12 Benefits of Dates

Dates are fruit that grows hectare of palm trees, included within the family Arecaceae from the genus Phoenix. The scientific name from date palm is Phoenix dactylifera. Dates are believed to have originated from the area around the bank of Nile river and Euphrates. Now date palms are widely cultivated in warm temperate regions on all continents, included Africa, Australia and America (California).
Fresh dates have a soft fibrous flesh, and its flavor is very sweet, like sugar and honey syrup a mixture of. Flesh dates contain simple sugars such as fructose and dextrose which easily digested and quickly recharge the body's energy.

Nutritional content of dates

Dates have long list of nutrients are beneficial for the body. The list below shows the nutritional content and non-nutritional elements existing on the dates.

Maturity dates contain about 80% sugar, the rest was made ​​up from protein, fat and mineral products including copper, iron, magnesium and folic acid. Dates are rich in fiber and is the excellent source of potassium. Five dates (approx. 45 grams) contains about 115 calories, and most of them are carbohydrates.

Dates health benefits

1. The Bedouin Arabs, which eat dates regularly, showed a very low incidence rate of cancer and heart disease.
2. Dates are rich in fiber which prevents the absorption of LDL cholesterol in the intestine. Fiber content in the dates, also help to protect the intestinal mucous membrane by reducing the exposure and bind the chemical that causes colon cancer.
3. As a food laxative, dates are helpful to smooth bowel movements and prevent constipation.
4. Dates contain antioxidants known as tannins. Tannins are known as anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic.
5. Dates are a source of vitamin A, which is known have antioxidant properties and is very important for eye health. Vitamin A is also necessary to keep skin healthy. Consumption of natural fruits that are rich in vitamin A, known to help protect against lung cancer and oral cavity.
6. Dates are the source of iron which very good. Iron is the component of hemoglobin in red blood cells that determine the blood oxygen carrying capacity.
7. Potassium in dates are important components of cells and body fluids that help control heart rate and blood pressure, thus providing protection against coronary heart disease and stroke.

8. Calcium is an essential mineral in bone and teeth formation, and the needed by the body for muscle contraction, blood clotting and nerve impulse conduction.
9. Manganese is used by the body as a supporting element for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
10. Copper is needed in the production of red blood cells.
11. Magnesium is essential for bone growth.
12. Dates are rich in vitamin K and vitamin B-complex, namely pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), niacin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. This vitamin helps the body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Vitamin K is essential in blood clotting and bone metabolism.