Dates. Many people love them. They are very satisfying and quite healthy. Where do dates grow? Perhaps it would be appropriate to mention at the very beginning that dates grow not just on trees, but on palms. And the homeland of these amazing fruits is hot Egypt.

Trees with this delicacy grow in the areas of the famous historical rivers Nile and Euphrates. With the advent of the 20th century, the situation has changed. The mentioned palms grow quietly in African cities and other countries where tropical or temperate climates prevail.

In the northern parts of the African continent, dates are not only a sweet dessert, but also an absolute substitute for soft, aromatic bread. In eastern countries, the fruit even received a special name - the bread of the deserts.

There is information that even if you eat one water and dates for a long time, it will not at all become a strong stress for the body, because this amazing fruit is endowed with a sufficient amount of all the nutrients that a person needs to survive. It is noteworthy: wonderful fruits do not lose their useful properties when dried. They even have some healing properties.

In modern conditions, stumbling upon a wild date palm is a tremendous rarity. Because these trees are grown exclusively for the cultivation of dates. And, I must say, this is good - dates are in great demand all over the planet. Therefore, their export is an extremely profitable business. Probably, there is no man left on earth who has never tasted a date in his entire life.

Proud palm

The date palm is a tree whose height can sometimes reach twenty-five meters! These trees always stand, proudly erect, not bending in the wind, as if in this way they tell other trees that they are more important. This palm tree has a thick trunk, completely devoid of branches. There is only sprawling foliage at the very top.

Dates grow on date palms in small clusters. Term "date fruit" comes from the Greek word daktulos, which means fingers.

The leaves of this tree are huge. They resemble a fern. And they can reach as much as six meters in length. And on the cuttings of these leaves there are sharp little thorns. But in cultivated palms, plantation staff remove these thorns at the very beginning so that there will be no problems with them in the future.

If you do not do this in advance, you can seriously injure yourself later on. And these wounds will heal for a long time. The thorns are removed quickly and easily - using a sharpened knife.

Pollination of dates

When all the thorns have already been removed, it is time to collect flowers, from which pollen is then obtained. The palm tree itself is a heterosexual tree. The catch is that female and male flowers grow on different trees.

People working on the respective plantations are forced to collect pollen from the “male flowers”, process it properly, and use mechanisms to pollinate the female flowers.

An interesting fact: date palm flower pollen is a very effective allergen, and the human body is unlikely to ever adapt to it.

Fruit ripening

Having completed successful pollination, there will be a rather long wait for the harvest. In fact, dates ripen for nearly two hundred days. But do not think that the work of the people working on the plantation ends with pollination. Not at all. Indeed, in order for each palm to give a really rich harvest, the flowers must be periodically thinned out, and at the same time only the strongest ones should be left.

It is noteworthy that dates mostly grow only in the dark - just when the palm tree does not evaporate the water that dates love so much.

After a certain time, the weight of the fruit begins to exceed that that the palm tree is able to withstand on its own. So that nothing happens to the precious delicacy, the bunches are specially tied up.

Harvesting dates

The harvest of ripe tasty dates begins at the end of summer. This is not entirely manual labor - dates are collected using specialized machines and lifting mechanisms. It is interesting that the garlands of dates are placed in the nets in advance, so it is more convenient to collect them. One palm tree is capable of producing up to 180 kg of ripe fruits!

The collected fruits are sorted into boxes, packed and sent to customers. This is how we have this delicious desert bread, which contains not only vitamins and many useful elements, but also the endless hard work of just a huge number of different people.

Farmers harvest dates in the fall and early winter, which is the freshest time of year. However, people do eat dried dates, which can last a long time in a sealed container. Dates come to the Russian Federation, already dried or sun-dried. But both adults and children eat them with no less pleasure.

More about dates

The sweet fruits of dates are very healthy. They calm the nervous system, lift the mood, and make the immune system stronger. And, they can even become a wonderful and delicious prevention of cancer sores. However, that's not all!

Scientists have spent many years studying all those amazing qualities that these fruits possess. And they managed to find out that eating dates can not only heal, but also prevent the occurrence of certain diseases.

I wonder how many dates can you eat per day? Eat enough, you still can't eat a lot of them because of their satiated sweetness. The optimal daily intake of dates is considered to be 10-15 pieces. With a large amount, you will simply kill your appetite, and the diet needed by a person should be varied.

So, in the composition of the fetus there is a lot of potassium, and it has a very positive effect on the heart. In addition to potassium, dates also boast the presence of iron, which helps in the prevention and treatment of blood problems. Exotic delicacies can have the most positive effect on the liver and kidneys. And also - they actively and very successfully fight intestinal disorders.

