Dates are sweet and nutritious fruit that has been enjoyed for thousands of years. The benefits of dates are many; it is full of antioxidants and minerals, which is why dates are superfoods. Dates are rich in protein, energy, fiber, cholesterol, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, thiamine, folate, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and vitamin A.
Date palm cultivation is believed to have first started in Iraq, after which it began to be grown in Arabia and other countries. It is a nutritious fruit which is very good for health.
Consumption of dates can relieve diseases like anemia, heart disease, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, and stomach cancer.
Coming to the point, Dates offers numerous benefits and is rich in nutrition – something we have covered extensively in this post. Keep reading to know more.
Dates Nutrition Facts
Dates is low in calories but full of nutrients.
One cup (100 grams) of mango provides (study)
- Calories: 277
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbs: 75 grams
- Fat: 1.3 grams
- Dietary fiber: 6.7 grams
- Copper: 20% of the RDI (Reference Daily Intake)
- Folate: 18% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 12% of the RDI
- Vitamin A: 3% of the RDI
- Calcium: 6% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 3% of the RDI
- Potassium: 20% of the RDI
- Iron: 5% of the RDI
- Manganese: 15% of the RDI
- Thiamine: 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 14% of the RDI
Dates are low in calories yet high in nutrients and many antioxidants — particularly vitamin B6, which aids immunity, and health benefits.
The Health Benefits of Dates Are:
Here are 12 evidence-based health benefits of dates:
- Rich in nutrients: Dates are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals including potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
- Good for digestion: Dates are rich in fiber which can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- May help lower cholesterol: Studies have shown that consuming dates may help lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health.
- May improve brain function: Dates are a good source of antioxidants which may help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.
- May promote natural labor: Some studies have suggested that consuming dates in the late stages of pregnancy may help promote cervical ripening and induce labor naturally.
- May help regulate blood sugar: Dates have a low glycemic index which means they may help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent blood sugar spikes.
- May boost energy: Dates are a good source of natural sugars and can provide a quick burst of energy when consumed as a snack.
- May improve bone health: Dates are high in calcium which is essential for healthy bones and may help prevent osteoporosis.
- May help prevent anemia: Dates are high in iron which is essential for healthy blood cells and may help prevent anemia.
- May have anti-inflammatory properties: Dates contain flavonoids which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent chronic diseases.
- May have anti-cancer properties: Some studies have suggested that dates may have anti-cancer properties due to their high antioxidant content.
- May promote healthy skin: Dates are a good source of vitamin C which is essential for healthy skin and may help prevent skin damage from free radicals.
Ayurvedic benefits of dates
According to Ayurveda, dates are considered a highly nutritious food that can provide a range of health benefits. Here are some Ayurvedic benefits of dates:
- Promote digestion: Dates are considered a natural laxative in Ayurveda and can help promote regular bowel movements and relieve constipation.
- Improve energy and vitality: Dates are considered a “Rasayana” in Ayurveda, meaning they are believed to promote overall health, energy, and vitality.
- Boost immunity: Dates are considered a good source of antioxidants and can help boost immunity and protect against diseases.
- Strengthen bones: Dates are considered a good source of calcium and other minerals that can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- Improve heart health: Dates are considered a heart-healthy food in Ayurveda and can help improve cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels and promoting healthy blood flow.
- Relieve anxiety and stress: Dates are considered a natural sedative in Ayurveda and can help relieve anxiety, stress, and promote relaxation.
- Improve skin health: Dates are considered a good source of vitamins and minerals that can help promote healthy skin and prevent premature aging.
Overall, dates are considered a highly nutritious food in Ayurveda that can provide a range of health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
The Bottom Line
Dates are rich in vitamins, minerals, and many other antioxidants and have been associated with many health benefits, including bone health as well as improved immunity, digestive, Cold and cough, Reducing Inflammation, and Healthy pregnancy.
