Check out 11 health benefits of Dates.

Dates are dried fruits of the date palm tree that grows around the tropics. The dry fruits have become increasingly popular due to the nutritional value and associated health benefits. Here are the top 12 health benefits of dates listed below.

1. Support healthy bowel movements: Dates are rich in soluble fibre that promotes regular bowel movements and healthy digestion. Eating 7-10 dates per day for weeks significantly increases stool frequency. It also helps in the detoxification process as the fibres bind to toxins like ammonia in the colon and expel it with the stool.

2. Provide Antioxidants: Dates are rich in carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and other antioxidants preventing oxidative damage to cells caused by free radicals. Compared to other dry fruits like raisins and prunes, dates have the highest antioxidant capacities.

3. Reduces the risk of having many diseases forming due to oxidative stress like cancer, diabetes, alzheimer’s, and heart diseases.

4. Provides wholesome nutrition during pregnancy: Dates are rich in dietary fibre, helps in healthy digestion, and prevent constipation that is very common during pregnancy. Dates are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It contains iron, potassium, and folate supporting both maternal health and foetal development.

5. Boosts Brain Health: Dates contain compounds like carotenoids, polyphenols, phytosterols that have anti inflammatory effects when it goes into the brain cells after consuming and digestion. This helps in reduction of getting prone to neurodegenerative diseases.

6. Inhibit Microbial Growth: Different parts of date palms exhibit antimicrobial properties against bacterial pathogens without harming the gut microflora. It supports the immune system and boosts the count of WBCs in the blood of the human body. 

7. Lowers Cancer Risk: Dates contain insoluble fibres like Beta Glucan that have anti tumour activity and hinders the growth of cancer cells. People who consume dates generally have a lesser chance of having to deal with cancer. 

8. Helps in managing diseases related to the kidney by protecting from nephrotoxicity and improving function due to their antioxidant properties.  

9. Reduces inflammation as they are abundant in flavonoid antioxidants like apigenin, quercetin, luteolin and similar nutrients. They are used to brew medicinal teas and extracts.

10.  Benefits the male fertility system as they contain high amounts of amino acids that boost stamina and hormones like oestrogen and sterols that support the male reproductive system. Dates may also help in treating erectile dysfunction, and male impotences.

11. Helps in strengthening of bones and benefits the nervous system: Dates provide nutrients like manganese, copper and selenium essential for bone development and strength. It also has potassium that helps maintain fluid balance in the body allowing efficient nerve signal transmission. It also contains vitamins that help in proper neural function.