Dates being the “superfood” that they are, are conveniently available throughout the year but people generally consume them in Ramazan only as per the sunnah of the Prophet (SAWW). Well, here I am telling you why you should include dates in your daily diet and get the maximum benefits out of them.
Here are 5 amazing facts about Dates (Khujoor) that might change your perspective towards them:
1- Instant Energy & Maximum Nutrition
Dates are an excellent source of a wide range of nutrients. With a caloric content of only 20-25 Kcal per khujoor, they have an abundance of other vital nutrients including carbs, protein, lots of fibre, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, vitamin B6 and magnesium. Eating 2-3 dates everyday not only boosts energy levels but also helps in having a better productive day with reduced episodes of tiredness and fatigue.
Mothers, take notes! Dates can be an excellent snack for your kids who always complain of feeling tired and uninterested. Semi-dried and dried khujoor has slightly more calories and definitely a lot more nutrients including certain essential minerals making it an excellent food for underweight people.
2- Helps With Your Gut Problems
Every other person is facing constipation or other gut related issues today. Bodies are under-nourished and lifestyles are mainly sedentary. Dates with their high fibre content and local availability can definitely be a promising ticket to a fruitful trip to the bathroom (pun intended). Dates are a good source of prebiotics that will also help keep your gut healthy, happy and free of inflammation.
Nutritionist’s Tip For Gut Health
Make symbiotic (prebiotic & probiotic) rich homemade date yogurt by putting in 2-3 teaspoon of chopped dates in a cup of lukewarm milk, add in a teaspoon of curd and stir. Cover the cup and let it ferment in a dark place for 3-5 hours. Refrigerate the curd once it sets. Enjoy it as a mid-day snack or as a breakfast bowl with some nuts in it.
Nutritionist’s Tip For Chronic Constipation
Soak 2-3 dates in water and eat them with prolonged chewing on an empty stomach!
3- Helps with Overall Health
When I say overall health, YES, I mean overall health. Dates are called superfood for a reason!
Dates can do wonders to your bone health. Yes, you heard us right! The excellent proportion of calcium, potassium, copper and magnesium are just the right things for your bones to help fight off osteoporosis. For anaemic girls, dates along with their iron content can help improve your Haemoglobin!
With good potassium content, zero cholesterol and very little fat, it makes a best snack for people suffering from hypertension and also for people having disturbed lipid profiles.
Well, let’s talk about the most magical benefit, i.e., it’s anti-ageing properties. Vitamins and minerals present in dates help in improving skin’s elasticity and makes it smooth. Note that dates are a little hard to digest and have a relatively garam taseer, therefore, it’s better not to load up on this fruit unless you are okay with frequent breakouts, boils, acne, heartburn. 2-3 dates are really enough for you to get the maximum benefits out of them!
4- Aids in Weight Loss and/or Weight Gain
With a low caloric content, this fruit is magically dense in nutrients. It can really be a good mid day or evening snack, even during your weight loss journey. Trust me on this, dieting ki kamzoriyon se bacha lay ga ye fruit! Pair it with cucumbers, lemonade or other thandi taseer items.
Dates are also a good snack option for people trying to gain weight. Rather than bulking it up in quantity, pair it up with milk and some other nuts and make a smoothie out of it.
5- Satisfies Your Meethay ki Cravings
Loaded with fiber and mainly fructose sugar, it is a relatively healthier snack option to curb the sweet cravings.
Source: Healthline
Important Points to Remember
- Diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar level before indulging in this treat.
- Renal (kidney) patients should consult their doctor or dietitian as this fruit might lead to a nutrient overload.
- People having IBS/IBD might not tolerate this fruit well.
- In severe case of diarrhoea or loose stool, it’s better to avoid eating dates.
