Medjool dates,commonly referred to as king of dates.This is because they are highly regarded especially in the Middle East and North Africa where they are believed to have originated.Though there are various varieties of dates,medjool dates are considered soft, while there are others which are either dry or semi-dry; this depending on texture and taste. Medjool dates are nutritious and healthy with innumerable health benefits.
Health Benefit 1: Multiple Nutrients
Medjool dates are loaded with calories, carbohydrates, proteins and no fat. The sugar in them is usually glucose, fructose and traces of sucrose and maltose.
Health Benefit 2: Fiber Rich
Medjool dates have a great amount of dietary fiber, supplying you with 27% of the recommended daily allowance. Their soluble fiber is important in regulation of blood sugar as well as levels of cholesterol.Notably, the beta-D-glucan in Medjool dates aids in water absorption hence adding bulk to stool.This prevents constipation.
Health Benefit 3: Source of Potassium
Medjool dates contain more potassium than other known mineral to man. Potassium assists in balancing body pH, maintaining intercellular fluid balance as well as blood sugar regulation. Deficiency in this mineral could cause elevated blood pressure hence the 20% RDA comes handy.
Health Benefit 4: Rich in Copper
With 18 percent of the recommended daily allowance of copper mineral, medjool dates are useful in the body for absorption of iron, formation of collagen, red blood cells formation, healthy nervous system as well as energy generation.
Health Benefit 5: Provides Satiety
Medjool dates are great foods to control addiction for sweet foods. Their high fiber content keeps you full for long hence curbing the cravings. It also aids in keeping a healthy digestive system, hanks to loads of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre and plenty of amino acids. Additionally, it helps in dealing with irritable bowel and constipation.
Healthy Benefit 6: Healthy Snack
You do not have to worry about weight gain when you eat Medjool dates; they are bereft of any fats and have absolutely no sodium or cholesterol.So, go ahead and indulge in eating this healthy fruit snack!
Health Benefit 7: Energy Powerhouse
The high natural sugar levels in Medjool dates as well as potassium keep you invigorated with energy. Potassium in Medjool dates (by the way they contain more potassium than bananas) builds muscles tone, enhancing you physically.
Health Benefit 8: Regulation of Blood Pressure
Maintenance of normal blood pressure requires potassium and magnesium as they both ward off cardiovascular attacks such as coronary heart disease. Medjool dates will provide sufficient amounts of both of these minerals. They also assist in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Healthy Benefit 8: Combats Arteriosclerosis
The anti-oxidants in Medjool dates play an important role in ridding from the body bad fats as well as reducing the risk cancers. Their high fiber content also plays an important role in fighting deposition of plaque, mostly associated with development of arteriosclerosis.
Health Benefit 9: Anti-oxidant Properties
Manganese in Medjool dates serve as co-factor for a compound known as superoxide dismutase. This anti-oxidant is useful in the body for destroying free radicals which damage to cells. The other anti-oxidant, phenols, aids in lowering high levels blood triglycerides.
Image Credit : J.P.Lon via Creative Commons
