For thousands of years, people have believed that dates have healing properties. Modern science has begun to back that up with research that shows that dates can often help with some of the most common ailments. The health benefits of date fruit are extensive. And the more we learn, the more beneficial they seem to be.

As time goes by, researchers find even more ways that eating dates can be good for your mind and body. It turns out that dates may be a great thing to add to your diet. That is good news because even without all those nutritional benefits, dates make a tasty snack.

The nutrients found in dates can have a positive impact on many aspects of our health. By eating natural foods like dates, we may even be able to avoid over the counter and prescription medicines which often lead to unfortunate side effects. Dates are high in various vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that can help to manage digestion, prevent disease, maintain healthy bones, regulate blood pressure, and avoid vision problems.

Here are some examples of the nutritional value of dates.

Fiber

Fiber is an essential part of any diet, and fortunately, dates are an excellent source. Consuming the daily recommended amount of fiber is well known for its role in preventing or relieving constipation. But fiber can also help people maintain a healthy body weight, and may even reduce the risk of diabetes, certain types of cancer, and heart disease. Many people have trouble getting enough fiber into their diet. So, instead of adding supplements or special drinks, consider adding some dates to your diet.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants found in dates may have a role in protecting your cells from the effects of what are called free radicals. Free radicals are believed to have a role in heart disease, cancer, and other common diseases. The best antioxidants come from fresh vegetables and fruits, like dates.

Copper, Magnesium, Selenium, and Manganese

Healthy bones are essential to a healthy body, and you could be taking care of yours by eating dates regularly. Copper, selenium, magnesium, and manganese are all critical to the maintenance of healthy bones and may even prevent problems later in life like osteoporosis. Fortunately, dates are loaded with those minerals, so this tasty snack will also help you take care of your bones.

Potassium

Potassium is essential in any diet, and dates are naturally high in the element. Potassium is believed to be a critical component in regulating blood pressure. People often think of bananas when they think of potassium. But, did you know that a cup of dates has nearly twice as much potassium as a banana?

Iron

The human body needs a supply of naturally occurring iron to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a part of red blood cells that aids in the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. A lack of iron can cause several problems, including fatigue, shortness of breath, dry and damaged skin, and hair loss. Dates are naturally high in iron and will help make sure you get your daily recommended supply.

Vitamins C and D

We all know that vitamins are good for us and different types help with various parts of our health. Dates are high in several vitamins, including vitamins C and D, which are essential for skin health. They help with skin elasticity and can combat common skin issues.

Vitamin A

Another nutritional bonus of dates is that they are high in Vitamin A which is vital for healthy vision and can help prevent night blindness. It is also essential for the proper function of the immune system, lungs, heart, and other critical body systems.

Polyphenols

Fresh dates are an excellent source of polyphenols, micronutrients that are packed with antioxidants. Polyphenols are believed to help improve digestion and possibly even manage diabetes.

Research Continues

Science continues to find new benefits from dates and other natural foods. It is quite possible that, in the coming years, even more benefits will be found for eating this natural, delicious snack. And, if you start eating them now, you will also take advantage of those yet to be discovered benefits.

What They Don’t Have

What isn’t found in dates may be just as crucial for your health as what is. Dates have zero cholesterol, which is vital for those watching their heart health. Also essential for heart health is a diet low in saturated fat. Dates contain zero grams of fat. For those watching their sodium intake, dates are also a great choice as they only contain 0.1mg of sodium per date.

Fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in sodium, the things missing from dates are great for your health.

And They Taste Great

All of these health benefits are important, but there is another reason to eat dates, they taste great. That great taste has a health benefit of its own. When you are hungry or need a boost of energy, dates are a tasty and healthy alternative to processed, high sugar snacks. These days you can simply buy medjool dates online to save time and money, which can also allow you to try out different brands selling organic dates online.

And, while you are enjoying your dates, as a snack, on top of your cereal, or in fresh-baked bread or muffins, you are also taking care of your body. The nutritional value of dates makes them good for you. Filled with vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds, including dates in your diet, can have untold health benefits.

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