Although dates are not considered a “super” food, they provide so many health benefits that including them in our daily diet is almost a necessity.
In the month of Ramadan, the majority of Muslims eat dates when breaking the fast, and it offers many benefits to fasting people, starting with the fact that it provides the body with energy in the form of fructose and glucose sugars, which is what the body needs following the long hours of fasting.
And when eating dates on a daily basis, it will bring with it more important benefits for the body. Here is a set of benefits that you can get following eating 3 dates a day:
1. Your bone health will improve
According to Dr. Julie Garden Robinson of North Dakota State University, dates contain boron, which promotes bone health.
Previous studies showed that boron helps the absorption of minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are found in dried fruits, which strengthen bones and fight diseases such as osteoporosis.
2. Improves digestive health
Dates are a food item rich in fiber, and our digestive system requires fiber to function properly.
Fiber prevents constipation, which fasting people often suffer from during Ramadan, and stimulates bowel movements.
And a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition proved that those who eat dates regularly have a better digestive system than those who don’t.
3. Helps fight stress and depression
Dates contain vitamin B6, which has been shown to help the body produce serotonin (the hormone of happiness) and norepinephrine (usually producing effects similar to adrenaline), which improve brain health.
Serotonin regulates mood, while norepinephrine counteracts stress. Low levels of vitamin B6 are associated with depression, and the more vitamin B6 we take, the better we feel not only physically, but also mentally.
4. It gives a great boost of energy
Dates are rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamins and antioxidants, making them the perfect snack. They provide a lasting boost of energy thanks to sugars such as fructose and glucose.
5. It can prevent heart disease
Previous studies have concluded that dates reduce triglyceride levels and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are risk factors for heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Moreover, they are a rich source of potassium, which, according to studies, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke, as well as other heart-related diseases.
6. It reduces the risk of colon cancer
Dates protect the digestive system and intestines from harmful bacteria, thus reducing the risk of them spreading to the colon.
A study conducted by the Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences found that those who consume dates regularly increase the growth of the good type of bacteria that protect us from the growth of cancerous cells in the colon.
7. Relieves seasonal allergy symptoms
Studies have found that dates have a positive effect on rheumatoid arthritis or seasonal allergic rhinitis, as they are effective in reducing many symptoms of inflammation in patients.
8. Helps lose weight
Dates can help lose weight. Although it is rich in fiber, these fibers keep you feeling full for a long time and prevent spikes in blood glucose.
Moreover, dates contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins, phenols, and carotenoids. This helps rid the body of toxins, promotes digestion, and increases metabolism, which leads to weight loss.
Source: BrightSide
