The benefits and harms of dates for the human body, rules of use and contraindications

Dates are commonly called “bread of the desert”, since for several millennia they have been the main product of the diet of the inhabitants of the East and Africa. The unique property of palm tree fruits is that they can replace a full meal. Their regular use has a positive effect on human health, so it is recommended to know the benefits and harms of dates for the body.

Fruit composition

Thanks to what is contained in the date, many people in Africa are still able to solve the problem of hunger. The unusual calorie content of the fruit and the high content of nutrients allow the product to be used as an excellent replacement for a traditional meal.

Vitamins and calories

The fruit contains more than 10 types of vitamins, so it is considered a leader among other fruits and berries. They are rich in B vitamins, which are responsible for metabolism and brain cell function in the body. A deficiency of such elements leads to deterioration of the condition of nails and hair, disrupts the processes of fat breakdown and the production of hormones.

Date pulp contains vitamins A and C, which improve the body's protective properties.

Thanks to vitamins D, K, PP, consuming the product has a positive effect on all organs. The calorie content of 100 g of fruit is 200 kcal. This feature allows them to be used as an additional source of nutrition and energy, so they are included in the diet if you need to gain weight and quickly tone the body.

Microelements

Dates are famous for their mineral composition, due to which the fruits are often used for micronutrient deficiencies. The pulp of the fruit contains substances such as calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc.There are about 15 minerals in total, one of which is selenium, known for its antitumor properties. The pulp contains 23 types of amino acids, some of which are found only in dates.

How does it affect the human body?

The medicinal properties of fruits are considered unique; with regular inclusion of fruits in the diet, a positive effect is observed in the functioning of all vital systems. They have a beneficial effect not only on the functioning of internal organs, but an improvement is observed in the appearance of hair, nails and skin. A sufficient supply of nutrients helps improve the structure of bones and teeth, and reduces the risk of joint diseases.

Normalizes gastrointestinal processes

Eating fruits has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. 100 g of product contains 6.7 g of fiber, which helps to naturally cleanse the intestines of toxins and normalize stool.

Fruits should not be consumed during periods of exacerbation of gastritis or other gastric diseases.

Dates provide the following benefits:

• due to the presence of glutamic acid, the pulp normalizes the acid-base balance;
• the lack of cholesterol and high calorie content quickly gives you a feeling of fullness, which helps if you need to follow a diet;
• effectively counteract bacteria and parasites, help restore intestinal microflora.

For gastritis, it is recommended to take fruit in an amount of 50 g for one dose. The best time for this is considered to be consumed 15 minutes before a meal. If side effects such as bloating, diarrhea, or gas occur, the product should be discarded.

Strengthens teeth and bones

The product has a beneficial effect on the structure of bones and teeth.The product contains important minerals in the form of fluorine and potassium, the amount of the latter in 100 g of product is 64 mg. This element gives strength to bones and teeth, so the fruits are recommended for inclusion in the diet of older people, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Prevention of anemia

Dates, due to the large amount of mineral elements and vitamins they contain, are considered a unique product for replenishing their deficiency in the body. Regular consumption improves blood circulation, and thanks to the high level of iron, the fruits help cope with anemia.

Affects brain function

A positive effect on the functioning of brain cells is due to the content of a large amount of B vitamins. Studies have proven that regular inclusion of dates in the menu allows you to provide the body with a sufficient amount of them, which helps reduce homocysteine ​​levels. This substance is considered the main culprit in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Reduces allergic reactions

Fruits are one of the few foods that contain sulfur. It is this substance that helps reduce the severity of allergic reactions. In 2002, studies were conducted according to which organic sulfur compounds had a positive effect on the body, reducing the risk of developing seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Eliminates hangover

Dates promote the removal of toxins and waste, providing natural cleansing of the intestines due to their high fiber content. Eating fruits immediately after drinking alcohol helps you sober up in a shorter time.

For the bronchi

Dates are often used in traditional medicine recipes to treat colds.They provide an anti-inflammatory effect and promote a faster healing process. For diseases associated with the bronchi, decoctions based on the fruit are taken. To prepare a healing remedy, 10 fruits are poured into 500 ml of water and boiled for 30 minutes, after which they are taken warm as a drink.

