Health Benefits of Dates

You can get a lot of dietary fiber from dates. According to the American Cancer Society, a person must consume at least 20-35 grams of dietary fiber a day. Dietary fiber can be soluble or insoluble. Each has its own purpose. Insoluble fiber quickens the pace of food movement in our digestive system. Soluble fiber decreases the elevated blood glucose levels and thereby in controlling diabetes. Soluble fiber can also lower low density or bad cholesterol.

Many experts are of the view that the highest concentration of polyphenols is found among dried fruits. Hence experts recommend the greater intake of dried fruits in the normal diet because of their richness in fiber, phenol antioxidants and nutrients.

Dates are a powerhouse of energy because one serving of dates can contain 31 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates contain 29 grams of naturally available sugars such as fructose, sucrose and over 3 grams of dietary fiber. Hence they are readily used by the body and can provide quick energy. Dates are also an ideal energy boosting snack.

Dates are also a rich and natural source of potassium. Potassium is required by the body to maintain muscle contractions. It is extremely important for your heart muscle. A diet rich in potassium can help you maintain a good body metabolism and a healthy nervous system. Potassium has to be replenished constantly because it is not stored in the body and can be lost through sweating. Blood pressure can be maintained at normal levels by eliminating sodium. If you increase your potassium intake by 400 mg you can will be much less prone to stroke risk and other heart ailments.

You can also find a number of B-complex vitamins in dates namely riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B-6, niacin and pantothenic acid. These vitamins help to maintain optimal health. They help to maintain blood glucose levels, metabolize carbohydrates and they help in the creation of white blood and red blood cells. Dates also helps healthy bone development as it is rich in magnesium. It also helps in energy metabolism and is a source of iron vital for red blood cell production. The best advantage of consuming dates is that it is cholesterol and fat free!