Why should you add dates to your everyday diet?

Are Dates fattening? Can eating dates stop sweets cravings? Do dates increase sugar levels? Does eating dates really have health benefits?

So many questions have always been associated with dates’ consumption, as the majority of people tend to have second thoughts before eating this fruit. They usually neglect the fact that over the years, until this very moment, dates, as “the palm fruit” is proven by science to be one of the most authentically cultivated fruits out there. With a great deal of health benefits, it is the perfect alternative diet sweetener if you are right on track to your weight loss journey or simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As opposed to sugar or sweetened deserts, this delicious fruit goes hand in hand with your aspiration to stay in shape, which is why you should consider adding these guilt-free treats into your daily diet.

The benefits of dates are numerous, however, due to the misleading high calorific values of this fruit, most people seem to be afraid of the consequences of consuming dates, assuming that they will gain them weight, increase their sugar levels and cholesterol, along with other popular misconceptions. Whereas in fact, none of it is true if dates are consumed properly and in moderation.

Ever since the discovery of dates, the chewy little brown fruits were known to have superpowers, not only on our health, but also cosmetically speaking. Here is why!

Health benefits

Dates are high in such important nutrients. For instance, they hold a variety of vitamins such as B1, B2, A1, and vitamin C. Moreover, they are rich in fiber and a great source of protein; the main two components that are needed for you to feel full for a longer period of time and to help you build and repair muscles while going through a hectic day. More precisely, one date provides 66 calories, 18 grams of carbs, 16 grams of sugar, and small amounts of over 16 nutrients including numerous B vitamins, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and iron. You can check this link for details https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=76&contentid=09421-1 They are also free of fat and cholesterol, which make dates your best buddy if you are following a weight loss diet plan, for they are an excellent natural sweetener! While satisfying your sweet cravings, dates will help you keep in check your sugar levels, your blood and bone health, and will also prevent you from consuming unhealthy foods.

Another crucial reason why you should add dates to your everyday diet, especially at these difficult times of global health crises and the spread of Coronavirus, is that you would need as many immunity boosters as you can include in your diet to fight against external factors that might put your health at risk. Dates play this role effectively. They contain several types of antioxidants that can help prevent multiple diseases and potential health conditions. Interestingly, compared to similar types of fruit, such as figs and dried plums, dates appear to have the highest antioxidant content.

Beauty benefits

While planning your diet and selecting what to eat and not to eat, you do not want your choices to affect your skin and hair negatively along the way. Therefore, here is another fundamental reason why you definitely should add dates to your daily diet.

According to dermatologists, dates are an excellent source of vitamin C and D, along with a variety of rich antioxidants. The most important elements to boost your collagen production and to increase your skin’s elasticity. In other words, dates possess a healing power that will help prevent cell damage and oxidation as well as reducing inflammation. Consequently, by consuming dates, you will strengthen your skin tissues, which will result in softer and smoother skin in the long-term run, since dates have a vital contribution in delaying the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Besides skin repair and improvement, your hair is not that far away from good hair days! Following what is confirmed by science in general and dermatologists in particular, including dates in your diet, will help you intensely nourish and reinforce your hair. Additionally, dates are rich in iron and multiple vitamins, which will guarantee you proper blood circulation to your scalp, resulting in hair loss prevention, stronger roots and follicles, and fast hair growth with each passing day.

The bottom line

Dates are one of the best natural substitutes for white/brown sugar and artificial sweeteners. An outstanding alternative to reduce your sugar intake throughout the day. Rich in vitamins, fiber, iron, and minerals. This magical fruit is simply versatile to add to your diet since it holds wonders and can be consumed whenever you want during the day; for breakfast, just before a workout, lunch, as an early snack, or during fasting days. Many health experts advise, though, between 3 to 5 dates a day to be consumed if you are on a weight loss diet, for as you all know, excess of anything can lead to serious problems. You can enjoy these sweet drops of heaven in moderation for maximum nutritious consumption.