Are dates really beneficial and who should eat them?

What we know about dates

Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in many tropical regions of the world. Recently, dates have become quite popular. Almost all dates sold in Western countries are dried.

You can determine whether dates are dried or not by their appearance. Wrinkled skin indicates they are dried, while smooth skin indicates freshness. Depending on the variety, fresh dates are fairly small in size and range in color from bright red to bright yellow.

Commonly consumed varieties include Medjool and Deglet Noor dates. Dates have a pleasant and sweet taste. They also contain many important nutrients and offer various health benefits.

The main benefits of dates

Because they are dried, their calorie content is higher than most fresh fruits. Dates are calorie-dense, comparable to other dried fruits like raisins and figs. Most of the calories in dates come from carbohydrates, with a minimal amount of protein.

Rich in fiber

Despite their calorie density, dates contain essential vitamins, minerals, and a significant amount of fiber. They are rich in antioxidants, serving as a preventive measure against cancer. With nearly 7 grams of fiber per serving, dates can aid in preventing constipation and supporting regular bowel movements. Fiber can benefit your digestion by preventing constipation.

Dates are very healthy (photo: freepik.com)

High antioxidant content

Dates contain various antioxidants that have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of several diseases. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause harmful reactions in your body and lead to disease.

Compared to similar types of fruit such as figs and dried plums, dates have the highest antioxidant content.

For example, flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and have been studied for their potential to reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer.

Carotenoids: Carotenoids have been shown to promote heart health and may also reduce the risk of eye disease.

Phenolic acid: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, phenolic acids may help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Promote brain health

Consuming dates can improve brain function. Laboratory studies have shown that dates are beneficial in reducing inflammation markers, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), in the brain. Elevated levels of IL-6 are associated with a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. In addition, other studies, including animal studies, have shown that dates are beneficial in reducing the activity of beta-amyloid proteins that can form plaques in the brain.

Natural sweetener

Dates are a source of fructose, which is a natural type of sugar found in fruits.

This is why dates are very sweet and also have a subtle caramel flavor. Thanks to the nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants they contain, they make a great substitute for white sugar in recipes.

It's important to note that although dates are rich in fiber and nutrients, they are still quite calorie-dense.

Earlier, we wrote about how to eat to slow down aging.

Read also about how to make a drink at home called the elixir of youth.

Sources: The Health and Healthline websites.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.