These fruits grow in a palm tree in North Africa and South Asia called the date. There are about 200 varieties of dates that have been cultivated for thousands of years, since antiquity. The palm tree grows 25 m tall and has a thick trunk with a diameter of 30-40 cm. It has long, feathery leaves of 4-5 m, yellow and cream branched inflorescences, and elongated fruits of 5-7 cm.
Dates are fruits that have special properties for the body due to the nutrients they contain. They are not recommended for diabetics because they have a lot of fructose and glucose. They can be used in gastronomy as a sweetener and sugar substitute. They are rich in vitamins (A, B, C and D) have minerals, nitrogenous substances, water, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and others. They can increase the energy level in the body, are tonic for the muscular and nervous system, so they are recommended for all people who make physical and intellectual effort, especially for those who follow intense sports training.
Consume fresh or dried. Their effect on the body is energizing, vitaminized, remineralizing, increasing the body’s resistance. Nutritionists recommend dates for people who suffer from anemia or are in a state of convalescence, but also for children (because they are growing up) and pregnant women.
Dried dates with seeds are very popular in our country – Orlandoʼs Super Savory Dried Dates that have an energizing effect on the body. Due to the vitamin B6 in dates, toxins are eliminated from the body, the side effects of contraceptives are improved, the metabolism of proteins, lipids and the activity of the nervous system are supported. People who are deficient in vitamin B6 in the body should eat dates.
Lack of this vitamin can be signaled by clear symptoms, namely: headache, anemia, dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, malaise, nervousness and irritability, fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss, insomnia and others. Dates also contain riboflavin or vitamin B2, which helps form cells, and is also called growth hormone. Vitamin B2 cannot be synthesized by the body so it can be taken from dates by eating these tasty fruits.
Researchers say that vitamin B2 helps in the formation of blood (red blood cells), in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, in the production of antibodies and therefore in increasing the body’s immunity. Dehydrated dates have pantothenic acid and are a source of niacin or vitamin B3.
Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 stimulates the body’s metabolism and immunity. Pantothenic acid helps in the healing and regeneration of the skin, has a role in the synthesis of connective tissue, cartilage and fatty acids, intensifies the detoxification of the liver (which is important for the health of this organ). Vitamin B5 is also important for the nervous and gastrointestinal system, increases the power of concentration and supports mental performance, fights fatigue, depression, anxiety, relieves the symptoms of diseases and conditions. This vitamin also occurs in avocados and other foods, but is lost through heat treatment, boiling or frying. Vitamin B3 is important for DNA production, increasing the level of good cholesterol and reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, maintaining the health of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands in general, in stimulating the production of testosterone, estrogen and progesterone (which are sex hormones).
Another product with benefits for the health of the body is Orlandoʼs Dried Dates Deglet Nor without kernels that contains high quality dates – a variety appreciated worldwide – delicious and rich in nutrients. Such fruits have potassium that normalizes the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. Potassium helps in protein synthesis, increases water levels in muscle fibers and normalizes muscle contraction. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, regulates heart rate, protects the kidney, bone, muscle and cardiovascular system. Dehydrated dates are also rich in minerals, vitamins A and B that support the body’s immunity and health.
Another product in great demand in Romania today is Nutco Fresh Dried Dates with good remineralizing, vitaminizing and energizing properties for the body. Dates are an excellent dessert for anyone, they have dietary fiber, help in weight loss and maintain healthy intestines, contain magnesium and iron, which fight anemia, disorders of the muscular and cardiac system. Especially magnesium is very important in vital processes for the heart, muscles and nervous system.