REASONS YOU SHOULD EAT DATES EVERY DAY
1. DATES IMPROVE DIGESTIVE HEALTH.
Dates contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber can help relieve constipation and helps with normal bowel functioning. The colon cleansing properties of the insoluble fiber in dates can potentially have colon cancer benefits as well.
Dates may be beneficial for colitis sufferers as well. Dates can even help with hemorrhoids which are caused by irritable bowels. Dates can also help with diarrhea, so they are effective at balancing overall digestive function. The soluble fiber in dates may also help with weight loss since it helps to increase the feeling of fullness.
2. DATES RELIEVE PAIN.
Magnesium is an anti-inflammatory and helps reduce swelling of tissues which can help ease the sensation of pain. As the research on inflammation related diseases continues, dates may be helpful for other inflammation related ailments as well, such as arthritis, asthma and sinusitis.
Dates are so effective at pain relief that women who are going through labor pains and who ate dates in the last 4 weeks before labor reduced their use of pain medications by 28%. If dates can help with the intense pain of labor, they can help many other minor aches as well.
3. DATES IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION.
The vitamin B6 found in dates has been linked to improvements in performance on test scores. B vitamin supplements have been used to prevent cognitive decline in patients who are suffering from dementia.
Researchers found that a combination of B6, B12 and folic acid was ideal for decreasing the rate of progression of Alzheimer’s disease. B vitamins could also play a role in reversing some of the cognitive symptoms of brain degenerative disease.
4. DATES REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE.
The magnesium in dates is good for reducing blood pressure. Magnesium helps hypertensive patients by reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Magnesium also helps reduce arterial swelling which helps decrease the risk of heart disease.
Dates have other health benefits beyond magnesium. Potassium is also found in them and helps with heart health as well as reducing blood pressure. Potassium also reduces the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Their soluble fiber can be helpful to reduce cholesterol.
5. DATES REDUCE RISK OF STROKE.
Since magnesium has benefits for the blood vessels, it should come as no surprise that it can help reduce the likelihood of stroke. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that for every 100 milligrams of magnesium consumed per day, a person’s risk of stroke is reduced by 9%.
Not sure how to use them in your cooking? Try chopped dates with pecans added to a salad with a balsamic dressing. Dates can be added to many baking recipes or try them blended into a smoothie. Dates can even be frozen and substituted for ice cream.
6. THEY CAN PREVENT HEART DISEASES
A study concluded that dates reduce triglyceride levels and decrease oxidative stress, both of which are risk factors for heart disease and atherogenesis.
Moreover, they are a rich source of potassium, which, according to studies, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke, as well as other heart-related diseases.
Adding dates to your diet is a tasty way to fight off disease. The many drug-free health benefits that you will receive are reason enough to eat dates every day.
