We find different types of dates, they are a fruit that is born from the date palm and is one of the oldest plants that we find today.
According to arabic legendsThis plant was created by God during the sixth day of creation, at the same time that the human being and his soul were created.
This tree can measure up to 30 metersThey are very tall and slender trees. The properties and benefits of dates have been known for many years and at this moment, it's up to you to get to know them.
The palm tree is known as Phoenix dactylifera, they are usually found originally in the North Africa and the Middle East although today its cultivation has spread to a large number of countries.
Dates can be classified into several types, and they are measured by their hardness: soft, semi-dry, and dry dates.
Depending on the variety and the harvest season, they will be of one type or another. The harvest takes place between October and January. So be more attentive because during those months you will find fresh dates and then dry or semi-dry.
Nutritional values of dates
The dates have inside the minerals and the following vitamins:
- Vitamins: A, B1, B3, B5, B9 or folic acid, vitamin C and E.
- Minerals: copper, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc.
- Galactans.
- Fiber.
- Glutamine
All these nutritional values make dates beneficial for the body.
For 100 grams of dates we obtain the following values:
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Fat: 0,45 gr
- Proteins: 1,9 gr.
- Carbohydrates: 73,51 gr.
- Fiber 7,5 gr.
- Potassium 652 mg
- Phosphorus 40 mg
- Iron 1,15 mg
- Magnesium 7 mg
- Calcium 32 mg
- Copper 0,28 mg
- Zincmg
- Selenium 1,9 mcg
Date Properties
Dates offer us great properties:
- They give us a lot of energy. Being rich in sugars and carbohydrates they are very energetic, ideal to help us regain strength after physical exercise. Good for athletes and children in developmental age.
- They are beneficial during colds. Improves the bronchitis, colds and all the symptoms produced by the flu, everything that affects the respiratory tract.
- They help you focus. They improve mental agility and the ability to concentrate. They can be consumed before a test or exam.
- Can avoid suffer from anemia due to its high iron content.
- They have a satiating effect.
- Avoid the fluid retention. They prevent the accumulation of fluids in the extremities and diseases such as gout or arthritis.
- They fight the anxiety and stress, it is a sweet and delicious food.
- It prevents us from suffering insomnia due to its ability to form melatonin in the body.
- On the other hand, they help to control the cholesterol, blood pressure and maintain a good digestive system.
- They regulate the transit of the intestine, the large amount of fiber is perfect to avoid occasional constipation. They have laxative power.
- You will not suffer from iron deficiency anemia if you introduce dates in your daily diet.
- It is used a lot in the kitchen of the Vegetarians because they use it to make cakes and biscuits as a base.
Contraindications and precautions
As you have seen, dates have great benefits and even medicinal properties. However, even if it is a natural product, we have to bear in mind that there are certain contraindications that we have to pay attention to.
- If we have problems with overweight We do not have to abuse this food, because they have many calories as they are rich in sugars and carbohydrates.
- People diabetics they do not have to abuse either, in fact, it is better that they avoid their consumption.
- If we have a delicate stomach or intestinal problems we have to be prudent in consuming dates as they can cause gas, diarrhea or a heavy heartburn.
- Finally, it has been identified and related that dates can cause us bad headaches and migraines.
The next time you see dates in the supermarket look at its origin, its quality and enjoy a sweet bite that your body will thank you for.