Dates have been known as a wonder fruit and for good reason. Not only do they taste delicious, they are also amazingly healthy and come with a wide range of benefits. Moreover, they are a versatile fruit; they can be eaten raw and can also be incorporated in all kinds of dishes and drinks. Their benefits range from helping to treat abdominal disorders to gaining muscle in the body to even treating sexual dysfunction to a certain point. Dates are also packed to the brim with all kinds of nutrients, from vitamins and sugar to important minerals like magnesium and potassium. These nutrients play a vital part in keeping our body healthy. Below are some of the best benefits that dates offer:
1. Strengthens Bones
Dates contain all kinds of minerals, and this helps to strengthen bones and promote overall bone health. They are also really great in warding off diseases like osteoporosis. The most important minerals that help with bone health are selenium, magnesium, copper and manganese, and dates are chock full of these minerals. Therefore, people at risk for deteriorating bone health, like older women, are advised to eat as many dates as possible as they start to age.
2. Relieves Constipation
Dates come under the category of laxative foods, and help relieve constipation in people who develop it frequently. The best way to get the desires laxative effect from dates is to soak them in water overnight. This helps the dates to get a syrup-like consistency that can be consumed as a drink the next morning and provides optimal results. This is because dates have high levels of soluble fiber, which is integral in digestive health, helping food move along smoothly in the digestive tract, and healthy bowel movement.
3. Helps With Allergies
Dates contain a healthy amount of organic sulfur, and though it is not the most common mineral that is found in foods, it does come with some important benefits. One of these is organic sulfur’s ability to reduce the effect of allergic reactions and seasonal allergies. A study that was done in 2012 showed that organic sulfur compounds have a positive and important effect on seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), and was shown to decrease the discomfort and intensity of the allergy. While it does not outright cure the allergy, the positive effects are noteworthy and further research can help to understand the positive effects better.
4. Keeps Anemia At Bay
Anemia occurs when there are low levels of iron in the blood stream, and can result in weakness, lethargy, lack of energy, fatigue and irregular periods among other negative effects. Dates have shown to help naturally support the treatment for anemia because they contain high levels of iron. They can be used as a natural dietary supplement or eaten along with other treatments for anemia to get better results.
5. Boosts Energy Levels
If you’re looking for a snack that can give you a quick boost of energy while also being healthy, dates are a great choice. They contain high levels of natural sugars like glucose, fructose and sucrose, which can help the body to get a much needed pick me up during a particularly sluggish day. If you exercise often, or take part in activities that can exhaust you, keeping a few dates in your bag or close by can really help you to get the best out of a workout or exercise.
6. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Dates are a rich source of potassium, which is an extremely important mineral when it comes to cardiovascular health. Potassium has shown to help reduce the risk of stroke in various studies, especially for women. Moreover, dates have also shown to reduce LDL cholesterol in the body, which is a major contributor towards heart ailments like heart attacks, weakened heart, clogged arteries and stroke. The most optimal effect of dates can be achieved by immersing dates in water overnight and drinking the syrup the next morning.
7. Helps Treat Sexual Dysfunction
A study conducted in 2006 looked at how palm dates and the date oil affects sexual functioning in men, and showed that the high levels of estradiol and flavonoid components in dates have an important effect. They help to increase the sperm count as well as improve motility, and leads to an increase in the weight and size of the testes. Moreover, dates have also shown to improve sexual stamina and endurance, and is also an excellent aphrodisiac. This helps to improve sexual dysfunction.
