Benefits of Dates for Health
Dates are one of the oldest fruits that are longest cultivated in the world. Aside from its sweet taste, many of the benefits of dates can be obtained from various content important nutrients in it.
Various important nutrients include potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc , manganese, and selenium, which are believed to be important minerals in immune function and cancer prevention.
Recognizing the Benefits of Dates
According to its nutritional content, the benefits of dates include helping to prevent cell damage, and having anti-inflammatory properties. This is because dates contain tannins, which are a type of natural antioxidant known as polyphenols.
Not only that, dates also contain several types of antioxidants that can help prevent the development of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Some of the benefits of other dates that are no less important are:
- Prevent constipation
Dates are high in fiber. In a study known, eating dates can facilitate digestion, including helping the process of defecating, so that it will prevent constipation.
- Control blood sugar
Fiber in dates also helps prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating. In addition, dates can help control blood sugar because of the low glycemic index and function as an antioxidant.
- Prevent Alzheimer's disease In the results of laboratory studies it was found that dates are very useful in decreasing the signs of inflammation, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the brain. High levels of IL-6 in the brain are associated with a risk of neurodeficiency, such as Alzheimer's disease.
- Helping normal childbirth
Some studies show that regular consumption of dates in the last weeks before labor will affect cervical dilatation which can help with normal delivery.
Besides being consumed directly, dates can also be used as a substitute for white sugar. This is because dates are the source of fructose, a type of natural sugar found in fruit. However, consumption of dates should not be excessive because it contains high sugar and calories, so that it can cause weight gain.
To get the benefits of dates, it is recommended to consume enough. However, if you have a specific health condition, you should consult a doctor before eating dates.