Five benefits of dates

In addition to great tasting sensations, dates will provide you with proteins, vitamins and minerals. Five pluses:

  • It has no equal in polyphenols... Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds that can protect the body from inflammation. Dates contain more essential polyphenols than most other fruits and vegetables.
  • An alternative to empty high-calorie sweets... Dates can satisfy a person's desire for sweets while providing essential nutrients such as vitamin B-6 and iron.
  • Fiber-rich fruit... Dates are also harmful to the body, but how much should you eat so that no trouble happens? Just ¼ teacup of dates provides 12 percent of the daily fiber demand. Dietary fiber helps a person feel healthier by stimulating the digestive tract.
  • High potassium levels... Dates are rich in potassium, which is an excellent electrolyte that the body needs for good heart health. Potassium also helps build muscle and protein in the body.
  • Great for sugar replacement... People can easily replace sugar, chocolate chips or other sweets in recipes for baked goods with dates. It is much healthier to consume natural foods instead of refined sugars.

Risks associated with eating dates

The nutritional value of the date is unusually high, but the sweet product scares off the buyer. People who are trying to manage their blood sugar, such as those with diabetes, need to be mindful of the general state of sugar when they consume excessive amounts of dates.

Eating dates in moderation is unlikely to lead to an excessive rise in blood sugar, even if they have diabetes.

According to one study, dates are a low glycemic index food that does not significantly increase blood sugar levels in people with or without diabetes.

Although the researchers had only a small sample size, their results indicate that taking dates in moderation should not dramatically affect a person's blood sugar levels.

What else are these amazing fruits capable of? In addition to the benefits, they also have certain restrictions on consumption. Therefore, if you are fond of dates, and you want to eat them often, it will be useful for a start to make sure that it does not get any worse.

So, for example, these fruits also contain certain elements that can affect the spasmodic contractions of the uterus. Therefore, they are not advised to eat women in an interesting position.

However, if the terms prescribed by the doctors have passed, and the contractions still did not even think to begin, dates can help the baby to be born. That's it - dates can do both harm and undoubted benefit.

If we are talking about nursing mothers, then they really need dates. These fruits will help stimulate breastfeeding, make mom's milk more nutritious, and fill with vitamins. Thus, knowing the properties of this fruit well, even some of its shortcomings can eventually be turned to your advantage.

Protects the male body

What are the undoubted benefits of dates for men? They really need this fragrant fruit! Dried dates contain a huge amount of fiber and other nutrients that the human body needs so much.

They not only satisfy hunger, but also return vigor. This is especially important for men who, due to their occupation, often subject themselves to heavy physical exertion.

But what else are dates useful for men? These fruits improve the quality of blood, cleanse it and, among other things, increase potency, and at the same time affect sperm formation. That is why it is recommended to eat at least a couple of dates per day - they can help maintain male strength at the desired level.

How many dates can you eat

A healthy person needs about 10 pieces a day to maintain perfect health. Excessive consumption of sugary fruits will lead to loss of appetite and is fraught with excess weight gain.

Dates are a strong source of sugar, and no wonder they are extremely sweet! For this simple reason, people who have diabetes in any form should not eat them. Or at least reduce their consumption to one or two per day.

If this is not taken into account, dates can provoke a jump in sugar, which, of course, is very undesirable for patients with diabetes. What other harm can you expect? Scientific research has made it clear that dates should not be eaten by those people who have a tendency to various allergies, asthma, or those who suffer from urolithiasis or gastrointestinal diseases.

Under what circumstances is the date especially beneficial?

The date can bring not only harm, but also a lot of benefits. So, for example, it is recommended for people who suffer:

  • Insomnia;
  • High pressure;
  • Depression;
  • Brittle bones;
  • Low quantity or quality of breast milk;
  • Lack of labor;
  • Loss of vision;
  • Difficulty with blood;
  • Weak immunity;
  • Chronic fatigue;
  • Frequent edema.

No fatigue or insomnia!

So, we got acquainted with the pleasant and not the most pleasant qualities of the date. The following data will be very interesting for people who cannot sleep for a long time. Dates contain the element tryptophan.

When ingested, it is converted to the hormones sero- and melatonin. The first is known as the "happiness hormone". He is responsible for the positive mood of the person. And the second is the "sleep hormone". It, as is already clear, helps to fall asleep. If suddenly after a hard day you can't fall asleep - chew the date and the problem is solved!

Nutrition facts, vitamins and calories

Few of those people who have tasted a date at least once in their life did not like this sweet and fruit. This dried desert bread can even be called a real natural candy. It is filled with organic vitamins and the real heat of the tropical sun. And which for a long time and with great pleasure has been eaten not only by children, but also by adults.

But what is the composition of this amazing sweetness? It is known that dates have a caloric content of 292 kcal per 100 grams of product. If you look in more detail, then a hundred grams of dates contains:

  • Water - 20 g;
  • Vitamin E - 0.3 mg;
  • Vitamins B - 0.1 g;
  • Vitamin PP - 2 mg;
  • Di- and monosaccharides - 69.2 g;
  • Iron - 1.5 mg;
  • Ash - 1.5 g;
  • Potassium - 370 mg;
  • Calcium - 65 mg;
  • Fiber - 6 g;
  • Sodium - 32 mg;
  • Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids - 0.1 g each;
  • Magnesium - 69 mg;
  • Organic acids - 0.3 g;
  • Phosphorus - 56 mg;

Among other things, the mentioned number of dates contains just over 290 calories.

