Dates
Dates (phoenix dactylifera) are small dark brown oval shaped fruits with a hard inner seed, though they are often sold pitted.
Health benefits of Dates
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Dates
Dates should look soft and moist, try to avoid dates which look like they have dried out and have white discolorations.
Climate and origin
Dates originated in the Persian Gulf and grow best in dry, hot, tropical climates.
Taste
Dates have a very sweet, almost caramel, flavor. As they are often sold dried, dates have a sticky and chewy texture.
Substitutes with more vitamins
Miscellaneous information
Date trees can be tapped for a sweet sap that can be made into molasses or alcohol.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 282 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.39g | 1% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.03g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 2mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 75g | 27% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 8g | 29% | ||
| Total Sugars 63.4g | 127% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 2.5g | 5% | ||
| Vitamin C 0.4mg | 0% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 1mg | 6% | ||
| Calcium 39mg | 3% | ||
| Potassium 656mg | 14% | ||
| Phosphorus 62mg | 5% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||