Benefits of Dates ( Khajoor )

Also known as date palm and khajoor in Hindi. It is usually cultivated for its sweet fruit. While fresh dates are available from August to December, one can purchase dried dates any time of the year. Dates are very good for health. Some of the wonderful ways dates can benefit us is by decreasing cholesterol, treating constipation, and boosting the energy levels and bone health. Coming to the calorie count, one date contains about 20 calories. It contains 2.8 mg of calcium and 5 g of total carbohydrates. The full nutritional profile of Dates according to USDA.

Dates are also extremely rich in antioxidants, tannins being the most important of them. These tannins prevent cell damage and protect against inflammation. In fact, eating dates on an empty stomach is known to kill intestinal worms.

You can also try ajwa dates, a variant found specifically in the Arab countries. Dates do not work only for adults, they work great for babies as well. The fruit promotes stronger bones and teeth, boosts the immune system, improves weight, offers added nourishment during fever, and cures dysentery. Single dates provide immediate relief from tiredness and fatigue.

Here are only a few of the reasons why you should eat dates regularly  -

Health benefits of Dates are-

1. Reduce cholesterol

Did you know that dates are free from cholesterol and contain very little fat? Including them in smaller quantities in your daily diet can help you keep a check on cholesterol level, and even assist in weight loss. Eating a small number of dates helps to reduce cholesterol from the body.

2. Great source of Protein

Dates are a strong source of proteins that help us in staying fit, and even keep our muscles strong. A lot of regular exercise lovers are asked to eat a couple of dates every day as part of their daily routine to get protein.

3. Rich in  vitamins

Dates contain vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, and B5, as well as A1 and C. If you have a few dates every day, you won't have to take vitamin supplements. Not only will it keep you healthy, but there will also be a noticeable change in your energy levels as well because dates contain natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and fructose, too. So it works really well as a quick snack.

4. Improves bone health 

Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and all of these are required when it comes to keeping our bones healthy and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.

5. Strengthens the nervous system  

A date is loaded with potassium, and yet contain little sodium, and that goes a long way in keeping your nervous system in order. The potassium helps to reduce cholesterol and keeps the risk of a stroke in check.

6. Dates rich in iron 

Apart from the fluorine that keeps your teeth healthy, dates also contain iron, which is highly recommended for those who suffer from iron deficiency. Plus it's great for blood purification as well.

7. Promotes digestion

If you soak a few dates in water and chew on them daily, your digestive system will behave itself very well. Plus it's recommended for those who have trouble with constipation.

8. Dates improve skin

The vitamins C and D work on your skin's elasticity, and also keeps your skin smooth. Plus, if you suffer from skin problems, incorporating dates into your diet might help you in the long run. Plus dates also come with anti-aging benefits and prevent the accumulation of melanin in your body.

9. Fixes hangovers

While we haven't exactly tried it out, but it's said that dates are an excellent way to control inebriation. And similarly, it also helps to cure hangovers. But for best results, you have to rub the skin a bit, and soak it in water overnight and then eat it.

10. Help in weight gain

The sugar, proteins, and other vitamins in the fruit help in weight gain, especially when you need it. Incidentally, it's said that when eaten with cucumber, dates help to keep your weight at a normal level. Now that's what we call flexibility!