Date Fruits and Nutrients
Although researches have proved that date fruits are good for health, it is also important to note that there are certain health risks associated with their consumption. Prostaglandins and oxytocin usually initiate lubrication during copulation. However, after the commencement of reproduction, they may lead to some serious condition to newborns. Hence, the intake of date fruits especially in young women is always considered as a safe option. In effect, women who regularly consumed date fruits during pregnancy had significantly lower incidence of low birth weight babies as compared to non-consumers of date fruits, particularly with the younger mothers.
The main reason behind this is that the consumption of date fruit leads to the decline in estrogen hormone. Estrogen, which is related to pregnancy and menstruation, facilitates implantation of the fertilized egg. It also enhances fertility and accelerates the maturation of the fetus. However, the level of estrogen produced decreases with age. Hence, many doctors advise pregnant women to limit the consumption of date fruits as it may adversely affect the health of the fetus.
Another important study has revealed that date fruits contain 30% of fructose. Fructose can stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, which helps in glucose utilization. A direct result of insulin released by the pancreas is insufficient glucose utilization which further leads to inadequate glucose utilization of the liver. Another important study has revealed that date fruits contain higher levels of resveratrol. Resveratrol has been found out to be an anti-oxidant which is known to protect against cancer.
But although dates are considered as healthy food, many people prefer semi-dry and medjool versions. These types of date fruits were initially introduced to the market as juices. But later, they were discovered to have more health benefits than juices. Firstly, they contain an impressive amount of fiber. The fiber content is known to regulate cholesterol level which is good for the heart.
Medjool dates include an impressive amount of potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium. All these minerals help alleviate the pressure on the kidneys caused due to excessive salt present in the fruits during processing. The other minerals found in Medjool dates are significant in ensuring regular and regulated bowel movement. Hence, the regular use of Medjool dates ensures easy bowel movements and regular elimination of waste products which otherwise tend to accumulate in the colon and lead to toxic substances inside the body.
The health benefits of dates can also be derived from their taste. Like all other fruits, they have a unique flavor which appeals to the taste buds. But as far as the health benefits are concerned, nothing compares with the fresh and sweet taste of dates. You get a burst of fresh flavor as soon as you cut open a Date fruit. This helps in improving digestion process as well.
Date fruits are rich in anti-oxidants which play a vital role in combating free radicals, bacteria, fungi and other disease causing organisms present in the body. They are excellent anti-inflammatories which ease the swelling, pain and inflammation caused due to arthritis, rheumatism, gout etc. In addition, they provide numerous other health benefits too. These include anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, etc.
These are some of the best palm fruits which include dates. They are an excellent source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, fiber, iron, vitamins B and C, thiamin, folic acid etc. One of the best things about palm dates is that they are easily available. So, grab a Date from your local grocers or take it’s easy route to the Middle East where these delectable Date fruits can be found in abundance!