cultivation is from around 6000 BCE in what is now modern-day Iraq.
Dates were highly valued in ancient times and were a staple food in the diets of many civilizations. They were also used for medicinal purposes and as a sweetener in recipes. The ancient Egyptians, for example, used dates to make wine, and the Babylonians used them in their beer-making process.
In Islamic culture, dates hold a special significance. They are mentioned in the Quran and were reportedly one of the favorite foods of the Prophet Muhammad. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims traditionally break their fast with dates and water.
Dates were introduced to Europe by the Phoenicians and were later brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers. Today, dates are cultivated in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, North Africa, California, and Arizona.
Dates are still popular today and are used in many different ways. They are a natural sweetener in many foods and are also a popular snack on their own. They are also used in baking, as a filling for pastries, and as a topping for ice cream and other desserts
The Benefits Of Dates
Dates are a highly nutritious fruit with numerous health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of eating dates:
- Rich in Nutrients: Dates are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
- Boost Energy: Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which provide a quick energy boost.
- Promote Digestive Health: The fiber in dates helps promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
- Good for Heart Health: Dates are high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Dates contain several compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Dates are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Help with Weight Loss: Dates are relatively low in calories and high in fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake.
- Can Help Improve Brain Function: Some studies suggest that dates may help improve brain function and memory due to their high antioxidant content.
- Could Help Prevent Cancer: Dates contain several compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties, including flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Overall, dates are a nutritious and delicious fruit that can provide numerous health benefits when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.
| Calories per 100 g | 292 kcal |
| Squirrels | 2.5 g |
| Fats | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 69.2 g |
Side Effects Of Dates
While dates are generally considered safe for most people to consume, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of:
- High in Sugar: Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes or other blood sugar-related conditions should monitor their intake of dates.
- Can Cause Digestive Issues: Dates are high in fiber, which can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea if consumed in excess.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to dates, which can cause symptoms like itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- High in Calories: While dates are nutrient-dense, they are also relatively high in calories. Consuming too many dates can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- Interference with Blood Thinners: Dates contain vitamin K, which can interfere with blood thinners like warfarin. People taking these medications should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming dates or other vitamin K-rich foods.
As with any food, it’s important to consume dates in moderation as part of a balanced diet to avoid any negative side effects.
Dates have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to their various health benefits. Here are some ways in which dates are used in medicine:
- As a Laxative: Dates have a high fiber content and can help promote healthy digestion and bowel movements, making them a natural laxative.
- For Pregnancy and Labor: Dates are commonly consumed during pregnancy and labor due to their ability to boost energy levels, aid in cervical dilation, and potentially reduce the risk of preterm labor.
- As an Anti-Inflammatory: Dates contain several compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial in treating conditions like arthritis.
- For Respiratory Conditions: Dates are used in traditional medicine to help treat respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis due to their expectorant properties.
- As a Natural Sweetener: Dates can be used as a natural sweetener in place of processed sugar in certain medications to provide a sweet taste without the negative health effects of added sugars.
- For General Health: Dates are a nutritious fruit that can help promote overall health and well-being due to their high nutrient content.
While dates are commonly used in traditional medicine, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and risks. As with any medication or supplement, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using dates for medicinal purposes.
The Use Of Dates In Cooking
Dried and fresh dates are used in cooking. They are often eaten as a dessert with tea, sometimes stuffed with candied fruits and cheeses or covered in chocolate. But in addition to direct consumption, dates are added to dairy products, salads, meat dishes, pastries, special varieties of alcohol and vinegar are prepared from them.
Cereal bars with dates
Cereal bars with the addition of any dried fruits, nuts and cereals are an excellent source of vitamins and energy. A convenient take-away snack, as well as a healthy addition to tea, kefir or yogurt. All ingredients can be replaced and others can be added – for example, dried cranberries, flax seeds or puffed rice
| Oatmeal (finely ground) | 2 glasses |
| Dates | 250 g |
| Dried apricots, raisins, dried cherries | each 50 g |
| Nuts (walnuts, cashews) | 50 g each |
| Apple juice | 50 ml |
| Honey | 2 tbsp. l. |
Dried fruits pour warm water to lightly cover the fruit, and leave for 10 minutes. Put the dates with all the liquid into a blender (previously removing the bones) and beat into a puree. Finely chop the remaining dried fruits and nuts. Preheat oven to 170 degrees. Place oatmeal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes. Take out and chill. Combine all products in a bowl: baked cereal, date mass, juice and additives. From this mass with wet hands form bars. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes depending on size. For storage, wrap in foil or polyethylene and store in a cool, dark place.
Milkshake with dates
Useful snack. It is recommended as a second breakfast, in the evening it is better not to drink a cocktail because of its high sugar content. You can add your favorite berries or cinnamon
P| Milk | 300 ml |
| Dates | 6 pcs. |
| Banana | 1 PC. |
Soak dates in warm water and leave for 10 minutes. Then drain the water and remove the seeds from the fruit. Peel banana and cut into pieces. Place the fruit in a blender, pour over the milk and puree until smooth.
How To Choose And Store Dates
Choosing and storing dates properly can help ensure that they stay fresh and maintain their flavor and texture. Here are some tips for choosing and storing dates:
- Choose High-Quality Dates: Look for dates that are plump, shiny, and evenly colored. Avoid dates that are dry, cracked, or have mold on them.
- Check the Best-Before Date: Look for dates with a long shelf life and check the best-before date to ensure freshness.
- Buy Whole Dates: Whole dates with the pit still intact tend to stay fresh longer than pitted dates.
- Store Dates in the Refrigerator: Store dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator to help them stay fresh for up to 6 months.
- Freeze Dates for Long-Term Storage: Dates can be frozen for up to a year. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer.
- Soak Dates Before Use: Soaking dates in warm water for 10-15 minutes before use can help soften them and make them easier to work with in recipes.
- Use Dates in a Variety of Recipes: Dates can be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, and salads.
By following these tips, you can choose and store dates properly to help ensure that they stay fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
Popular Questions And Answers
How many dates can you eat per day?
“Don’t eat more than 15 dates a day,” says dietitian consultant
and health improvement Alexander Voinov. – And it is better to use them in the morning, as these fruits are digested for a long time.
Do dates need to be washed?
Yes, before eating, dates, like any other fruit purchased at the market or in a store, should be washed.
Which dates are better: with a stone or without?
Dates with pits are healthier than dates without pits. The presence of a stone means that the fruit is less likely to have been chemically processed, which means it retains more of its beneficial properties.
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