A decoction made from 7 dates and 0.2 liters of milk will help get rid of a dry cough.

For kidneys and liver

The fruits help normalize the functioning of the kidneys and liver. Experts say that it is enough to eat 10 pieces of fruit a day to reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases of the organs. Not only the pulp, but also the seeds have healing properties. Seed decoctions are recommended for problems with stones in the kidneys and urinary tract.

For immunity

Dates are recommended to be consumed during the peak period of infectious diseases. Fruits help strengthen a weakened body and support the functioning of the immune system, and help cope with vitamin deficiency.

Reducing blood pressure and risk of stroke

The positive effect on the cardiac system and the ability to normalize blood pressure is due to the presence of a large number of minerals in dates. The magnesium present in the pulp provides an anti-inflammatory effect and lowers blood pressure, rather than increasing it. Potassium improves the functioning of the heart muscle and helps maintain normal levels.

According to clinical studies, it has been proven that regular consumption of dates has shown a reduction in the risk of stroke by 9%. Magnesium is considered an important element for preventing pathologies, and the fruits contain 50% of the daily requirement of this element.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of dates are associated with the unique composition of the fruit.Due to this feature, they are recommended to be included in the diet of adults and children.

For women and during pregnancy

Including dates in the diet helps women to be beautiful. Thanks to B vitamins and a large number of microelements, the appearance of hair and skin improves, and antioxidants prevent aging.

Dates are good for the health of a pregnant woman. During the period of bearing a child, they help cope with anemia and replenish vitamin deficiencies. Including them in the diet 4 weeks before birth helps improve the tone of the uterus and increases its ability to contract, which is the key to the absence of problems when the baby passes through the birth canal.

For nursing mothers, the product helps improve the quality and quantity of milk, normalizes the emotional state and helps cope with depression.

For men

Dates help strengthen a man's health, providing a complex effect. Taking the fruits has a positive effect on the quality of the spectrogram, so they are recommended to be consumed if there is a risk of infertility. They have a beneficial effect on potency, increasing sexual stamina.

For children

Dates allow children to receive sufficient amounts of nutrients and replenish vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which has a positive effect on the child’s physical and mental development. Fruits are an excellent way to have a quick snack, quickly satiating and satisfying a child’s hunger. The special taste qualities make the product an excellent replacement for traditional sweets and sugar.

Dates in the daily diet - how to eat them correctly

Today, dates are available on shelves in various forms, so questions often arise about how to properly eat the fruit.

In what form to use

Dried dates with pits are considered the best option for consumption. They contain more nutrients and are minimally processed. There is no need to remove the outer skin when eating the fruit. If dried fruits are shiny, it means they were prepared for sale using fat. In any case, after purchasing, you should rinse the product with water.

Dates are eaten as an independent dish, dried fruits are used to make jams and compotes, and are included in recipes for desserts and cakes.

When is the best time to eat dates?

Reception of dates is organized during the first half of the day. Consuming immediately before bed will cause heaviness in the stomach and may cause insomnia. For an adult, the daily norm is to consume 10-15 fruits. In this case, you should alternate between eating fruits and regular food, otherwise discomfort and heaviness may occur in the stomach.

Application of seeds

Date pits are used to prepare decoctions used to treat the kidneys. Powder made from them helps with stomach disorders, it is an effective remedy for healing wounds and abrasions.

Is it possible and how to eat with type 2 diabetes?

Dates contain 70% sugar, the consumption of which should be kept to a minimum if you have diabetes. In addition, the product is very high in calories, which is a negative point for patients with this diagnosis. In this regard, it is better for insulin-dependent people to avoid taking dates; include 1 fruit in the diet as much as possible, but the daily amount of carbohydrates should be taken into account.

Harm and contraindications

When consuming dates, it is important to consider how harmful the product may be to the body.Contraindications to eating dates are:

• diabetes;
• intolerance to dried fruit;
• acute periods of gastritis and other gastric pathologies.

The fruits are high in calories, which can negatively affect the weight of overweight people. A high sugar content can accelerate the formation of caries and negatively affect dental health. Exceeding the permissible intake of fruits can cause heaviness in the stomach and headaches.