Alright let's be honest, dates aren’t the sexiest dry fruit on earth. They are brown and somehow look like feet less cockroaches. But like a lot of relationships the sweet spots is always uncovered. They’re definitely not love at first sight but love at first bite.
They’re indeed nature’s healthiest sweetener! Firstly lets examine the nutritional profile of this sweetheart:
(per 100gr)
- Calories: 277
- Carbs: 75 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Potassium: 15% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 15% of the RDI
- Manganese: 15% of the RDI
- Iron: 5% of the RDI
- Niacin: 10% of the RDI
- Phosphorus: 4% of the RDI
For more information check out the source: Dates Nutrition Data, or Samskara's DatesNutrition Data
The content of the date may vary depending of the type and the cultive. Isn't quite amazing, that a Sugar Replacement could contain several vitamins and minerals? In addition, we’ve outlined 7 magical benefits of this beauty in this quick, somewhat deep review:
1- They are rich in fibre
Fiber isn’t just for your grandpa. It has loads of benefits for almost everyone. To name a few of them:
- It makes your stomach feel full so you have less appetite through the day.
- It helps you to keep up a regular bathroom visits: It helps with constipation (check out the studies). We’ve actually noticed the bathroom visits double.
- It prevents blood sugar and insulin spikes because it mediates the absorption of carbohydrates.
2- The PERFECT natural sweetener
Natural Dates Caramel
Dates could be used as a sweetener in multiple ways! As a powder (by crushing them until they become powder), or even Caramel (by draining them in a little water before blending them - make enough for use without storing long periods). Indeed, munching on them by itself is enough of a treat normally. But one can get very creative with Dates in their dry form! As long as they don't under go some extreme temperature changes and combinations, the nutritious benefits are preserved! They are easily the best sweetner, and yes, in our opinion, they beat Stevia! We will dedicate another post for that!
Indeed, Dates being natural, don't carry any side effects, compared to sugar however, here's a very informative source: 146 Reasons sugar ruins your health (Yes, 146 and counting!! So ELIMINATE sugar COMPLETELY!)
3- Rich in antioxidants: the POWER of nature
So dates are one of the richest dried fruits in polifenols, they also have some flavonoids and carotenoids. But what does that actually mean?
It means that dates contain several compounds ( phytonutrients ) that may help prevent the development of certain chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
4- Brain health
Dates have been found to offer protection against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Regular consumption of dates and similar fruits has been linked to a lowered risk of neurodegenerative diseases and better cognitive performances in older individuals. ( Research source 1 )
5- Helps with diabetes
A recent study from the Pakistan’s Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, showed a particular Date variation, 'Phoenix dactylifera L’ ( cool name isn’t it?´) had an anti-diabetic effect. In the study, Dates were proven to lower hyperglycemic state in rats (too much sugar in blood). This may be due the low glycemic index of dates, the phytonutrients on it and the almighty fiber they have.
However results of the study should be tested further.
For one worried about Diabetes, Dates might just be an awesome treat!
6- Easy too add to your diet: Amazing recipes
Date Balls 
Date Energy Bars 
Dates with cereal/granola/muesli
Dates are extremely versatile, you can use it in a wide range of recipes let alone solely snacking on them. Have you tried the dates with cacao powder? It is like kissing an angel! Alright, we might be exaggerating but it really tastes great. You should try making your own protein balls: mixing dates with peanut butter, cacao powder, some protein powder ( like hemp protein) and whet ever else you want, mixed in a blender! Next simply shape your bars/balls and there you have an awesome energy source for the day, workout/s or dessert!
7- May promote natural labour (pregnancy related)
A “randomized clinical trial”, compared the use of oxytocin and dates in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage and it concluded that the use of ''oral dates,''—(We’re not sure how else one would take them)—”after delivery (of the baby) decreases bleeding more than intramuscular oxytocin, and it’s a good alternative in normal delivery.”
But do dates affect the length of gestation?
Starting at about 38 weeks, one group of women ate seven dates a day compared to another non eating group. Results showed, eating dates did not affect delivery dates, but what it did do is “significantly reduce” the need to induce labour with drugs. Half of the non-dates consuming group were induced with drugs, compared to 30% less in the seven-dates-a-day-for-a-week group.
So, on your due date, maybe we should give dates their due.
Check out this Nutrition facts video for the studies and more information
So there you have it, 7 quick benefits of dates. Hope you got a lot of value out of this, and maybe the next time you find someone eating dates you will think she/he is awesome and not a weird person.
There are many type of Dates you can get, however, remember the Dates from above, proven to lower hyperglycaemic state, ‘Phoenix dactylifera L’ - we have located them and made it available for you to buy! They are Organic/Ecological and also Seedless! So you can whack them into your blender/food processor instantly. That is why we consider Dates to be a superfood/nutribooster, it’s amazing how Sugar could be replaced with something so wholesome, fibrous and nutritious!
PD: So What happens if you mix a superfood with another superfood? Does it transform it to MEGAFOOD?
In our next ‘Dates post’ we will venture out to show you all the cool ways you can actually start using Dates! Stay tuned if you’re not.
Also, be sure to check out our Coconut Dates and Chocolate Dates!
And if you need Dates for your Business, we can guide as we also Wholesale Dates!
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