Dried dates: benefits and harms to the body

Dates - a sweet sunny fruit, known to mankind for more than 6 thousand years. "Desert Bread" is called it in the Arab countries. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco are countries with a dry tropical climate rich in sunshine. It was there that the distant primitive people enjoyed the sweet fruits of a date palm. Over time, the plantings of this tree appeared in other African countries with a similar climate. In Mexico, California in the United States, Australia, sweet-fruit plantations are also currently found. In Israel, date palms are located along the edges of roads.

The tree has a pretty decent growth period of one hundred years. It grows slowly at night, and daytime is the time for photosynthesis processes.

The uniqueness of dates is explained by their nutritional properties, rich composition of minerals, amino acids, dietary fiber and vitamins. The fruits of the date tree help in the treatment of hypovitaminosis, normalization of the functioning of the heart, liver. The presence of vitamins in sweet date fruits gives the skin a healthy appearance, elasticity. The beneficial effect of dates on the nervous system and brain activity is proved.

Composition and calorie content

Dried dates are higher in calories (275 kcal per 100 g) compared to most fresh fruits. Dried dates, raisins and figs are not inferior to each other in calorie content. Most date calories are found in carbohydrates. Their content in 100 g of the product is 75 g, while fiber and protein are only 7 and 2 g, respectively.

1. 0.2-0.5% - this amount of fat is available in dates. Fats are a source of energy for a person, but, when ingested in excess, they can be stored and lead to obesity and various diseases. Therefore, the use of dates due to the extremely low fat content is a quick satisfaction of hunger, especially for those who are concerned about the presence of extra pounds.
2. The minerals contain potassium with its 20% daily rate, copper - 18%, manganese and magnesium are slightly inferior to them - about 15% each. The smallest amount of iron is 5% of the daily norm.
3. Of the vitamins, B6 is the most prominent with 12%. The content of vitamins A, E and PP is also significant.
4. Date fruits are rich in antioxidants, of which two dozen can be distinguished pantothenic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine.

The composition and high calorie content of dates makes them useful for the whole organism as a whole, contributes to recovery after illness.

What are the benefits of dried dates

The fruits of the date tree can simultaneously be a treat, food and medicine for prolonging youth.

For women

Dates are useful for women to maintain the overall health of the body.

1. With a crisis course of hypertension, a specialist can advise the inclusion of this product in the daily diet.
2. When a woman is forced to follow a diet and does not want to give up an active lifestyle, then eating dates is a very good solution. After all, they are a storehouse of trace elements and natural energy tone.
3. If a woman feels a decrease in sex drive, then the use of this fetus is simply necessary for her.
4. Dates are a product that, thanks to the presence of many useful substances in the composition, will help women during menopausal changes in the body.

For men

1. Dates are useful for the stronger sex to save energy in the muscles during physical exertion, especially athletes. A few dates eaten before training will help the male body retain strength.
2. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is needed by a man to improve the reproductive system.
3. If dates are systematically present in a man’s diet, he will not experience potency problems.
4. Thanks to the fruits of the date tree, the reproductive, brain activity, physical endurance of the male body improves.

During pregnancy

The soft but laxative effect of the product allows you to consume at least a dozen of its fruits per day. The future mother, who complements the food with dried dates, helps the growing fetus replenish the body with the necessary minerals and vitamins. Thanks to the fruits of the date palm, problems such as brittle nails, hair loss, and the destruction of tooth enamel are avoided by a pregnant woman.

The product helps to remove excess fluid from the body of pregnant women, which means the prevention of edema and leg veins, as well as diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract.

According to experts, thanks to the fruits of the date palm, the muscular layer of the uterus is strengthened and child bearing is facilitated.

Studies have proven that eating dried dates a few weeks before giving birth helps to relax and naturally open the cervix. Therefore, there is no need to stimulate the birth process. In addition, the duration of the bout period is reduced. Dates are an extremely useful natural product that prepares a woman for natural childbirth.

When breastfeeding

In the postpartum period, date fruits help a woman recover faster. However, most importantly, the product contributes to a better production of breast milk. It also acquires saturation and nutrition, which is very important for the body of a born child.

The protective properties of the immune system are increased both in the mother and in the child, who receives with breast milk the whole composition of the useful substances of dried dates.

For kids

The absence of a food allergy in the child allows you to familiarize him with the fruits of the palm from about 10-12 months. He can use them in the form of compotes and mashed potatoes. But the best optimal age for a fearless introduction of dates into the child’s diet is one and a half to two years.

These fruits are especially recommended for weakened and premature babies, as well as those who have had a viral or bacterial infection, because dates have so-called "instant" energy.

The use of dates by children in dry form or as part of compotes, home dishes helps to strengthen immunity, improve brain activity, strengthen the skeletal system. In order for a sick child to recover as quickly as possible, he should offer these sweet fruits.

