11 Amazing Benefits of Eating Dates for Skin, Hair, And Health

 

 

The date palm originated from Mesopotamia and Egypt. These are the regions from which plantation was first described and where fossil remains of cultivated area where found. The main date producing countries of the world are Algeria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, while in the Sahel, are Dakar/Senegal to Lake Chad and Sudan.

 

Dates are oval and cylindrical in shape have a bright red to bright yellow color. When ripe, each date contains a single seed. There are some 400 varieties of dates available in the market. Other trace minerals include copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc. They also possess anti – ineffective, anti – inflammatory and anti – hemorrhagic properties. The sugar content of ripe dates is about 80percent and the quality of dates depends on the glucose, fructose and sucrose content. Due to this sugar content, it is recommended to eat dates in moderation. You only need a handful daily to enjoy the health benefits.

 

The date palm tree has been adjudged to be one of the oldest fruit bearing tree on earth. Their production and consumption has been massive in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

 

In northern states of Nigeria such as Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna and other north eastern states, you can find it there. Dates are a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. They are the sweet fruit from the date palm tree and one of the world’s oldest cultivated fruits. Evidence shows that they have been cultivated since 6000 B.C.

 

Benefits of Dates for Health

1. Boost Energy

For a quick supply of energy, dates are a good option. Being high in natural sugars, such as glucose, fructose and sucrose, they provide instant energy and revitalize the body whenever you need it. In addition, they contain potassium, a mineral your body needs to convert sugar into energy.

How to use

v Add chopped dates to morning cereal or smoothies to stay energetic throughout the day.

v Eat a few dates as an afternoon snack when you are feeling lethargic or sluggish.

 

2. Treats constipation

With their laxatives effect, dates can help people suffering from constipation. They are high in soluble fiber, which promotes healthy bowel movements and smooth passage of food through the intestinal tract.

 

How to use

 

v Soak 8 to 10 dates, after removing the seeds, in a glass of water overnight.

v The next morning, grind the dates along with the water until you get a syrup – like consistency

v Drink it on an empty stomach daily.

 

3. Fight Anemia

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of low hemoglobin levels, which causes anemia. The iron in dates aids hemoglobin production to help treat anemia. In addition, the vitamin C in dates plays an important role in the body’s absorption of iron. A proper iron level in the body helps reduce feelings of fatigue and sluggishness, common symptoms in anemic people.

 

How to use

 

v Eat some dry dates, followed by a cup of warm milk, twice daily.

v Alternatively, add 1 tablespoon of chopped dates to a cup of milk and boil it. Drink it a few times daily.

 

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4. Promotes healthy pregnancy

Dates contain several nutrients that are helpful during pregnancy for both the mother and unborn baby. As mentioned earlier, it also relieves constipation, a common problem during pregnancy. In addition, they help strengthen uterine muscles and make the birth of the child easier. According to a 2011 study published in the journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, eating dates during late pregnancy reduces the need for induction and augmentation of labor.

 

How to use

v Eat 6 to 8 dates daily as a healthy snack.

v You can even cook chopped dates in milk and have it once or twice daily.

 

 

Benefits of Dates for Skin

5. Skin Elasticity

Dates are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin P. these help enhance the skin’s elasticity. The nutrients in dates also enhance the quality of the subcutaneous tissues, making your skin tender and smooth.

 

How to use

 

v Regular intake of dates can combat various skin problems, as well as strength the elasticity of your skin.

 

6. Anti – Ageing Benefits

Free radicals damage your skin cells, causing premature aging of skin. Vitamin C present in dates helps resist oxidation. It also prevents the accumulation of melanin in your body. The nutrients in dates prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Dates have been considered as the herbal elixir of life since ages. They are renowned for enriching and replenishing blood, thus providing you with a youthful – looking skin.

 

7.Treatment of Skin Problems

Vitamin B contained in dates is beneficial for your skin. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to several skin problems. Being a natural source of vitamin B, dates can help remove skin problems like stretch marks.

 

8. Massage Oil

The oil extracted from dates is loaded with the nutritional value of dates. They also contain anti – microbial properties which make it perfect massage oil to treat skin problems. In fact, it is a popular age – old remedy for regenerating and rejuvenating aging skin and healing cuts and scars.

 

Benefits of Dates for Hair

9. For Hair Follicles

The health of your hair depends on your overall health. Hair follicles require an adequate supply of nutrients for optimal growth and maintenance. Being packed with several nutrients, dates offer the following benefits to your hair:

 

v Dates are excellent for your hair. Consuming two to three dates every day will strengthen your hair follicles and make you hair strands stronger and healthier.

 

10. Hair Loss

Vitamin B contained in date is beneficial for your hair. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to weak and brittle hair. Anemia is also one of the causes of hair loss, especially among women. Dates contain iron, which can effectively cure anemia caused due to menstruation and delivery. Therefore, eating dates is a natural way of treating hair loss problems.

How to use

v In case of excessive hair fall, try eating dry dates. They can nourish your hair roots, thus making your hair stronger.

 

11. Healthy Hair

Being packed with nutrients, dates oil is excellent for your hair as it strengthens the hair follicles and helps combat hair problems. Regular application of this oil will make your hair thick and strong, and reduce breakage.

 

Conclusion 

You can include dates in different ways in your diet. You can eat them as snacks or sprinkle chopped dates in sweet dishes, cakes and puddings. Dates also go well in savory dishes. Along with being tasty and delicious, they are rich in several nutrients that provide immense health benefits. Dates are high in iron content. They are also good source of potassium, protein, dietary fiber, calcium, B vitamins as well as vitamins A and C.