Many feel that dates have a strong flavor. Some love it, while others need to put in a smoothie to choke down.
This fruit is roughly 70 percent sugar content in the form of fructose and has about 60-70 calories per date. However, there is a special kind of date that has only 20 calories. These dates are known as Deglet Noor dates and are rich in potassium and fiber.
And it’s the fiber and B vitamins that make this superfood really good for your heart.
Dates are one of the rare foods that have beta-glucan, which is a unique kind of soluble fiber that’s particularly effective at reducing high cholesterol.
Elevated blood pressure is considered to be the leading risk factor for death in the world according to the World Health Organization. Dates help lower blood pressure because they contain potassium and do not have sodium. Also, dates contain magnesium, which improves the flow of the blood.
Finally, dates are good for your brain. Their B6 vitamin content can improve mental aptitude and produce higher test scores according to JAMA Internal Medicine. Moreover, its potassium content significantly improves the nervous system and also prevents strokes.
Other health benefits of dates
Dates contain great amounts of iron, which is especially useful for those people who suffer from anemia, for children, and for pregnant women. The iron has also beneficial effects on the red blood cells and hemoglobin, mainly supporting the flow of oxygen through the blood.
The fiber in dates also promotes the health of your colon and regulates your bowel movements. The insoluble and soluble fiber found in dates help to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency. Some other benefits relating to fiber and colon health are reduced risks of colitis, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids.
One of the most interesting facets of dates is the presence of organic sulfur in them. This is not a very common element to find in foods, but it does have a worthwhile amount of health benefits, including the reduction of allergic reactions and seasonal allergies.