What is the best way to consume dates

Dates can be eaten fresh or dried, like raisins or dried apricots. You can add them to a variety of sweet or savory dishes. Up to 10-15 dates can be eaten daily. This is enough for every day to keep your body in great shape. Some examples of foods that include dates:

  • Stuffed (stuffed) dates: You can stuff dates with almonds, almonds, cream cheese and pistachios as a sweet snack.
  • Salads: Chopped or whole dates are a great addition to salads.
  • Smoothies and cocktails: Mixing dates in banana smoothie adds natural sweetness and nutritional value.
  • Stews: Dates are delicious in Moroccan stew recipes.
  • Energy mixtures: You can mix dates with nuts, cranberries, oats, coconut flakes, dried or many other ingredients to create energy balls.

It is better to buy dates in trusted retail outlets. Look for fruits that are shiny, soft to the touch, intact and not broken.

Store fresh dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For many months and even longer, dates retain their beneficial properties in the freezer. If you put dry dates in the freezer, then their shelf life will last about 1 year. Dates can be stored in an airtight container for many years if they are not frozen and thawed.

A person should not eat dates that smell sour. If a bloom of heavy or crystallized sugar appears on their surface, also avoid using them. These signs may indicate that the dates are spoiled.

Summary

Buying dates is the easiest way for a person to incorporate new fruit into their diet. It is advisable to use dates in acceptable quantities, since they saturate the body with the necessary micronutrients - potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese.

Inhabitants of the countries of the Arab region call dates "desert bread". These sweet fruits are the main food source in drylands and are found in more than a hundred oriental dishes. Muslims consider them to be the most valuable product containing all the substances necessary for the human body. The vitamins in dates help prolong life and promote health. These fruits are so satisfying and nutritious that you can live for several years without any problems, eating exclusively on them. The Arabs believe that the prophet Muhammad loved the dates, 29 times are written about them on the pages of the Koran.

What are dates?

Dates are the edible fruits of the date palm, a tropical plant that inhabits the desert regions of the African and Asian continents. Bedouins consider the palm tree "the queen of oases", naturalists call it "phoenix" for its amazing ability to shoot even from dead roots. This tenacious, abundantly fruiting plant has eighteen varieties that differ in food and decorative qualities. The variety that is displayed on store shelves and is used as a dried fruit is called a common date. Its main producers are Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Algeria, Egypt.

What is the calorie content of dates?

Dates are a high-calorie product: there are almost 300 kilocalories per 100 grams of dried fruit. They also have the ability to break down fats, so they do not belong to foods prohibited in diets. To satisfy hunger and recharge, but not harm the figure, it is enough to consume 4 - 5 pieces a day. People who are overweight and have a poor metabolism are advised to use tropical fruits as a dessert, instead of regular sweets. They are useful for athletes: after intense training, they can replenish the amount of carbohydrates in muscle tissue. You should not eat dried fruits at breakfast: they are quickly absorbed, after a few hours the feeling of hunger comes again. It is undesirable to snack on fruits in the evening: due to the high content of sucrose, there is a heaviness in the digestive tract, this can adversely affect the quality of sleep.

What is the material composition?

Dates are so rich in various trace elements that there is no doubt about their benefits for the body. Southern fruits contain half of the known chemicals, including almost all the vitamins and amino acids found in no other plant-based product. Carbohydrates occupy up to 65% of the mass of dried fruits: this is several times more than in any other fruit. One hundred grams of the product contains the following amount of nutrients:

  • proteins - 1.8%;
  • fat - 0.5%;
  • carbohydrates - 69.2%;
  • fiber - 6.6%;
  • fatty acids - 0.1%;
  • organic acids - 0.3%;
  • ash elements - 1.5%;
  • water - 20.0%.

What trace elements are found in dates?

Tropical fruits are nutritious, healthy, well absorbed, and have a unique material composition. Due to the high content of carbohydrates, they have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, have a calming effect, and support the performance of the brain. Amino acids, lipids, minerals, vitamins, plant fibers, salts, which are extremely important for the normal functioning of the body, are found in large quantities in dried fruits. Dates are rich in vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, group B, organic acids, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron. What vitamins are most concentrated in fruits? One hundred grams of the product has the following amount of trace elements (data are indicated in milligrams):

  • retinol (A) - 0.04;
  • ascorbic acid (C) - 0.3;
  • tocopherol (E) - 0.3;
  • thiamine (B 1) - 0.05;
  • riboflavin (B2) - 0.06;
  • nicotinic acid (B 3) - 1.6;
  • pantothenic acid (B 5) - 0.8;
  • pyridoxine (B 6) - 0.3;
  • folic acid (B 9) - 0.02;
  • phylloquinone (K) - 0.003;
  • potassium - 695;
  • calcium - 64;
  • phosphorus - 62;
  • magnesium - 54;
  • sodium - 32;
  • iron - 1.5;
  • zinc - 0.5;
  • copper - 0.4;
  • manganese - 0.3.

How are vitamins useful?

Dates are highly valued by culinary experts due to their nutritional value and abundance of substances useful for the human body. What vitamins are found in tropical dried fruits? What role do they play in maintaining health, maintaining the normal functioning of organs and systems?

