Carbohydrate (84.84%)
Copper (33.67%)
Total dietary Fiber (31.05%)
Potassium (20.51%)
Iron (18.75%)
Dates are the fruit derived from date palm tree which is grown in various tropical regions of the world. It has gained much popularity in recent years. In Western countries, all dates sold are dried. A wrinkled skin signifies it has been dried and smooth skin signifies the freshness. Fresh dates are small and ranges in color from bright red to bright to bright yellow. Dates are chewy and possess a sweet flavor.
Delget Nour also known as Royal Dates and commonly referred as queen of all dates, the reliable Algerian Delget Nour has a transclucent light color, soft touch and soft honey like taste. It is well-known in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and United States where it is found in inland oases and is a chief export cultivar. Tunisia is a leading producer of Delget Nour dates which shares 48% of the world’s market and Algeria with 20 percent. These two are the main suppliers to European Union.
Health Benefits of Deglet Nour dates
Let us explore the health benefits offered by Deglet Nour dates:
Fiber content
Fiber is crucial to maintain balanced diet in order to prevent the chances of constipation. Fiber makes the one to feel full faster which might be helpful for those trying to lose weight. Dates are high in fiber which offers 2.7 grams of fiber per ¼ cup of serving. It is recommended to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day.
Sugar content
Dates have natural sugar that provides 30 grams of sugar per serving. The sweetness in dates comes from the fructose content. Fructose is a natural sugar which is found in fruits and vegetables.
Promote Brain health
Study has shown that dates prevent oxidative stress and inflammation in brain. Fruits are an excellent source of dietary fiber and have high content of total phenolics as well as natural antioxidants such as ferulic acid, anthocyanins, caffeic acid and protocatechuis acid. Phenolic compounds in dates help to prevent the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Constipation relief
Dates have been used to treat constipation. Research shows that diet with high fiber content promotes healthy bowel movements and assures the movement of food through intestinal tract. Study displays that dried fruits have high levels of soluble fiber and dietary fiber. Dates contain insoluble fiber that promotes healthy digestion as it adds bulk to the stool and also provides relief from symptoms of constipation.
Intestinal health
Dates contain both soluble and insoluble fiber along with amino acids that stimulates food digestion and assures quick food movement through gastrointestinal tract. Fiber helps to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
Healthy heart
Study shows that intake of dates helps to lower triglyceride levels and lowers oxidative stress which is the major factors for atherogenesis (buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries) and heart disease. In addition, it has high content of potassium and study shows that it helps to lower blood pressure and chances of stroke as well as other heart related problems.
Treatment for sexual dysfunction
Animal study has shown the effects of date palm pollen and its oil on sexual functioning. High levels of flavonoid and estradiol in dates helps to add sperm count and motility. Study has shown that date palm pollen helps to treat male infertility. To boost libido or sexual function, consume organic dates as it possesses aphrodisiac properties.
Treatment for night blindness
Deficiency of Vitamin A is associated to night blindness with symptoms such as increase in chances of infection and dry eyes. With rich carotenoids, it helps to prevent night blindness and also preserves healthy vision.
Cure for chronic diarrhea
Food with high potassium content such as dates helps to replete lost electrolytes that are lost at the times of chronic diarrhea. The high content of fiber helps to support digestion and also alleviate unpredictable nature of chronic diarrhea.
Combat cancer
Research shows that dates improve bowel health and slows the onset of colorectal cancer cells. Study exhibits anti-tumor activity in dried fruits though the exact mechanisms are unknown and requires more research.
Bone health
Dates contain boron that promotes bone health. Study shows that meaningful amounts of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium are available in dried fruits that strengthen bones and combat the health conditions such as osteoporosis. Organic pitted dates possess manganese, selenium, magnesium and copper which aid to manage bone health in adults.
Gain in weight
Dried fruits have high content of sugar with proteins, vitamins and minerals. They have high content of fiber that helps to manage weight. An animal study shows that intake of dates helps to support healthy weight gain.
Relief from SAR symptoms
Study shows that dates have positive impact on SAR, a condition that affects 30 million of people in United States. Date palm immunotherapy effectively lowers inflammation markers in patients having allergic rhinitis.
History
Deglet Nour dates are cultivated since 5000 years in Tunisia. Date palm tree is also known as Tree of life in the regions where wood and food source are scarce. The palm tree offered many products. In the desert, pastoral tribes call the dates as bread of the desert. Today it is admired for its high nutritional value.
Culinary uses
Diced and chopped Delget Noor Dates are added to bread, cakes and cookies.
It is also used to form date sugar which is an alternative sweetener.
