Importance of Date

A normal human being require 3,000 calories while the Date has about 2970 calories and is one of the most nutritious fruit. It has sugar, protein, lipids, fibres, vitamins, carbohydrates etc. It also has many medical values so it is called as ‘Complete Food”. Prior to discovery of oil in the Middle East it has been the secret behind survival of the Arab Community in extreme arid conditions. Incidentally India is the largest importer of Date Fruit in the world. 

Biologically, date is known as Phoenix dactylifera. This is a cultivated edible sweet fruit. The fruit grows in almost all the parts of India and also worldwide. Date’s origin is from Iraq. The plant grows approximately 70–75 feet (21–23 m) in height. Talking about the leaves, they are 4–6 meters (13–20 ft) long. The calorie count is 20–70 calories each, depending on size and variety. Dates have been the staple food of Middle East and Indus valley. 

Nutritional value of Dates:

This fruit provides essential nutrients. Talking about the sugar content, it is 80%. Dates contain protein, fiber, copper, florine, magnesium, zinc and various other elements. Date’s glycemic index for three different varieties of dates are 35.5 (khalas), 49.7 (barhi) and 30.5 (bo ma'an). This is one of the most versatile fruit. Almost every part of the seed is used for making some items such as, rope and baskets to beehives, fishing boats, and traditional dwellings. The seeds of Date are soaked in water and are feed to animals. Their oil is used in soap and cosmetics. 

Health benefits of date:

The health benefits of date are enormous. Once, you start its consumption, you really get to know what health benefits you have gained. There are many health benefits that include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions. Dates are also good in gaining weight. They are rich in nutrients and minerals and therefore are effective in every situation. People consume Dates in many forms. Having it directly, mixing it with milk, or using dates with bread and butter. There may be many ways to eat dates all depending on your choices and options. 

• Constipation: This is laxative food. So, in order to avoid constipation or cure constipation, soak them in water for an overnight and then eat them immediately in the next morning. These have soluble fiber and they can be best used to promote healthy bowel movements and the comfortable passage of food through the intestinal tract, which can relieve symptoms of constipation.

• Bone heath and strength: This helps you in preventing the diseases like osteoporosis. They contain components that are integral to healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age and their bones gradually weaken.

• Anemia: Dates have majority content of iron. It therefore, helps in increasing the blood count of the body. Dates also help in reducing fatigue and sluggishness. Dates are enriched with the nutrients that help in increasing strength and increasing the RBCs present in the body.

• Weight gain: This shall be included as a part of daily consumption food. They consist of sugar, proteins and many essential minerals. If dates are taken with cucumber paste, they help you in balancing your weight and also help you in gaining additional kilos. This is also very useful for the growth of muscles too.

• Sexual weakness: They have excellent stamina increasing potentials. They have helped in increasing the sperm count, infidelity and many other problems too can be cured by this fruit. 
  

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