Dates: this is how they help the body

 Dates are becoming increasingly popular, and maybe that’s not so surprising.Besides being delicious to eat, the fruit can do wonders for the body.Did you know that there are lots of smart reasons to eat these tasty treats every day?

Here are seven reasons why everyone should discover how nutritious dates really are! 

 Why dates are healthy

So what are dates good for? Are they healthier than candy? Well, for example, if you replace candy with dried dates, you not only save yourself from eating refined sugar, you also get a lot of nutrients.

What nutrients dates contain

Why are dates healthy? They’re cholesterol free and don’t contain much fat, and they can also help regulate the nervous system, thanks to their rich potassium content.Dates also contain a lot of dietary fiber and many nutrients, including seven different vitamins and 10 minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, several B vitamins, calcium and iron.Starting the day with three dates isn’t a bad idea — they’re easy to digest and can deliver energy quickly.Together with nuts and almonds, dates make a great snack and can be part of a nutritious breakfast. Dates give you a shot of energy that lasts for a long time and makes you feel full. 

 What happens to your body when you eat dates

1. Your risk of heart attack decreases

 Researchers in Israel have shown that dates, in combination with pomegranate juice, can provide protection against atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries and can cause heart attacks or strokes. The fruits contain a combination of antioxidants that together improve the body’s cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis.Most of a date’s antioxidants are contained in the pit, which can be ground up and consumed, but the fruit also provides good protection, the researchers write in their study.

2. Your stomach is happier

The nicotinic acid in dates is said to protect against intestinal problems. A regular intake of the fruit increases the growth of the beneficial bacteria needed for a well functioning digestive system, according to this study.Dates also have high fiber content and a mild laxative effect, which could help those who suffer from constipation.

3. You sleep better

 This might sound a little too good to be true, but try eating a date an hour before you go to bed. The fruit is rich in the amino acid l-tryptophan, which produces mood enhancing serotonin and facilitates sleep.

4. Pregnancy is more comfortable

Pregnancy can cause many unpleasant symptoms such as back pain, vomiting and nausea.In this study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, it is reported that pregnant women who consumed dates had a more comfortable pregnancy and childbirth.Interestingly, the study showed that the women also needed 28 percent less pain medication.

5. Liver function is increased

Dates are a good natural source of magnesium, which is good for cell function and the liver.Date seed extract can also help regulate and reduce liver fibrosis and can therefore help with, for example, cirrhosis, writes Healthy and Natural World.

6. You see better at night

 Do you suffer from night blindness or have difficulty seeing in the dark? The most common cause of this is vitamin A deficiency. Try eating three dates a day — your eyes may thank you later.Dates contain a lot of vitamin A, a vitamin that protects the eyes and is necessary for optimal vision.

7. Your allergies lessen

Suffer from seasonal allergies?Here’s some good news if you want to stop sneezing or get rid of a skin allergy: dates contain methylsulfonylmethane, an organic sulfur that can help reduce allergic reactions.American researchers have confirmed that organic sulfur compounds benefit people suffering from seasonal allergies like hay fever and pollen allergies.