Dates are not only sweet and delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the health benefits of dates:
Rich in fiber
Dates are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. 4 Medjool dates already provide almost 7 grams of fiber out of the 25–30 recommended grams per day.
High in antioxidants
Dates are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids, which can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
In fact, dates scored the highest in antioxidant content compared to sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. More than honey?? Who would've guessed!
Good source of vitamins and minerals
Dates are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Did you know: Medjool dates have more potassium than bananas!
Low glycemic index
Dates have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
Allow us to explain a bit more in detail:
Dates compose of equal parts glucose and fructose, causing them to have a low GI of 42. This means they are less likely to spike your blood sugar levels, and are a safer choice if you are concerned about your sugar intake.
Foods are classified as low, medium, or high glycemic foods, and the lower the GI, the less they affect your blood sugar levels. A scale of 0–100 is used: Low: 55 or less; Medium: 56–69; High: 70 or above
Some of the most popular varieties include Medjool, Deglet Noor, Khadrawi, Halawi, and Barhi dates.