  1. Retinol. Regulates metabolic processes, participates in the formation of new cells, inhibits aging changes in the body. It has a beneficial effect on visual acuity, prevents the development of night blindness, helps to properly develop bone tissue, improves the condition and regenerative functions of the skin.
  2. Tocopherol. It slows down the aging process, tones up, strengthens the immune system, reduces fatigue, and increases efficiency. It has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, removes excess sugar from the blood. It is used to prevent the development of cataracts and skin oncology.
  3. Vitamin C. Stimulates the immune system, fights free radicals and toxins. Maintains internal organs, eyesight, hair, skin in good condition.
  4. Thiamin. Restores the nervous system, controls fat metabolism, improves appetite and normalizes the process of food digestion. Keeps lips and tongue healthy.
  5. Pantothenic Acid. Strengthens the immune system, helps the regeneration of damaged cells, inhibits the aging process. Promotes quick relief from the effects of stress and bad habits, improves the appearance of hair.
  6. A nicotinic acid. It has a healing effect on the liver, joint tissues, skin, hair, accelerates the therapy of arthritis, arthrosis, chronic migraines and dizziness. It prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease, helps to fight nervous disorders, addiction to alcohol and nicotine.
  7. Pyridoxine. Regulates hormonal levels, normalizes the menstrual cycle in women, weakens uterine spasms, and facilitates pregnancy. Eliminates dandruff from the scalp, acne from the skin. Used in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema.

How are dates useful for the body?

Organic acids contained in dates have a beneficial effect on the work of the digestive tract, destroy pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines, and contribute to the preservation of beneficial microflora. The fruits contain substances that strengthen the tooth enamel, maintain a healthy oral mucosa. It is useful to eat dried fruits for men who have problems in the genital area. They help to increase potency, increase the amount of sperm secreted.

Tropical fruits are of great benefit to pregnant women and lactating mothers: they not only support the health of the embryo in the womb and the newborn baby through breast milk, but also accelerate the recovery of the female body after childbirth. Vitamins and sugars, contained in excess in dried fruits, fill the exhausted body of a woman in labor with energy, activate biochemical reactions, due to which the mammary glands begin to intensively produce milk. Doctors recommend that pregnant and giving birth women enrich their daily diet with dates to prevent depression, strengthen the immune system, and saturate the child's body with microelements that are important for its normal growth and development.

According to the latest medical research, southern fruits contain substances that strengthen the muscle tissue of the uterus in the last stages of gestation. This makes it easier for the mother to endure contractions, prevents the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage. Dates contain elements similar in action to the hormone oxytocin, which stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth, help the baby leave the mother's womb faster. Due to the large amount of fiber, fruits cleanse well and relax the intestines, which also facilitates the birth process.

Can dates harm the body?

Knowing how many useful substances the southern fruits contain, what vitamins in them are of great benefit to the body, it is difficult to believe that there are restrictions on their use. Dried fruits are high in calories, have a high glycemic index, are rich in plant sugars, increase blood glucose levels, so it is not recommended to use them in food for people suffering from the following diseases:

  • diabetes;
  • disruption of the endocrine system;
  • obesity;
  • insufficient metabolism;
  • caries;
  • pulpitis;
  • gastritis;
  • enteritis;
  • individual intolerance to the components of the product.

How to choose and store dates correctly?

Dates are the only dried fruits that are not treated with sulfuric acid before being sold. This is their great advantage over other imported delicacies. When buying dried fruit at a grocery store or market, you need to carefully examine them for damage or inadequate quality. To determine how good a product is, there are simple but effective rules to follow:

  1. The surface of the fruit should have a uniform brown color. If the skin is too light, covered with spots, then this is evidence of immaturity.
  2. Dried fruits should be neither tough nor slimy and sticky, falling apart when squeezed with your fingers.
  3. Correct drying of dates - in a special chamber at a set temperature and humidity, or outdoors under the sun. The fruits processed in this way are smooth to the touch, without cracks or darkening. If the fruits have undergone rapid drying in the oven, then they are too viscous, stick to each other, get stuck in the teeth, give off a fumes.
  4. The fruits lying on the shelves are strongly wrinkled, the pulp has a fermentation flavor.
  5. If the fruit was treated with sweet syrup, then sugar crystals can be seen in the bends and cracks of their skins. They are overly sticky to the touch.
  6. Quality fruits have a matte skin. If the surface of dried fruits looks glossy, shines in the sun, then it is treated with fat.

Dates do not require special storage conditions. Purchased dried fruits should be immediately placed in the refrigerator, preferably in a container with a tight-fitting lid. So they will be stored for a long time. If a delicacy is planned to be eaten within a week, then it can be safely put in a kitchen cabinet or simply left on the table in a hermetically sealed container. Rinse the fruit thoroughly before eating. It is not known where they were lying, in what conditions they were grown, who took them in hand. Together with useful substances, you can purchase helminths or pathogenic microbes, particles of pesticides and other pesticides.

Among all the exotic delicacies, perhaps the most famous are dates. These small dried fruits are very popular all over the world, as they have a unique sweet and pleasant taste, which allows them to be used in their pure form or as part of some dishes and desserts. In addition, it turned out that these dried fruits have a lot of useful properties.

