Date fruit

Date palm fruits have been cultivated since the XNUMXth millennium BC. The date is one of the sweetest fruits on the planet. Although these fruits can be eaten fresh, they are more often dried like raisins or prunes. ^[1]. And what is most unique about these fruits is that their beneficial properties are preserved in any form.

Characteristics of dates

Dates are drupes with a fleshy outer part. The fruits of the Phoenix dactylifera plant (the scientific name of the date palm) are cylindrical in shape, reaching 3-7 cm in length and approximately 2-3 cm in diameter. Ripe dates range from golden orange to dark brown. By the way, palm trees begin to bear fruit at the age of 3-5, and the trees reach their peak of maturity at the 12th summer. This plant is cultivated mainly in hot regions, and its wild thickets can be found in the Jordan region and on the border between Iran and Iraq. ^[2]. Today, the fruits of Phoenix dactylifera are consumed both raw and dried. They are added to confectionery and salads; they are used to make vinegar, date paste, and food flavorings.

It is generally accepted that the birthplace of the date palm is the banks of the Euphrates (the territory of modern Iraq). Meanwhile, there is convincing evidence that this fruit was known and loved by the inhabitants of ancient Egypt, who made wine from these fruits. Over time, thanks to merchants, dates spread across southwest Asia, north Africa, across Europe, and then reached the American continent. Today, a lot of species of this plant are known, which grow safely in many countries with an acceptable climate for them. Nearly 100 types of dates are grown in Iraq alone ^[3]. Depending on the concentration of glucose, sucrose and fructose in fruits, they are divided into 3 groups: sweet, very sweet and unsweetened.

One of the most popular varieties of dates was found in the Gaza Strip. There, the fruits of palm trees are exceptionally sweet, of a pleasant red color. Similar fruits are produced by Egyptian palms, whose fruits are more oblong, with a dark red skin, but also quite sweet. One of the most expensive varieties of dates is grown in Saudi Arabia. They can be recognized by their dark brown skin, tender flesh and sweet taste.

Nutritional value

These sweet fruits are extremely beneficial for the human body, as they are an exceptional source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc are just some of the nutrients that are easy to replenish with just a few date palm fruits. It is believed that dates contain about 15 minerals, including selenium, known for its anti-cancer properties, as well as 23 types of amino acids, some of which are unique and are not found in any other fruit.

Useful Properties

The range of useful properties of dates is extremely wide. These fruits are useful for constipation, intestinal disorders, cardiac problems, anemia, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, bloating, and some types of cancer. Dates are also a healthy food for people with a lack of body weight, as well as for those with beriberi. These delicious fruits contain healthy fats, sulfur, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper, which are necessary for the full functioning of the body, from the cellular level to the functionality of all systems. Nutritionists recommend eating at least 1 date daily to maintain the mineral and vitamin balance.

The nutritional value of Phoenix dactylifera fruits has made them one of the best foods for muscle growth as well as recuperation after illness or injury. The results of some studies have shown that these sweet fruits can prevent cancer of the abdominal organs. In Muslim countries, it is customary to end the fast with the use of dates. Nutritionists say this is a good practice because it helps prevent overeating after long gastronomic restrictions. On the other hand, dates allow you to quickly restore the supply of minerals and vitamins. Due to the high concentration of potassium, they are an extremely important product for the nervous system. ^[5].

The influence of dates on the body

Date is an important product for almost all organs and systems of the human body. ^[6].

Below is a description of the most useful properties of this dried fruit.

Constipation

Dates are considered to be an effective remedy for constipation. To enhance the laxative properties of fruits, you will have to soak them overnight, and eat swollen fruits in the morning. They are high in soluble fiber, which is needed to speed up the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, which is important in preventing constipation. ^[7].

Bone health and strength

The sheer amount of minerals found in dates make them a superfood for bones, particularly those weakened by osteoporosis. Selenium, copper, manganese and magnesium, which are part of dates, are essential components for healthy bone tissue. ^[8]. Deficiency of these nutrients leads to rapid aging and bone thinning.

Intestinal disorders

The presence of nicotinic acid makes palm fruits useful in many intestinal disorders.

Regular consumption of these fruits helps to inhibit the reproduction of pathological microorganisms and stimulate the development of beneficial intestinal microflora.

In addition, it is important to remember that dates are insoluble and soluble fiber, which also largely affects intestinal health. ^[9].

Anemia

The high content of iron in date palm fruits makes them one of the best foods against anemia. ^[10]. If lately you have been feeling weak, lethargic, fatigued, these may be signs of anemia, so try adding dates to your diet.

