Description of varieties of royal dates, their beneficial properties and harm

For centuries, residents of the Asian and African continents have been growing and eating dates, which are loved by people all over the world. Dates differ in size and color. Due to the absence of ascorbic acid and essential oils, dates have no sour taste or aromatic notes. The Medjool variety is considered the king among dates; it is distinguished by its large size, thin skin, soft and tender pulp.

Features of the royal date

Only experienced tasters can distinguish date varieties by taste, since they do not contain spicy, aromatic and specific ingredients that give the fruits a unique taste and aroma.

The name of the Medjool variety is translated differently in different sources: Majhul, Majhol, Medzhul. It is considered royal due to its large size and taste, high content of potassium, trace elements and vitamins. The size of the fruit reaches 8 centimeters in length. The taste has a caramel flavor.

Where do royal dates grow?

Scientists believe that the birthplace of the Medjool variety is Morocco. Currently, Israel is the leader in the volume of cultivation and supply of this particular variety to different countries of the world. It is cultivated on an industrial scale in all countries with hot and dry climates.

Existing varieties

There are more than a dozen varieties of dates: Mazfati, Kabkak, Khasufi, Barkhi, Anbara, Rabi, Safavi, Sagai and many others. Each variety has differences in the composition, structure of the pulp and skin, and differs in size and color.

Based on humidity, they are divided into 3 groups: with high humidity - more than 25%, average humidity - from 18% to 25%, low humidity - up to 18%.

The general properties of dried fruits are the taste and healing properties that they have on the human body. The Medjool variety rightfully occupies a leading position in this list due to its taste, composition and healing properties.

Biological and vitamin composition

Different sources indicate approximately the same composition of dates, which contains minimal amounts of proteins and fats.The bulk of the composition of the fruit contains carbohydrates, of which 67% are sugars and 7% are fiber, the rest is water. The fruits are rich in vitamins A, K, and group B (almost the full set).

Of the microelements, potassium is present in large quantities - 700 milligrams and calcium - 64 milligrams per 100 grams of fruit. Copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, iron, sodium, phosphorus are contained in dried fruits in smaller quantities.

Benefits of the fruit for the body

Useful properties of dates are determined by their composition, which provides the body with a charge of energy and vigor. Dried fruits help strengthen the functioning of the heart and cope with a weakened nervous system, regulate the functioning of the stomach, liver, and intestines. The healing properties of this fruit are useful for adults and elderly people, as well as children.

The seeds of the fruit are also eaten, which are ground using a coffee grinder and added to coffee beans when making coffee. In industry, seeds are used in cosmetology.

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

The high content of potassium and vitamin K makes dates an indispensable dietary supplement for the prevention of abnormalities in the functioning of the heart and its improvement. The fruits help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and remove harmful cholesterol from the body, lowering blood pressure.

For the functioning of the nervous system

The presence of B vitamins in dried fruits helps to cope with the stressful rhythms of modern life and strengthens the nervous system. A cup of tea with dates in the morning will give you confidence and calm for the whole day; before bed, it will help you fall asleep quickly and ensure a good night's sleep.

For the gastrointestinal tract

The presence of easily digestible sugars, iron, vitamins, and fiber in dates promotes metabolism and the production of healthy cholesterol and hemoglobin.Including dried fruits in the diet improves the functioning of the liver, intestines, and stomach.

If there are serious disturbances in the functioning of these organs, it is necessary to consult with your doctor regarding the amount of dried fruits consumed.

To improve skin and hair

Vitamins A and B contribute to skin rejuvenation, slow down the aging process, promote hair growth, giving it the airiness and shine of cashmere.

Masks for the face, neck and décolleté area made from a paste of steamed dried fruits have a refreshing effect on the skin, tighten the facial contour, and get rid of expression lines. Adding lemon, orange juice, egg white, and yeast enhances the effect of the procedures. A mask on the roots of the hair from the pulp of the fruit gives it softness, elasticity and shine, and restores the vitality of the hair.

Medicinal properties

In terms of treatment, dates can be considered as an addition to medications for anemia, diseases of the heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. This determines the set of vitamins and microelements included in their composition. The seeds also have healing properties and are used (tinctures are prepared from crushed seeds) to remove stones from the kidneys and bile ducts.

For pregnant

Pregnant women, during the formation of the fetus, often experience deterioration in the condition of hair, teeth, dry skin, instability of the nervous system, and interruptions in heart function. Including dates in the diet of pregnant women will help facilitate the restructuring of the female body, supply the necessary micro- and macroelements and vitamins not only to the expectant mother, but also to the child, and will contribute to its correct and harmonious development.

During toxicosis, when women’s refusal to eat sometimes lasts for more than one month, taking dates in small quantities helps replenish the daily norm of carbohydrates (give strength), potassium (heart function), glucose (brain activity), B vitamins (decreased nervous excitability ).

For men

According to statistics, the male population ranks first in heart-related diseases. The high potassium content in dates helps prevent and reduce the risks of their occurrence. Often, men's work is directly related to heavy physical activity, and the introduction of dried fruits into the diet will supply the male body with carbohydrates, sugars, and calcium, which will increase the body's ability to work and help strengthen bone tissue.

In an age of constant stress, vitamins A and B will help men cope with nervous tension and increase male strength (in terms of enhancing potency), and improve the general condition of the whole body.

For children

Children enjoy eating dates instead of sweets, if they do not have diathesis. An allergic reaction to these dried fruits is practically not observed due to the neutral taste. The main thing is to first remove the seeds from dried fruits before giving them to children, and not leave them in an accessible place unattended.

The presence of iron, calcium, potassium, vitamins A and group B will help children during the period of growth, strengthen teeth and form bones, increase hemoglobin after colds, strengthen the nervous system and immunity, and have a beneficial effect on vision in the age of computer technology and gadgets.

In what form can it be used?

In our retail chains, dates are presented in the form of dried fruits; in a number of restaurants in big cities they can be served fresh as an addition to a dish. Before use, dried fruits are washed with boiling water, followed by rinsing with cold boiled water.

Transportation over long distances contributes to the contamination of fruits with painful microflora, which can cause intestinal disorders.

Dried fruits can be infused in hot water until completely softened, which many people like, especially children and the elderly. Dates are added during cooking orange compote, they soften and complement the aroma of citrus essential oils. The fruits are used to make marshmallows and jams, and they are added to baked goods and desserts. In Asian countries Wine is made from dried fruits.

Daily dose

The daily dose of dates depends on the rules of nutrition in the family or individual preferences, health status, and the tendency of the human body to be overweight. If a person is not overweight and has no health problems, date consumption may not be limited. However, they must be used within reasonable limits.

If you are prone to gaining excess weight, following proper nutrition, and in the process of losing weight, eating a few dates with morning tea will bring the body approximately 30 kilocalories - this will give a boost of energy and improve brain activity for the whole day. A one-time consumption of 10 pieces will give about 130-150 kilocalories, which, with active life, every person can afford without the risk of overeating.

Contraindications

Eating dates cannot cause harm to the body. Contraindications are the presence of diabetes mellitus, obesity, intolerance to the body. A complete refusal of dried fruits is only necessary if you are intolerant, which can lead to irreparable consequences. For other diseases, taking it in normal quantities with tea or in its natural form will not cause harm. Dates are gifts of nature. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of drinking a cup of aromatic tea with the wonderful dried fruits that nature has been giving to humanity for centuries.