Description of dried fruits

Dates, which we are used to seeing dried on store shelves, grow on a special kind of palm trees. These are the so-called date palms, which are widespread on the African continent. Trees bear fruit quite often, and their fruits are the main diet for local residents. A lot of different dishes and drinks are prepared here from fresh dates.

Dates are exported from numerous African countries to all corners of the world. In order for them to retain their unique taste and useful properties for a long time, dried fruits are made from them. Fresh fruit looks softer, has a light reddish or yellow color and is arranged in large clusters.

Ripe dates are harvested from trees using special equipment. In poorer regions, there is a profession of date fruit picker - these are people who climb tall palms, using simple equipment, cut the bunches and gently lower them down. After that, the fruits are selected, washed in clean water and soaked for some time.

Drying is carried out in modern ovens that control temperature and humidity. This is necessary for the dried dates to retain a certain amount of their liquid inside, which will allow them to remain juicy and edible. If such fruits are overdried, then they lose their natural qualities.

In some regions of Africa, drying of fruits in open sunlight is still practiced, but this process is more laborious, and finished dried fruits can weigh several times less, since they lose a lot of useful components due to the lack of direct control of temperature and humidity.

Fruits ready for export are darker in color, retain their rounded and elongated shape, and are somewhat oily and wrinkled on the outside. Despite being actively dried, they retain most of the nutrients, such as carbohydrates, that make them so sweet and delicious.

Composition and useful properties

The main feature of dates is their unique composition. Of course, if we talk about nutritional value, then, first of all, you should pay attention to the so-called ratio of BZHU. This abbreviation refers to the percentage of protein, fat and carbohydrates in a given volume of food.

Below we will talk about the nutritional value of date fruits.

  • Protein- about 5-6% depending on the variety and drying method. This component is a kind of "building material" for the human body. Proteins are essential for growth and development, as they promote cell division and nutrition.
  • Fats- from 0.2 to 0.5%. They are one of the sources of energy for humans, but excess fat leads to their deposition in the body. The extremely low fat content of dried dates makes them beneficial for anyone looking to lose weight without being hungry.
  • Carbohydrates- 65%. Carbohydrates are an alternative source of energy, which are used by our bodies much faster and do not accumulate in the form of fatty tissue.
  • Minerals and Salts- 0.1-0.9%. Promotes bone growth.
  • Oils- about 1%. Necessary for the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract.

However, dates are popular for more than just their sweet taste and high carbohydrate content. Much more interesting is their chemical composition.

  • Vitamins of group PP, B, A, K, E. Moreover, the largest share among them is occupied by such substances as riboflavin, folic acid, tocopherol, thiamine.
  • Sucrose, natural glucose and fructose. They are irreplaceable and quickly assimilated energy sources.
  • A large number of micro- and macroelements, including iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, calcium.
  • Amino acids and antioxidants.
  • Dietary fiber, often referred to as fiber.

Compared to some other foods, dates do not have as many bioactive chemicals in their composition. However, they contain almost everything you need to support life and tone in a fairly high concentration. There are cases when people ate exclusively these dried fruits and water for a long time.

Also dates, in addition to their nutritional value, have a lot of positive qualities and are often recommended as a healing agent.

  • The high concentration of potassium in fruits has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Thanks to all the necessary vitamins, potassium is absorbed almost completely, stimulates the work of the heart muscle, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and makes them more elastic.
  • Dates contain a fairly high amount of calcium, which can improve bone growth and repair. Many doctors recommend adding dried fruit to the diet while recovering from injuries and fractures.
  • The low fat content, as well as the sufficient concentration of organic acids, prevents the risk of atherosclerosis. The walls of blood vessels are cleared of cholesterol plaques faster, and new ones are practically not formed.
  • Dried fruits have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. An important role is played by tocopherol and thiamine, as well as some other organic compounds in the composition of dates. They improve the cognitive functions of the brain, including memory, concentration, and mental activity.
  • Trace elements and antioxidants have a beneficial effect on liver and kidney function.

  • Dates contain a sufficient amount of fiber and natural dietary fiber, which quickly normalize the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Also, dried fruits stimulate the feeling of satiety, so even a small amount of them, consumed in food, allows you to get rid of hunger, but at the same time not to "go over" extra calories. In addition, fiber improves the absorption of other essential components in the body.
  • Oils help soften food masses. Often, dates are recommended for people with chronic constipation, since the fruits, even in dried form, have a mild laxative effect.
  • There is a strengthening of the hormonal background. Some doctors advise pregnant women to add dried fruit to their daily diet. They contain quite a lot of vitamins, so they contribute to the normal formation of the fetus, prevent exhaustion and vitamin deficiency in the expectant mother, and during the period of breastfeeding, lactation improves.
  • Abrupt changes in the emotional state are eliminated, the feeling of fatigue, both mental and physical, is reduced, and a general tonic effect is felt.
  • The biochemical composition of dates strengthens the body's natural immunity, helps to cope with acute diseases or prevent exacerbation of chronic conditions.
  • The health benefits of date fruits also lie in their nutritional value. Dried fruits are often prescribed to patients with iron deficiency anemias, vitamin deficiencies, and general exhaustion.