Allergy

One of the most interesting constituents of date fruits is sulfur. This is not a very common element in products, but it has many useful properties. Among them is the ability to protect against seasonal allergies. According to studies, organic sulfur compounds facilitate the manifestation of seasonal allergic rhinitis. So be sure to stock up on dates for the next flowering season.

underweight

A kilogram of dates is more than 3 thousand kilocalories. With such an energy value, fruits, of course, can hardly be called a dietary product that promotes weight loss. More often it is introduced into the diet for the opposite purpose. For people with a lack of weight, weakened, with insufficiently developed muscles, dates are the best choice.

natural energy

As a fruit extremely rich in natural simple sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose, dates can be used as an ideal energy-replenishing snack.

Nervous system

It seems that nature itself has chosen a chemical composition for dates that is optimal for the functioning of the nervous system. Potassium is one of the main ingredients necessary for the functioning of nerve cells and the performance of the brain. This substance is present in large quantities in dates, so these fruits are an excellent choice for older people whose nervous system is weakening, as well as for people whose work requires mental stress. ^[11].

Healthy heart

The benefits for the heart also lie in the presence of potassium in dates, which is necessary to maintain the strength of the main muscle in the body – the heart. Dates have been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol), prevent strokes and heart attacks. You can enhance this property of dates by soaking them overnight in water.

Man’s health

Studies have shown that dates are good for sexual health. These fruits act on a person as an aphrodisiac.

According to an old recipe, dried dates should be kept overnight in fresh goat’s milk, and then ground, mixed with the same milk, honey and cardamom powder. The effectiveness of this folk medicine against sexual impotence was also confirmed by science. Not so long ago, researchers determined the effect of the oils contained in date fruits on the sexual functions of the body. High levels of estradiol and flavonoids (present in dates) increase sperm production and increase sperm motility ^[12].

Blindness

The list of date fruit benefits includes benefits for the eyes. In the homeland of these plants, crushed date palm leaves are used as a drug for night blindness. To improve vision for people living in our latitudes, dried fruits are also suitable, which also contain enough trace elements useful for vision.

Intoxication

These sweet fruits are known to help reduce the intoxication of the body as a result of alcohol poisoning. Dates are useful if you need to reduce the level of hopping or get rid of a hangover. And again, soaking them in water overnight will help to strengthen the healing abilities of the fruits.

Diarrhea

Due to the presence of potassium, dates will help to quickly get rid of diarrhea. Also, these fruits are useful for people with chronic diarrhea.

Other beneficial functions for the body

Researchers say that dates can reduce the risk of developing abdominal cancer, as well as alleviate its consequences. These fruits act as a tonic in the body. They are high in magnesium, a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory properties. ^[13]. Thanks to him, the risk of arthritis, cardiological diseases, Alzheimer’s disease is reduced. The rich mineral composition and high levels of vitamin B6 make these fruits beneficial for brain function.

As the results of many experiments convince, dates are useful for pregnant women, as they have a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus and support the well-being of the expectant mother. ^[14].

Possible hazards

The first thing to remember about dates is a very high-calorie product. High concentration of glucose can cause hyperglycemia, which is extremely dangerous for people with diabetes. The glycemic index for dried fruits is 103 units, which exceeds the GI of pure glucose, and only 1 gram of fruit contains about 3 kilocalories ^[15].

Allergy to dates is rare. It occurs, as a rule, in people with reactions to histamine (the same substance is found in fermented milk products and most dried fruits). Excessive consumption of these fruits can cause abdominal pain and bloating due to their high fructose content.

Probably, many people like the bright shiny appearance of dates. However, few people know that the shine of dried fruits is given artificially using sulfites. These chemicals extend the shelf life of dates and keep them beautiful. At the same time, this substance can cause disruption of the digestive organs.

Also, dates should be consumed with caution by people with a diseased intestine. Children should be given this fruit, having previously cleaned it from the stone.

How to choose dates

The dates that appear on our shelves are usually imported from Iran, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Israel. To choose high-quality dried fruits, it is important to pay attention to:

• color (in ripe fruits it is dark brown, even);
• skin without cracks (says that they are dried naturally);
• the surface is matte (which means they were not treated with chemistry);
• the fruit should not feel greasy or sticky to the fingers.

To wash or not to wash dates – this question worries many. Food industry experts still advise rinsing dried fruits before eating to protect yourself from unnecessary chemicals.

Fruits should be stored in a closed container in a cool place.

The inhabitants of the East believe that it is possible to live for several years eating only dates. The Arabs attribute mystical abilities to these fruits, and the Chinese call them the food of centenarians. If you study the unique chemical composition and the effect of these palm fruits on the human body, it becomes clear that the ancients were right, and dates are unique fruits.

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