When losing weight

Dates have one very interesting property: due to the high calorie content, this product causes rapid saturation. Therefore, not all nutritionists advise them to get rid of extra pounds.

Nevertheless, dried dates are appropriate for fasting days. They are very good sugar substitutes. After their use, the desire to eat something sweet already passes. They really help during snacks. The sucrose contained in the product has the property not to be deposited in the body, but converted into energy reserve.

The date diet is very good for removing excess water from the body, normalizing metabolic processes, removing toxins and plant fibers.

Dried dates in medicine

Dates are fruits whose uniqueness has been proven more than 6 millennia ago. To prolong human life and strengthen its health - this is what dried dates “served” and “serve”. But still, most of all they are perceived as a wonderful sweet growing on a tree.

According to some scholars, if you eat only dates daily and drink water if necessary, a person can live for several years. But there is no factual evidence related to such use of dates.But the thousand-year history of their eating by numerous peoples of the world is a strong evidence of this.

1. Strengthening immunity is especially necessary in the spring of vitamin deficiency and the danger of catching a viral disease. In this case, dates cannot be replaced with any other product.
2. Cough, bronchitis, sputum discharge are the reasons why the use of dates is recommended by specialists. When coughing helps milk, in which a dozen dates are cooked. Such a “cure” of 500 ml of milk with sweet dried fruits will not only cure cough, but also relieve all the symptoms of a cold in just a week. You need to drink it during the day a few minutes before eating.
3. Bowel health can be maintained by regularly eating date fruits. The dietary fiber contained in them, i.e. fiber, contributes to the stimulation of intestinal motility, due to which the person has no problems with stools. Cleansing the gastrointestinal tract helps soluble and insoluble fiber contained in fiber, many amino acids. The use of this product contributes not only to the efficient functioning of the intestines. Colitis, hemorrhoids and colon cancer are unlikely to occur in a person who has no problems with the functioning of the intestine. In addition to all of the above, nicotine in dates contributes to the growth of beneficial bacteria in it and the suppression of pathogens.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties of the product are provided by magnesium. Numerous studies have proved: cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and other pathologies that arise due to inflammatory processes in the body, proceed without special complications, if, in addition to the main means of treatment, dates are used as a supplement to the patient's diet.
5. For the health of bones and teeth, the prevention of osteoporosis, mineral substances are needed, namely selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium. Since dried dates are famous for their content, this is the very fruit that should be in the diet (especially for the elderly). Gums and tooth enamel are strengthened by fluoride and zinc in the fruit.
6. Dates help normalize blood pressure and heart function. Magnesium and potassium play a major role in these processes.
7. A daily intake of 100 g of magnesium reduces the risk of stroke. In 100 g of dried dates, its content is half the norm. Therefore, for those people who have a risk of stroke, the palm tree fruit is the best product for the prevention of the disease.
8. Dates are called a product of longevity. Such glory is given to them by the antioxidants that are present in the composition of the fruits and prevent early aging. Vitamins A, B1, B2, as well as minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium give the skin beauty and elasticity.
9. Gynecologists advise pregnant women to include dates in their diet, especially in recent months. This increases the tone of the uterus, and childbirth will be less painful.
10. There is no substitute for dates in the prevention of anemia, because they have a very high iron content. And other minerals also contribute to blood formation processes.
11. Brain activity depends on the presence of B vitamins in the body. There are many of them in dates, in particular, there are vitamins B6, B9, B12 that reduce homocysteine ​​levels. At its high level, the risk of Alzheimer's disease increases.
12. Not all fruits, unlike dates, contain organic sulfur. The manifestation of an allergic reaction is reduced due to this chemical element. Allergic rhinitis has been shown to decline if a person eats dried dates.
13. Dates are a natural aphrodisiac. Men who regularly use dates may not worry about potency. In addition, due to estradiol and flavonoid components, the number and activity of sperm cells increase in the stronger sex. In women, libido rises and infertility decreases, which was the result of sexual dysfunction.
14. The healing properties of dates helps with a severe hangover. True, for this they are better to use in a soaked form.If you have a feast with plenty of alcohol, dates will help to sober up faster (they need to be eaten immediately after its end).

The fruits of the date tree are considered dangerous for patients with diabetes mellitus. However, sometimes they are able to save such a person from death. When the patient falls into a hypoglycemic coma, a pair of dates can lead him to a normal state. A low glucose level in the blood of a diabetic patient can be increased by using one or two dates instead of a piece of sugar, candy or chocolate.

The role of dates as a useful product for medicinal purposes is multifaceted. However, most people see them as a delicious oriental sweet.

Harm and contraindications

Whatever advantages this nature endowed with this fruit, it can nevertheless create serious problems if a person is allergic to certain substances contained in it.