Nutritional value and calorie content

Dates are a food product with a very high glycemic index, which is directly related to the high proportion of carbohydrates in the composition. First of all, this means that its energy value is represented by glucose and its derivatives quickly assimilated in the body, therefore dried fruits from date fruits are not the best choice for a diabetic's diet, but for those who want to lose weight, they are best suited.

It is calculated that there are approximately 247-270 kcal per 100 grams of dates. This figure may vary depending on the variety and quality of the product, therefore, on average, 1 piece. this product contains about 23 kcal.

This explains why even a few dried fruits can not only cause a feeling of fullness, but also provide the body with the necessary charge of energy.

What harm could there be?

The unique properties of dates make them a really healthy treat. However, sometimes it is better to refuse it, since dried fruits can cause an unwanted reaction in the body or even harm health at all, especially if they are abused.

After eating dates, blood sugar rises sharply. This can be dangerous for diabetics and lead to hyperglycemic coma. For ordinary people, the abuse of dried fruits can cause changes in the emotional and mental state, sleep disturbance, appetite.

You can also often observe acute digestive disorders, which are manifested by diarrhea or, conversely, constipation.

Additionally, it is worth noting violations of the pancreas, liver and kidneys.

In case of acute chronic diseases or exacerbation of diseases of these organs, it is better to refuse food containing dates.

Diet intake

The date-based diet is gaining popularity in recent years. Its main advantage lies in the fact that dried fruits quickly eliminate the feeling of hunger and thereby prevent you from getting better, causing you to refuse excessive amounts of food.

When losing weight, dried fruits have some positive effects.

  • The metabolism is noticeably accelerated, which allows you to burn excess fatty tissue and prevent the deposition of cholesterol. In addition, pantothenic acid helps to normalize metabolism.
  • The high fructose content makes the dried fruit very sweet. They can be used as a natural sugar substitute if the problem of excess weight is excessive consumption of sweets.
  • A frequent snack with dates will help you satiate quickly. The composition of the fruits is fully consistent with the norms of a healthy diet, and since the feeling of hunger disappears almost immediately, you no longer want to lean on junk and fatty foods.

Typically, the date diet will last 7 to 10 days. The main food products for this period, in addition to the dried fruits themselves, are apples, oranges and other citrus fruits, green tea with a high content of antioxidants. Drink a lot, as dates can have a mild laxative effect.

It is permissible to eat about 200 grams of dates per day in pure form or as part of any dietary meals. It is important not to forget that there is practically no protein in their composition, therefore it is recommended to periodically eat lean boiled meat. With the right approach, such a diet allows you to quickly lose 8-10 kilograms.

The scheme is suitable for everyone, except for people with an accelerated metabolism. The fact is that a sharp increase in sugar, which occurs immediately after consuming dates, is followed by an increased production of insulin. With a rapid metabolism, this condition causes a strong feeling of hunger and weakness, which in no way contributes to active weight loss.

Selection and storage

Today, there are several options for harvesting fruits. Many manufacturers prefer, for example, not to dry them directly, but to gradually evaporate the moisture.

In the store you can find the following types of ready-made dates:

  • Jerky- they are slightly sticky on the outside and have a smooth surface.
  • Dried fruits lighter, visibly wrinkled, can often let in bright light.
  • Canned dates filled with special sugar syrup. This method of storage and transportation does not in any way affect the quality of the product, however, the benefits from it are much less.

Dried dates are considered to be the most valuable in terms of their properties. It is especially important that the bone is preserved in them, because it is it that allows you to preserve all the trace elements during drying. To choose the right quality dried fruit, you need to pay attention to some criteria.

  • The degree of dryness. Normally, dried fruits can even be a little oily, but the main thing is that they are not too dry. If such fruits are squeezed between the fingers, then they should be moderately soft, but not ooze or crumble.
  • Purity. Quality dates should not show any signs of external damage, mold, stains or cracks.
  • The color should be dark. It is known that when dried dates darken, so if you are offered to buy too light dried fruits, then they are probably made from unripe fruits, therefore they do not contain useful substances and, most likely, have an unpleasant sour taste.

It is also worth paying attention to the expiration date. If the dates have been properly dried and stored in cardboard boxes in a dry place, then the shelf life cannot exceed 6 months.

In refrigeration chambers, dried fruits must be kept in a separate sealed container.

How to eat and what can you cook?

Dried dates are consumed in their pure form. They are used as a bite to tea, and also as a substitute for a sweet dessert. An adult can eat up to 5-6 medium fruits per day, and children are advised to drink compote with the addition of several dried fruits. Thus, a person receives a daily intake of carbohydrates.

In cooking, there are quite a few recipes and the use of dried date fruits. For example, they are often used as a substitute for prunes in decoctions and other drinks, or when baking meat. You can often find dates or a paste of them in the composition of cakes and pastries.

Dried fruits can be ground into oatmeal or semolina for breakfast. The simplest salads based on beets, red cabbage, carrots, with the addition of feta cheese and dates are popular.

