Date or date palm, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, is a flowering plant species in the palm family, popularly known for its edible sweet fruit, single seed and sometimes dried skin.
Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in many tropical regions of the world. Dates have become quite popular in recent years in Nigeria, although people are unaware of the potential benefits of adding Dates to their diets.
Dates are chewy with a sweet flavor and can be hard to crack when it is dried. They are also high in some important nutrients and have a variety of advantages and uses.
This article will discuss 6 health benefits of eating dates including to boost fertility.
1. DATE CONTAINS HIGH NUTRIENTS
Dates contains a high number of calories and carbohydrates and some proteins are where large quantity comes from.
Dates can also an amazing source of natural sugars including, glucose, fructose, and sucrose; it affords energy that the body needs and is a good alternative to consuming snacks and carbonated sugars which are rather detrimental to the body as they can make one weak, lethargic and unwilling to work. These kinds of sugar also come with an increased risk of heart disease and obesity. Historically, this is one reason why dates have been a preferred choice amongst Muslims to break their fast.
They are also a good source of fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
Antioxidants are compounds that protects you from free radicals whereby, avoiding cancer and other dangerous diseases. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when you’re exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation.
In addition to their vitamin and rich mineral contents, dates are rich in Disease-Fighting antioxidants. Dates are a good source of natural antioxidants the body needs. It’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds can also be used for combating diseases such as heart disease or even cancer, it also reduced the risk of them.
Research has proven that dates contain many antioxidants, including carotenoids, phenolic acid and polyphenols.
3. DATES CAN CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR
Dates with its antioxidant content, helps with the regulation of blood sugar and diabetes. Diabetes is caused by lack of blood sugar control and high blood sugar might be detrimental for people treating diabetes. Dates has elements, like high fiber that may improve insulin production, and this helps keep a person’s blood sugar levels stable.
Read Also: How to Reverse Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Diabetes
4. EATING DATES MAY HELP IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION
Dates contain many compounds that protects the brain. Dates may be helpful for lowering inflammation and preventing plaques from forming ion the brain, which is actually important for preventing Alzheimer’s disease. A study led by Musthafa Mohamed Essa, Ph.D. et al. suggest that dates may protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. According to research, “Date palm fruits are a good source of dietary fiber and are rich in total phenolics and natural antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, and caffeic acid”. The presence of these polyphenolic compounds may potentially help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Regular consumption of dates has also proven to boost the thinking and learning process of both young and older individuals.
5. IT HELPS PREGNANT WOMEN
Pregnant women have an increase need for nutrients, and as the need for nutrient in pregnant increases, the
abundance availability of the required nutrient in dates makes it a must for
pregnant women.
Dates strengthens the immunity of the mother and her unborn child. They are a great remedy to treat hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women. They occur because of a fiber deficiency which dates are rich in.
Many studies have shown that eating
dates can ease late-term labour in pregnant women. This is particular useful during the last weeks of pregnancy to promote natural labour.
Read Also: 6 Nigerian Superfood for Breastfeeding mothers
Read Also: 6 Fastest Ways to Boost Male Fertility and Increase Sperm Count
6. IT CAN HELP BOOST FERTILITY
Antioxidants are important when it comes to reproductive fertility, which dates has abundance of antioxidants. They provide strong hormones, strong vitals, and safer environments for eggs and sperm to live in.
Studies using rat have found that date fruit extracts can improve the process of spermatogenesis and the concentration of male sex hormones, they can decrease the percentage of dead sperm and maintain healthy sperm production.
The antioxidant nutrients in date fruits have also been shown to improve female fertility by reducing the oxidative effects on oogenesis (the formation of mature female eggs) and embryonic microenvironment, thus may have a direct effect on improving female egg quality, implantation and early embryonic development.
Read Also: How to Increase Fertility in the 30s
Naturopathic Doctor & Founder, Green Remedies Int’l
Coach Amuda is a Holistic Practitioner and the C.E.O of Green Remedies International, a wellness company that specializes in tackling different health challenges through Natural, Organic, and Holistic Medicines.
Green Remedies Internation is a Nigerian Natural Herbal Treatment company that specializes in tackling different health challenges through Natural, Organic, and Traditional Medicines.
