Dates

Dates are the fruits of the date palm, which have been known for thousands of years. Dates are one of the most ancient sorts of fruits, which people know. Today they are still an important diet element in many countries due to its delicate sweet taste and unique nutritious characteristics. They are healthy for people, especially in the conditions of the warm climate. In the past dates were used not only as an edible product, but also as a medicine.

Dates contain up to 75% glucose and fructose, but not sucrose, which is similar to honey. But this is not the half of it. Dates are rich in salts and minerals. They contain copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, aluminium, cadmium, sulphur, boron. The amount of minerals contained in dried dates vary from 0.1% till 91% depending on the mineral. Dates also contain 23 kinds of aminoacids, which lack in other fruits.

This excellent fruit has also vitamins А, А1, С, В1, В2, В6, niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid. All this stimulates the assimilability of the carbohydrates, regulates the glucose level in the blood and the content of fatty acids. There are also pectins and dietary fibers, which reduce the risk of some cancroids.

Dates also contain fluorine, which protects the teeth from caries, and selenium, which reduces the risk of cancer, strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Dates contain no cholesterol.

One date contains 23 calories on average. As dates are low-calorie and contain a great amount of healthy substances, they are recommended to consume instead of sweeties for those wanting to lose weight and dieting or just trying to maintain a healthy weight.

Dates possess valuable dietary and medical characteristics. Their calorie content equals to that of bread. Another valuable quality of dates is the combination of vitamins C and P, which dynamize each other. Dates are very nutritious.

• They are helpful for facial paralysis.
• They are effective against physical tiredness and overworking, colds.
• The decoction of dates with rice is a good treatment of dystrophy.