Date fruits have been known to mankind for a long time. It is not surprising that they are common all over the world. There are some interesting facts about them.

  • Date palms are mentioned in history as the first plants that were artificially cultivated by humans for the purpose of obtaining sweet and healthy fruits. We can assume that dates stood at the origins of the development of civilization.
  • There is a widespread belief that the consumption of dates is not recommended for people who live in regions where palm trees do not grow. However, there is no scientific basis for this yet.
  • Dried fruits contain all the substances a person needs and are very high in calories. There are cases when people lived for a long time, eating exclusively date fruits and water.
  • Dates can become an indispensable remedy for colds - they help soften phlegm and remove it with a cough.
  • A couple of dates and a glass of milk are able to provide the human body with all the necessary amino acids. If it is decided to give up eating meat, then there is no better alternative.
  • Despite the fact that dates are contraindicated for patients with diabetes, they can save their lives. The high carbohydrate content makes these dried fruits the best emergency aid for hypoglycemic coma. With a low blood sugar in a diabetic, for example, in the case of incorrect insulin administration, it is enough for him to eat one or two dates to prevent trouble, which is much more reliable and effective than sweets or chocolates.
  • You can often hear that sweets stimulate the brain. In this case, dates will be the best choice, because, in addition to carbohydrates, they also contain tocopherol and a lot of vitamins, which not only improve the functioning of the central nervous system, but also strengthen neural connections and prevent nervous overstrain and exhaustion.

All about the benefits and dangers of dates for the body, see the next video.

They have long been prized for their nutritional properties. Let's understand their chemical composition and potential for the body.

Caloric content and chemical composition

They are a dietary product due to their high carbohydrate content (they are represented by glucose, fructose, sucrose). The calorie content of dates per 100 grams is 292 kcal. Used / w / y ratio:

  • proteins - 2.5 g;
  • fats - 0.5 g;
  • carbohydrates - 69.2 g.

In addition, they contain:

  • dietary fiber - 6 g;
  • ash - 1.5 g;
  • saturated and unsaturated fatty acids - 0.1 g each
  • organic acids - 0.3 g;
  • water - 20 g.
These fruits are useful and contain a large amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements. They contain almost all B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6), as well as vitamins E and PP. Of the macronutrients, they contain potassium (370 mg), calcium (65 mg), magnesium (69 mg), sodium (32 mg) and phosphorus (56 mg). Trace elements are represented mainly by iron (1.5 mg), as well as zinc, copper, selenium.

Why are dried dates useful?

Fresh dates have a very short shelf life, and they do not tolerate transportation well; therefore, they are mainly supplied for export in dried form. First of all, this is a product that allows you to supply the body with quick energy due to the large amount of carbohydrates.

For women

Moderate consumption of dates is indicated for weight loss. Firstly, they replace harmful sweets, and secondly, they remove excess fluid from the body. For women, these are also useful for their beneficial effects on nails and hair - they become strong, as well as the skin - regular use of these dried fruits gives it elasticity.

Their benefits are also great during pregnancy. The main thing that dates are useful for pregnant women is that it is important to use them for prevention of anemia, from which many women in position suffer, for a quick recovery of strength. In addition, they contain oxytocin, which is produced by the body at the beginning of labor and helps to facilitate the process of labor.
In the early stages, dates will be useful due to the presence of folic acid in them, which plays an important role in laying the nervous system of the fetus. It is worth noting that dates during pregnancy, in addition to benefits, can also harm a woman's body. They cannot be included in the diet of patients with diabetes mellitus and in case of disorders in the digestive system.

Important! It should also be noted that pregnant women are advised to reduce the generally accepted consumption rates of this dried fruit.

For men

Dates are also useful for men. They are able to strengthen the cardiovascular system, activate the brain, make the body more stress-resistant, more resilient (both physical and mental stress are more easily tolerated). All these factors have a beneficial effect on potency, therefore these dried fruits are among the products necessary to maintain men's health.

How many dates can you eat per day

This fruit is a useful replacement for the usual sweets and sweets. They quickly saturate the body and at the same time have excellent taste data, so it is important not to exceed the rate of their consumption. The optimal daily portion is considered 10 dates... They carry the necessary amount of vitamins, elements and nutrients.

Did you know? The name "date" came to us from Ancient Greece, in translation it means "finger", since the dried fruits are similar in this part of the body. However, there is another version of the origin of this word from "foinis", which means "redhead". This characterizes the appearance of the fruit.

How to choose when buying

In order for dried fruits to bring maximum benefit, it is necessary to choose a quality product. First of all, when buying, you should pay attention to their appearance. The color should be dark brown with a matte finish.
Glossy shine may indicate that the fruit has been processed glucose syrup... This technique is used to give a more appetizing look, as well as to hide defects on the fruit and add additional sweetness. Dates processed in this way become very sticky.

Next, you need to examine the fruit for the integrity of the peel. Don't buy cracked fruit. This may indicate that they contain harmful microorganisms or insect larvae, as well as violations of technology.

Sometimes dates are chemically treated for a faster drying process. Therefore, when buying, you should pay attention to their smell. They should not smell like gasoline or any other chemical odor.

