Dates, also commonly known as khajur is a well-known tropical fruit. The scientific name of the date is Phoenix Dactylifera, which grows in clusters on a date palm tree. Dates are available in dry and wet forms.
Eating dry dates, whether Mejddol or Ajwa dates, help fetch multiple health benefits. This instant energy-giving superfood is good for your heart, digestion, skin, and bones. Everyone can fetch the health benefits of dates, as it is good for men, women, and children alike.
Let us dig deeper to help you understand all about dates nutritional facts, dates calories, along with various dates fruit benefits.
Nutritional Value of Dates
Dates have a high nutritional value.
Dates have a higher calorie content compared to most fresh fruits due to the fact that they are dried. Like other dried fruits such as figs and raisins, dates possess a similar calorie content.
Dates contain the majority of their calories from carbohydrates. The rest comes from a very modest quantity of protein. Dates, regardless of their caloric content, possess certain vital minerals and vitamins as well as plenty of fibre.
Here is a complete list of nutrients in dates found in 100 grams of dates. Read it to check out for yourself the types of vitamins in dates and other dates nutrition facts.
- Calories: 270
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fibre: 7 g
- Protein: 2 g
Besides, dates contain other bundles of nutrients like copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, and Vitamin B6.
10 Incredible Health Benefits of Dates
Have a look at the 10 incredible benefits of eating dates:
1. Aids in Digestion
You can rely on the benefits of dates or khajoor for your digestive system. Just soak a few dates in water overnight and chew them early in the morning. This will help aid in your overall digestive power. Dates are super-rich in fibre content and therefore, they are miraculous for those suffering from constipation and IBS.
A study involving 21 individuals who ate 7 dates each day for 21 days noticed improved stool frequency and a substantial increase in bowel motions when compared to the times when they did not include dates in their diet.
2. Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Second vital benefit of eating dates is that it helps to lower your cholesterol levels. Containing very little fat, dates have some nutrients that help in regulating your LDL or bad cholesterol levels.
According to an Israeli study conducted on healthy people, the consumption of dates had beneficial effects on their cholesterol levels.
3. Makes Your Nervous System Strong
Your nervous system is the network of communication that keeps the body functioning. Neurological issues are detrimental since they can impact different body parts at once. Moreover, potassium-rich foods promote easier communication between nerve cells.
Loaded with potassium, dates are a blessing for your nervous system. Being very low in sodium and high in other useful nutrients, dates enhance the function of your nervous system and minimise the likelihood of hypertension, which in turn protects your nerves from the adverse effects of high blood pressure.
4. Superfood to Induce Natural Labor
Eating dates is very beneficial for pregnant women.
Dates have been researched for their ability to aid in and ease late-term labour in pregnant women.
Consuming these fruits in the latter months of pregnancy may enhance cervical dilatation and reduce the necessity for induced labour. They may also aid in lowering labour time.
According to a study, pregnant women who were fed with dates found it easy to make way for childbirth without a C-section. In other words, dates are a superfood to induce natural labour in pregnant women.
5. Oodles of Iron Content
One of the best health benefits of dates is that it is high in iron content. Those suffering from iron deficiency and anaemia can rely heavily on dates to combat their iron deficiency. Moreover, dates help in purifying the blood too.
Additionally, dates are a great alternative to several over-the-counter drugs that promise to stop hair loss. Dates are high in iron, making them incredibly good for your hair. Dates’ high iron content may help in keeping the flow of blood strong and ensure that the scalp receives the nourishment it requires. The greater flow of oxygen to the scalp may help promote new hair growth while also significantly reducing hair loss.
6. A Great Remedy for Fixing Hangovers
A lesser-known health benefit of eating dates is that it helps in fixing hangovers after a night’s bash-out. Just soak a handful of dates overnight and eat them early in the morning to get rid of hangover pangs. These sweet grape-like fruits are great for controlling inebriation.
7. Good for Bone Health
Dates are a superfood for your bones. Being a rich source of copper, manganese, magnesium, and selenium, dates are wonderful for your bones. Eating dates every day help strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis.
8. Benefits of Dates for Skin
Dates are an outstanding substitute for the toxic chemicals found in many skincare products.
When talking about the benefits of dates, we can’t keep mum without disclosing their health effects on your skin. Dates are rich in Vitamin C and D, leaving behind super soft and highly elastic skin.
Dates consist of nutrients that help prevent early ageing and keep you looking youthful for a longer time period.
It also helps to combat various other skin issues and prevent the excessive accumulation of melanin in the body.
9. Benefits of Dates for Men
Eating khajoor have a different set of benefits for men. There are certain compounds found in dates that help enhance sexual stamina in men. Dates help men to enhance their eroticism.
Additionally, the micro-elements present in the dates can aid in improving fertility in men considerably. It also has some effects on increasing the motility and count of sperms.
10. Benefits of Dates for Women
Likewise, eating khajoor has benefits for women too. As we said earlier, it helps induce natural labour in pregnant women. Moreover, dates are rich in antioxidants that help prevent aging in women.
Other benefits of consuming dates
- Helps reduce blood sugar spikes: The fibre in dates may help with blood glucose regulation. Fibre slows the process of digestion and can help keep your blood glucose levels from spiking after eating.
- Rich in antioxidants that fight diseases: Dates include numerous antioxidants that provide a variety of health advantages, which includes a lower risk of various diseases. Antioxidants provide protection to cells from unstable molecules known as free radicals, which have the potential to initiate harmful reactions within the body and ultimately contribute to the development of diseases.
- Reduces the Risk of Night Blindness: Long-term vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of night blindness. Regular consumption of dates, which are abundant in vitamin A, can potentially assist in the prevention of night blindness in the future.
Dates Side Effects
It does make sense to learn about some side effects of eating dates after learning about the best uses of dates. So have a look at some of the side effects of eating dates in excess:
- May lead to weight gain
- May lead to diarrhea
- Can leave skin rashes
- May cause bloating and stomach pain
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the benefits of eating khajoor, are numerous and varied. These delicious fruits offer a range of health advantages that make them a valuable addition to your diet. They are rich in fibre, promoting digestion and preventing constipation. Dates are also a great source of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, benefiting heart health, bone health, and preventing anaemia.
So, do include dates in your diet if you are a health freak person. Also, eating dates every day will provide your body with all sorts of nutrients. There will be a lesser risk of infections, and other diseases. Dates act as a great snack giving you instant energy without any side effects if eaten in moderate quantities.
