Go for a Date!

Go for a Date!

agronigeria.com.ng

Jul 6, 2017 1:22 PM

Dates refer to the fruits of the date palm tree. They are one of the oldest cultivated fruits and have been a part of the staple diet in the Middle Eastern countries. They are believed to have originated somewhere around the Persian Gulf. These fruits are oval or cylindrical in shape and about 3 to 7 cm long. Unripe fruits are bright yellow or red in colour. On ripening, they become brown and shriveled, resembling a prune.

There are several varieties of dates which can be categorised into three groups on the basis of their sugar content- soft, semi-dry and dried dates. All varieties of dates are same in all respects except slight differences in taste and size.

One amazing thing about dates is that it can be consumed in both fresh and dried forms. They are sweet with a rich deep flavor and a slightly chewy texture. They can be chopped, candied, stuffed and added to various recipes.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you need a date:

Date Cures anaemia

Anaemia is characterised by unusually low quantity of red blood cells in the human body and is caused by the deficiency of iron. Dates contain an impressive level of iron which makes them the perfect home remedy for treating iron deficiency. Consumption of dates on a regular basis can greatly boost the amount of iron in the blood. The high level of iron not only balances the lack of iron in anaemic patients but also increases strength and vitality.

Treatment of diarrhoea

Passing of 4 or more loose, watery stools in a day is called Diarrhoea. This nasty health problem is caused due to several factors, which may or may not be contagious. Ripe dates are effective in treating diarrhoea as they contain potassium which helps in managing looseness of the bowels. They are also easily digestible. This helps in alleviating chronic diarrhoea. The soluble fibre in dates also provides bulk to the bowel movements and promotes healthy functioning of the excretory system.

Good for the heart

Soaking dates at night and eating them crushed in the morning is beneficial for a weak heart. When consumed twice a week, these tiny storehouses of health help in building up the heart. Besides, they are a rich source of potassium which has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart diseases. They prevent heart disease, heart attack and stroke by reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the body.

Treatment of night blindness:

Daily consumption of dates helps in keeping the eyes healthy and also prevents diseases like night blindness. A paste of date leaves can be rubbed on and around the eyes or dates can be ingested orally to reduce night blindness.

Aids dental health

Dates contain fluorine, an important chemical element that inhibits tooth decay by removing plaque as well as strengthening the tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is made up of hydroxypatites which becomes resistant against tooth decay when it comes in contact with fluorine.

Beneficial to pregnant women

Dates also offer several benefits during pregnancy. Being rich in iron, dates prevent anaemia in the would-be-mother as well as the foetus. They also cause an improvement in the uterus muscles, allowing it to enlarge in a smooth manner. Dates also improve the mother’s milk by providing adequate nutrition to it. They prevent haemorrhage soon after childbirth.

Maintenance of healthy skin

Red dates are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids which can improve the elasticity of the skin thus making the skin tender and smooth. Dates also contain vitamin B5 which helps in preventing skin problems like stretch marks.

If you probably have ignored this fruit, it is time to give it a proper look. Go for a date!