1. Patients with diabetes need to remember that in dates there is a very high sugar content.
2. If a person has a stomach ulcer, colic or liver disease, pancreas, dates due to the high fiber content can impede the functioning of the digestive system.
3. Being overweight is also a reason to refuse to eat a date fruit with a high carbohydrate content and high calorie content.

You should not test your health by taking pleasure in eating a tasty, not always healthy product.

How to choose and store dried dates

Due to the large distances associated with the delivery of dates and their storage, the product is treated with a specific composition. It can be sugar or glucose syrup, fat or glycerin, occasionally sulfur dioxide. Independently ripened and unprocessed dates are a rather expensive and rarely found product.

When choosing dried dates, you should pay attention to some signs. The color of ripened dates that have undergone minimal processing should be dark brown with a matte surface. A whole skin without cracks indicates drying in a natural way, while dried in a kiln dates will have a peeling skin, a very dark color. For poorly dried fruits, wrinkling is characteristic. The sticky fruits with the remnants of sugar crystals will say about syrup processing. Shiny are dates after fat treatment. You can feel it with your fingers. If there are traces of mold on the fruit, do not buy them.

It is believed that dried fruits with seeds are not processed as often as peeled fruits. Therefore, this rule applies to pitted dates.

For long-term storage, dates are placed in a container and closed so that while they are in the refrigerator they do not absorb the smells of other products. For a short storage of sealed dishes, a bag and a dark, cool place is enough.

You need to know: only washed and pitted dates can be stored.

How to eat dried dates

Only the proper eating of dates can bring benefits to the body.

1. So, you can not combine palm fruits with orange, lemon and other citrus fruits. A large amount of carbohydrates with acidic fruits can lead to indigestion.
2. You can’t eat dates for the night: they tend to be digested for a long time.
3. Excessive use of them can cause disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in constipation.
4. The maximum daily intake of dried dates is 10 for adults. For children, a daily norm of up to 3 pieces is sufficient: its excess can cause constipation due to the long period of their digestion by the stomach.

Do I need to wash before use

Washing dates before use is a must, because transportation is always associated with dust and dirt. It is very important to wash fruits treated with chemicals, syrup and fat. Syrup and fat become the layer in which pathogens find their place and multiply.

Dates are a product that absorbs moisture well, so water can ruin their appearance and taste. To avoid this, it is important to follow certain rules:

1. Dates washed in hot water are not suitable for consumption: they have a dense peel cracking, and the pulp becomes boiled.
2. Sorted fruits are washed under a stream of cool water in a colander. Washing in small batches will determine the most contaminated and processed dates.
3. At the end of the washing, the fruits are rinsed with ice water and placed on a towel, preferably paper, to dry. From above they are covered with another towel and waiting for them to dry completely.

What can be prepared from dried dates: recipes

Although dried dates are suitable for eating after washing and drying, many cooks use them in their dishes.

1. Vegetarians or those who are just about to stop eating meat can use a very simple dish of two dates and a glass of milk. Thanks to him, they will receive all the necessary amino acids.
2. Especially tasty is the baked goods with chopped pulp of fruits.
3. Date syrup called honey, wine and vinegar are also part of the arsenal of culinary delights.
4. Pitted dates are stuffed with nuts, peels of orange and lemon, previously candied. Cheese is also suitable.
5. Gourmets are famous for chickens stuffed with dates.

Dessert Dates

1. Washed and pitted dates are dried on a towel.
2. Camembert cheese prepared in the form of thinly sliced ​​strips is placed inside the fruit. Then a pair of cashew nuts, peanuts or pecans is pressed into it.
3. The dessert laid on a baking sheet is sent to the oven, from where it is taken out after 10-12 minutes.
4. Thyme leaves on top decorate the sweet dish.

Halva with dates and raisins

Seeds, dried fruits taken respectively in 250 and 125 g - all that is needed for such halva.

1. Dried fruits washed, dried and ground in a blender are combined with chopped seeds.
2. The ingredients mixed together are laid out in any shape, forming sweets or sausage. If halva crumbles, honey can be used.
3. Stand the dessert in the refrigerator for at least one hour, then serve it on the table.

Snack balls

For this original and unusual dish you need the following components:

• roasted almonds - about 1 cup;
• dried dates - 1.5 cups;
• peanut butter - 2 tablespoons;
• cinnamon - 1 teaspoon;
• a pinch of sea salt and sesame for decoration.

The separately chopped nuts and dates are mixed. After that add peanut butter, which gives the mixture a pasty state. A mixture of sesame, cinnamon and salt is sprinkled on the formed balls. Folded balls are put in the refrigerator for an hour. After that, beautifully laid out balls on a plate can surprise guests or home.

Raw Kozinaki

For this sweet dish you will need only 250 g of dried dates and sesame seeds.

