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| Dried Dates |
Dates grow on a tree called date palm. They are small, brown, sticky when fresh and ordinary looking with a small pit or stone at the middle of the fruit. But, they are also surprisingly, sugar-sweet, chewy and make a healthy and wholesome snack. Sadly, they are not well known or appreciated in Lagos, Nigeria as they probably are in the Northern part of the country, despite the fact that they are very affordable and available. They can be gotten very easily in Lagos because they are sold from the wheel barrow of Northerners for as low as 50 naira. Dates can be enjoyed fresh or dried. The dried ones are more common to us, here.
What makes dates so special?
The rich nutritional profile of the fruit makes it super special. Dates are rich in natural sugars and energy-giving compounds like sucrose, glucose, fructose; and dietary fiber. They are also packed full of vitamins and minerals such as selenium, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, folate, niacin, vitamin B1, B2, B6, vitamin A and K. Dates also contain several easily digestible fatty acids which include, oleic and linoleic acids. With all these super nutrients, dates can be said to be almost a complete meal. But, due to the high level of natural sugars in them, they, should, of course, be consumed in moderation.
Health Benefits in Dates
The date fruit has several important health and nutritional benefits such as boosting energy, promoting heart and circulatory health, protecting the cells and organs from free radicals and degenerative diseases, promoting eye health, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery, regulating the digestive tract and many more. Five important health benefits of dates will be discussed in more details below ;
Digestive Health :
Daily consumption of dates help boost digestive health due to its high fibre content. Fibre consumption promotes bowel movements, prevents constipation, hemorrhoids, diarrhea and colitis. The Fibre in dates eliminates the absorption and build up of bad LDL cholesterol and ensures colon health by fighting against cancer-causing compounds in the colon.
Coronary Health :
Dates are rich in potassium, iron and magnesium. The potassium regulates your heart rate and blood pressure. It also helps reduce the risk of developing a stroke and other heart related conditions. The high level of iron in dates increase the red cells and oxygen in the blood, thereby, preventing anaemia. Dates help provide the much needed iron and energy to patients with anaemia, while removing lethargy and fatigue. The magnesium in dates lower an elevated blood pressure.
Sexual Health :
Believe it or not, but a daily consumption of moderate amount of dates help boost sexual health. Several studies have shown that they are a great natural aphrodisiac that promote stamina and prevent impotence.
Bone Health :
Dates contain minerals that support bone health and prevent osteoporosis, particularly in the aged.
Brain and Nerve Health :
Dates are rich in anti-inflammatory properties that are essential for brain and nerve health. The nutrients in dates improve brain activity, alertness and performance. The date fruit also promote a healthy and responsive nervous system while preventing Alzheimers and other inflammation related brain conditions.
For those who are unfamiliar with dates and yet to try it, do include it in your shopping list today. It is a sugar-free, chewy, wholesome snack for you and your loved ones to enjoy and very affordable too!
For those who are unfamiliar with dates and yet to try it, do include it in your shopping list today. It is a sugar-free, chewy, wholesome snack for you and your loved ones to enjoy and very affordable too!
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