Opinion | Health Benefits of Dates

But on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the demand increased, so the Muslims who are fasting like to break their fast with a few dates for some religious reasons. Breaking a fast with few dates is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (saw). There are many date varieties found in the market, ranging from low quality to the best quality, that are being sold to customers. Now it has been believed that breaking a fast with a few dates is a Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad.

Dates contain numerous health benefits, like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Dates are packed with fiber, which has many good health benefits as it cleans our stomach and keeps our bowels healthy. Eating dates increases your mineral quantity and provides you with vitamins for good health. These ancient cultivated fruits, which have thrived for thousands of years in the region, aren’t just delicious; they’re chock-full of tremendous health benefits. A Lot of Fiber-Packed Goodness Dates are just packed with fiber; in fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one pitted date contains 1.6 grams (that’s six percent of the recommended daily intake). The indigestible parts of plant food are essential for keeping your colon healthy; what’s more, the insoluble and soluble fibers found in dates help the colon work optimally. A healthy colon means you are less likely to suffer from colitis and colon cancer.

More fiber also helps aid digestion by softening and increasing the weight and size of your stool, making it easier to pass, and preventing constipation and hemorrhoids. Additionally, dietary fiber is known to decrease cholesterol levels, especially the “bad” type, LDL, and fight and prevent obesity. In “Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,” it was reported that since the fiber in dates is primarily insoluble, it binds to fat and cholesterol and carries them out of the body.

Helping You Have a Healthy Heart Eating dates is one of the best ways to keep your heart ticking like a clock. They are a rich source of potassium, which, according to some studies, is believed to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart-related diseases. And we’ve already mentioned that this sweet brown fruit is a healthy (and tasty) way to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, which seriously influences heart issues, including heart disease and stroke. Apparently, to get the most out of your dates, you should soak them overnight, then crush them before you eat them first thing the next morning.

It increases your intake of essential minerals and vitamins. A 2003 study in the “International Journal of Food, Sciences, and Nutrition” called dates “an almost ideal food, providing a wide range of essential nutrients and potential health benefits.” The study concluded that dates have at least 15 minerals, numerous amino acids, and fairly good unsaturated fatty acids. They also have a host of vitamins and are considered a superfood for strengthening bones, enabling us to fight off diseases like osteoporosis when we’re older, and keeping blood strong and healthy. Here’s how some of the major minerals, nutrients, and vitamins found in these age-old fruits can help you:.

Potassium: We’ve already touched on how potassium is excellent for your heart, but it also builds muscle, controls fluid balance, and regulates blood pressure.

Copper: This trace mineral is crucial for our overall health. It’s important for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, increases the absorption of iron, and boosts energy. It also helps maintain a healthy metabolism and prevent premature aging. Magnesium: Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, this mineral has several functions within the body. It reduces blood pressure, the risk of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other health problems related to inflammation.

Selenium: Researchers have proven selenium is a powerful anti-cancer agent. It is great for boosting immunity. Iron: As they’re an excellent source of iron, dates are excellent for people with anemia. Iron is important for making red blood cells and helping them carry oxygen to the cells in your body. Vitamin B6: A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found getting enough B6 is associated with improved brain performance and better test scores. It is also used to build muscle and grow hair and nails. Niacin: This is an important vitamin your body uses to help break down food into energy and to assist with nerve function. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is needed for protecting the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.