The health benefits of dates are amazing, as this power-packed fruit is rich in natural fibres, vitamins and minerals. These middle eastern symbols are also known as the crown of sweets. The date contains oil, calcium, sulphur, potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium, and copper which are great for your health. I have read that eating a date every day is essential for a proper healthy diet. They also help in intestinal disorders, heart problems, diarrhea, weight gain and abdominal cancer. Kathy Smart would most probably agree with me when I say that dates perfect nourishment for muscle development. Eating dates is beneficial for anyone recovering after any muscle surgery or surgery in general. They are also a great snack to grab with you that will power your body for a while. There are so many ways to eat dates: fresh, diced in cereals, or just mixing in with anything you see fit. I’ve been told that doctors of modern medicine believe that dates are useful in preventing abdominal cancer, and I read that it also helps with night blindness and eyesight in general.

Consuming dates daily will grab you an amount of 20 to 35 grams of dietary fibre. Dates are also free of cholesterol and contain very low fat. They truly stand by their ancient name the ”Crown of Sweets” because they are rich in vitamins & minerals. They are perfectly packed with protein, and rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5,vitamin A1 and C. They promote a better digestive system as they contain soluble and insoluble fibers and different kinds of amino acids. They also contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose.

Did you know that one cup of pitted, chopped dates contains 3.6 grams of protein, 415 calories and 11.8 grams of dietary fibre.

Mineral:

Potassium – 964 mg, 
Phosphorus – 91 mg, Magnesium – 63 mg, Calcium – 57 mg, Sodium – 3 mg 
Iron – 1.5 mg, Selenium 4.4 mcg, Manganese – 0.385 mg, Copper – 0.303 mg, and Zinc – 0.43 mg. 

Vitamins:

Vitamin A – 15 IU, 
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 0.076 mg, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 0.097 mg, 
Niacin – 1.873 mg, Folate – 28 mcg, Pantothenic Acid- 0.866 mg, Vitamin B6 – 0.243 mg, 
Vitamin C – 0.6 mg, Vitamin E – 0.07 mg and Vitamin K – 4 mcg.  

Dates are high in iron and are very good for those who are anemic. In my case, I have to watch my intake of dates due to being a carrier of Hemochromatosis… I can not get rid of my iron. I also found out that dates have fluorine, which slows down the process of tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel.

After everything you read so far you’d think we are coming to and end, but no, the benefits of dates are just starting. They will make you go regular even more so than mung beans, so they will end your constipation. It has also been said that they increase your sexual stamina, hmmm. Like some people I know who can’t put weight on, and I envy them to a point, dates help in weight gain and help maintain it. They are also a natural energy booster if you haven’t already figured that one out. At last, and yes I save the best for last, … Dates are the best natural way of getting rid of a hangover, or to be more grammatically correct, alcohol intoxication/drunkenness. The quick hangover remedy relief from alcohol intoxication is a few fresh dates soaked overnight in 12 oz of water. Drink and eat them up and bye bye hangover.

There are many selections of dates which can be found in most grocery stores, and you can spot a good date by the appearance of the fleshiness and even colour. Make sure there is no artificial sugar coating, and stick to naturally grown, pesticide free. The two dates I use are Medjool Dates and Parnoosh which are both 100% gluten free. Oh, and remember to always wash all your fruits and veggies.

This was brought to you by FUK Flour and Gluten Free Ottawa.