The products are pre-soaked for approximately 2 hours. With the help of a food processor, both ingredients are turned into a homogeneous and viscous mass. Formed in any form, kozinaki is sent to a degitrator for 12-18 hours with a temperature of 39 degrees. The dryness and fragility of the product will indicate that it is ready for use.

Salad "Red Beauty"

A feature of this oriental dish is that, in addition to dried dates, it contains dried tomatoes and cucumbers.

1. It is necessary to start cooking with couscous, which is cooked in a volume of 500 g according to the recipe on the package.
2. Cooked and chilled couscous is added to finely chopped dried dates (300 g), tomatoes (200 g) and medium-sized cucumber.
3. Season salad with squeezed juice from two lemons, 5 tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper. Decorated with chopped coriander salad "Red Beauty" is served on the table.

Bacon Dates

10 dates with a removed bone are incised and filled with a small amount of cheese (200 g) with mold. One almonds are spread on the cheese.

Dates filled in this way are wrapped in cooked strips of bacon (450 g), fixed with a toothpick and sent to the oven. After baking at a temperature of 170 degrees and the appearance of a golden crust, the finished rolls are laid out on a piece of arugula and sprinkled with balsamic vinegar. The dish is designed for 8-10 people.

Date compote

In the drink, in addition to dates (200-250 g), there are 6 oranges, peeled and cut into small pieces. Both ingredients are placed in a pan. Sugar in the amount of 1 cup is fried in a pan, then pour 4 cups of water.

Grated orange peel will add citrus flavor and increase the amount of vitamins. The fruit is poured with sweet water and brought to a boil. 3-5 minutes after boiling, removed from the heat and cooled stewed fruit is put in the refrigerator for cooling and insisting.

To give the drink a special taste, you can add honey, about 1 tablespoon, chopped nuts and cinnamon.

Date Jam

This sweet dish, especially in the mornings with tea, porridge, pancakes will give not only vigor, but also energize you for the whole day.

In a pot of water (3 cups), pour 400 g of granulated sugar and bring to a boil. Then, after the sugar is completely dissolved, the dates are washed, washed, peeled and finely chopped (600 g). The jam is boiled for 45 minutes until cooked. The finished product is poured into a jar, tightly closed and after cooling is placed in the refrigerator.

Dried dates are rich in all kinds of useful substances. Therefore, dishes prepared from them become not only “suppliers” of vitamins to the body, but also a pleasant pleasure.

Interesting facts about dates

1. Linguists believe that the name of the dates was given by the Greeks. The fruit is like a finger, so they began to call it "dactylos", a word that means "finger" in Greek.
2. An interesting fact is considered that in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs the year was indicated by the image of a palm tree, because 12 leaves grow on it during the year.
3. 50 times - this is how many dates are mentioned in the Bible. There is even an opinion that a date palm tree grew in paradise, "a tree that is pleasant in appearance and good for food."
4. Cultivation of the tree began 6 thousand years ago in the territory of the Persian Gulf. It is believed that this is the first tree in the world to be cultivated.
5. The ancient Egyptians realized the value of the fruits of a palm tree 4 thousand years ago and began to eat it in the form in which they ripened. Dates were dried, they made wine. It is Egypt today - the main supplier of dried dates to the world market. Saudi Arabia (the state from which this product began its history) is the third after Iran in its supplies.
6. 15–26, sometimes 30 m — such is the height of the date palm. Fruiting begins in the fourth year, but full-fledged only from 5-6 years of the tree’s life.
7. 60–80 kg - this is the number of fruits from a 13-year-old tree, and improved varieties can give all 100–150 kg. The most active fruiting period belongs to palm trees aged 60–80 years.
8. Surprisingly, the date tree seeds can “sleep”. A “dream” can last several decades until the right amount of light and water appears.
9. The date palm is used not only as a source of delicious fruits, but also as a building material and base in the manufacture of fabrics. The “Tree of Life" is called it in the Middle East. Israel and Saudi Arabia have made the image of this tree a national symbol.
10. Alkaline soils are most favorable for palm germination; therefore, ocean water is used in many places for irrigation.
11. When the month of Ramadan ends, Muslims use dates and a laban, the liquid released after whipping butter.
12. Biologists know more than 200 species of date palm. The most difficult to grow and therefore expensive variety is “Majul”. Its fruits are large, similar to caramel. Collect them one by one, while from other trees - in clusters.
13. The fruit itself, the date, is an oblong drupe up to 8 cm long and 4 cm wide. It withstands temperatures up to –14 ° С.
14. Tasty both fresh and dried or boiled dates. In the Middle East, bread is baked from them. The taste of date honey and wine is unique. Even a coffee substitute can be made from toasted dates.

Dried dates are a product that benefits the whole body if a person has no contraindications to its use. But most people perceive it as a sweetness created by nature. True, with all this, the observance of reasonable limits in the use of dates is a guarantee of true enjoyment.

Photo of dried dates