10 health benefits of adding dates to your diet
Dates are highly nutritional fruits rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, and vitamins B6, C, and D. These nutritional elements provide various health benefits across the board, which include the improvement of hair health and reduction of cholesterol levels.
Healthline states that dates can help to improve brain function. The addition of dates in a diet can help to reduce inflammatory markers and the accumulation of plaque in the brain that heighten the chances of neurodegenerative diseases.
The high fiber content in dates helps to improve the overall digestive process and facilitates regular bowel movements. Additionally, fiber slows the digestion process and this helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Consumption of fiber leads to a slower digestive process and this helps to feel full for a longer period of time, which can ultimately aid weight loss. Although dates are high in caloric content, consuming 4 to 6 dates would help to regulate hunger throughout the day.
Dates can be the perfect natural sweetener that can reduce or eliminate the consumption of sugar. The possibility of inducing blood sugar spikes is reduced as dates have lower fructose content and a low Glycemic Index (GI).
Dates are rich in antioxidants that help to fight off diseases.BBC Good Foodstates that dates include polyphenols, carotenoids, and lignans—antioxidants that have the potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Dates include minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus that facilitate the improvement of bone health. Dates are also rich in vitamin K, which is utilized by the body for maintaining healthy bones.
Dates contain vitamins C and D, which helps to maintain healthy skin and prevents skin conditions such as acne and rashes. The nutrients that are present in dates promote a smoother and softer skin.
According to experts atHealthline , the incorporation of dates within a pregnant woman's diet can help to facilitate easier late-term labor and reduces the labor time as well. Additionally, cervical dilation is promoted which can prevent the need for induced labor.
Dates facilitate the regulation of blood pressure and improves heart health. The magnesium and potassium that are present in dates help to regulate blood pressure levels by reducing the tension within the arteries.