It is also better not to buy candied fruits. This is a sign that the rules and transportation have been violated (excessive moisture) or the product is simply not fresh.

How to store at home

If you have purchased too many dried fruits, you must put them in a glass jar or plastic container, close the lid tightly and store in the refrigerator.

Date palm fruits are of exceptional nutritional and pharmacological value. This is a very tasty high-calorie product containing a unique set of vitamins, trace elements and amino acids.

Find out if it is good to eat dates for health, what are their medicinal properties, what are the benefits of them for men and women, if they have any contraindications.

Nutritional features, calorie content

Dates contain almost no fat at all, but they contain a small amount of easily digestible vegetable protein.

The average calorie content of these fruits is 292-300 kcal per 100 g.

Health Benefits for Women, Men, Children and Pregnant Women

Dates are useful because:

Dates are good for women to alleviate premenstrual syndrome, these fruits will be of great benefit during pregnancy. They contain a large amount, which prevents the formation of edema, has a beneficial effect on the work of the urinary tract.

For men, these fruits have a truly magical effect: they gently recharge with energy, increase libido, contribute to a longer duration of intercourse, an increase in the amount of seminal fluid.

Dates are especially useful for children, as their use forms healthy eating habits in babies... After them, ordinary sweets, cakes seem completely tasteless.

These fruits also have a beneficial effect on the body of women.

Normalize blood pressure, activate the intestines, prevent the development of postpartum depression, supply the child with deficient micronutrients for harmonious development.

They are especially useful. Here the “eat on an empty stomach” rule does not work.

Doctors also advise using dates in combination with lightly brewed and a small amount of walnuts for maximum benefit.

Ripe, dried or dried: how are they useful?

On sale there are dates fresh, fully ripe, dried and dried: consider their healing properties.

Ripe fresh date palm fruits are delicious, but for long-term storage they are intensely fumigated with sulfur dioxide and probably treated with other preservatives. That's why before use, they must be soaked in warm water for an hour.

Recipe number 1... Three ripe fresh fruits, previously soaked in warm water, pour half a glass of milk, bring to a boil, leave to infuse for 10 minutes.

This drink drink warm at night people of any gender and age with a debilitating night cough. To enhance the effect, you can take a foot bath with a suitable product at night and wear cotton socks.

Recipe number 2... Five fresh ripe fruits, previously soaked in warm water, and two slices of lemon, along with the peel, pour cold water, bring to a boil. Keep on very low heat for ten minutes.

Cool to room temperature, drink during the day, but not immediately after eating... This drink helps with dry coughs by softening the respiratory system.

Green fruits date palms are very rarely on sale. They are of little use for food, since they are very poorly digested by the body.

But a decoction of them is very valuable for the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity. The broth can be drunk with bronchitis, laryngitis.

Dried and sun-dried fruits are the most preferred for food. Of course, they are also treated with sulfur dioxide, but to a lesser extent compared to fresh ones.

Soaking in warm water for an hour - a necessary procedure before eating the fruit. If you add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the soaking water, the dates will acquire a more refined taste.

An interesting and informative video about the composition, useful properties and use of dates:

How and when is best to consume, daily allowance

For optimal assimilation of the product, the following must be observed simple rules:

  • eat on an empty stomach;
  • eat no more than five pieces at a time;
  • eating fruits separately from other types of food, you can drink a little hot water;
  • the main food can be eaten no earlier than an hour after eating dates.

But there are exceptions to every rule. These fruits are so delicious that you definitely want to try their combination with other products. The main thing here is do not combine with bread and bakery products.

Gourmets can try the following combinations with dates:

If you are not orthodox in matters of nutrition, then you can see that dates are good accentuate the taste of good dry or semi-dry white wine.

Contraindications to use

Dates can provide many benefits, but they can also be harmful to health. They cannot be eaten by those who:

Due to their high sugar content, dates can damage tooth enamel. But this can be avoided by thoroughly brushing your teeth after eating.

Moderation should be observed when using this product. Of course, these fruits activate metabolism, but you shouldn't eat more than ten pieces a day. This will threaten with weight gain, the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Home SPA

Date baths have become very popular lately. These fruits contain unique amino acids and a lot of fructose, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin... For the preparation of baths, you can use both fresh and dry fruits, having previously soaked them in warm water.

For the procedure, you need to take 100 g dry dates or 300 g fresh... Pour cold water over them, bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes and leave to cool. After cooling, strain, squeeze the raw material and pour the broth into a previously prepared warm bath. An obstacle in buying should be "Candied" fruits... These dates are most likely stale in the warehouse.

The color of the berries may vary depending on the variety - from light to dark brown. If the product is purchased of high quality, then there will be no problems with storage. You can store them in the refrigerator, or at room temperature.

It is advisable to use a ceramic or glass container with a lid for storage..

"Berries of Life" is a poetic name for dates, as it is believed that they can replace ordinary dishes. According to legend, the enlightened monks ate only the fruits of the date palm and water for months without harm to their health.

And in real life, these "berries" can replace unhealthy cakes, sweets, which will make healthy eating more attractive to most people.

Dates: is it a delicious dessert or a medicine?

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