Dates, also known as the candy from the trees, are super packed with nutrients and rich in sugar, vitamins, energy and minerals. These dried fruits are beneficial in treating various conditions due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Get into the habit of eating a couple of dates a day and you’ll notice the results. Amazingly, a week of regular consumption of dates could have a horde of beneficial effects on the body. An old Chinese proverb “If heaven drops a date, open your mouth” reflects how dates are on a class of their own. Ancient cultivation of dates as a medicinal fruit began as early as 4000 B.C. in Egypt. Thanks to trade, dates traveled to southwest Asia, Spain, northern Africa, and were later also taken to Mexico and California. While fresh dates are available from August to December, one can purchase dried dates any time of the year.
Dates tend to be small to medium in size and come in three varieties: soft, semi-soft, and dry. They grow on tall trees (21–23 meters high) known as Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera). Healthy for the body and mind and an iftar and sehri favourite during Ramzan, dates are considered to be a healthy indulgence. If you find yourself feeling tired and pining for something sweet by 4pm, dates may just be the ideal midday snack for you.
The natural sweetness in dates and wonderful, chewy texture also make this fruit the perfect ingredient for a number of recipes. Sadly, many people think dates have too much sugar and eating them will make them gain weight.
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