Date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera) are flowering plants from the family Aracaceae. Date palm are cultivated across most tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Date fruits are Oblong, one seeded and can be bright red, to bright yellow in colour when ripe depending on the variety.
All parts of Date palm are used for different Economic purposes. It’s trunks are used in timber, the midribs of the leaves are used in furniture item production, the fibre are mainly for cordage and packing materials and the ground Date seeds can be useful as stock feed. Syrup, alcohol and liquor are all produced from Date fruits.
Dates are very nutritious fruits. They have high calorie contents and small portion of protein. They contain some essential vitamins and minerals and significant amount of fibre. Dates have high antioxidants which are benefitial for health.
Fibre contents in dates are beneficial for the digestive system and helps in preventing constipation and controlling the blood sugar level. It has a low glycemic index and measures how the blood sugar rises after consumption of certain foods.
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Dates have the highest quantity of anti-oxidants ( Flavonoids, Carotenoids and Phenolic acids) when compared to similar types of fruits like the figs and dried plum. It contains flavonoids, a powerful anti-oxidant that helps to reduce inflammation and have the potential of reducing the risk of certain diseases like the diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain cancer types.
Carotenoids improves heart health and reduces the risk of eye related disorders. Phenolic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower the risk of cancer and heart related diseases.
Dates contains fructose, a natural type of sugar mainly found in fruits. They can be substituted for white sugar in some recipes due to their nutrients, antioxidants and fibre they produce.
Dates also contain other minerals like the phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium which are essential for bone health.
