Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as date or date palm, is a flowering plant species in the palm family, Arecaceae, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. Although its place of origin is unknown because of long cultivation, it probably originated from lands around Iraq. The species is widely cultivated and is naturalized in many tropical and sub tropical regions worldwide.
Date trees typically reach about 21–23 metres (69–75 ft) in height,[7] growing singly or forming a clump with several stems from a single root system. The leaves are 4–6 metres (13–20 ft) long, with spines on the petiole, and pinnate, with about 150 leaflets. The leaflets are 30 cm (12 in) long and 2 cm (0.79 in) wide. The full span of the crown ranges from 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
Dates ripen in four stages, which are known throughout the world by their Arabic names kimri (unripe), khlal (full-size, crunchy), rutab (ripe, soft), tamr (ripe, sun-dried).
Dates are an important traditional crop in Iraq, Arabia, and north Africa west to Morocco. Dates are also mentioned more than 50 times in the Bible and 20 times in the Qur'an. In Islamic culture, dates and yogurt or milk are traditionally the first foods consumed for Iftar after the sun has set during Ramadan. Breaking fast by eating dates helps avoid overeating offood once the fast is over. When the body begins to absorb the high nutritional value of the dates, feelings of hunger are pacified. Also, the nervous system can get a lot of help from consuming dates, since they have significant amounts of potassium.
Date palms can take 4 to 8 years after planting before they will bear fruit, and produce viable yields for commercial harvest between 7 and 10 years. Mature date palms can produce 68 to 176 kilograms (15 to 300 lb) of dates per harvest season, although they do not all ripen at the same time so several harvests are required. In order to get fruit of marketable quality, the bunches of dates must be thinned and bagged or covered before ripening so that the remaining fruits grow larger and are protected from weather and pests such as birds.
Dates are one of the healthiest foods on the planet, a good source of various vitamins and minerals. Its also a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. They contain valuable nutrients and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc that can improve your health and prevent diseases and conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. It also contains vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K.
Here are the top health benefits of dates:
1. Rich in iron
Thanks to the high iron content, dates are great for people suffering from anaemia as well as pregnant women. Just 100 gr. of dates should be enough – this amount contains about 0.90 mg. of iron, which equals to 11% of the recommended daily allowance. Iron regulates the hemoglobin and red blood cell levels and enables oxygen flow in the bloodstream.
2. Prevent diarrhoea
Dates can prevent diarrhea due to the rich potassium content, which heals the intestinal flora and stimulates beneficial bacteria production.
3.Treat constipation
Besides treating diarrhoea, dates can stop constipation as well. Soak some dates in water overnight and consume the liquid which acts as a natural laxative.
4. Regulate weight
Dates are rich in nutrients that can regulate your weight and prevent fat buildup. They contain no cholesterol or fat, which is why they’re perfect for reducing weight. However, they do contain sugar, so you should consume them moderately.
5. Regulate cholesterol
Dates can lower the levels of the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and clean the blood vessels, effectively preventing numerous cardiovascular diseases.
6. Strengthen the heart
Soak some date in water overnight, then strain the mixture and pit them in the morning. Blend the seeds with water and drink the mixture during the day to strengthen your heart muscle and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
7. Regulate blood pressure
Dates are rich in potassium and sodium, minerals vital for normal blood pressure. 5-6 dates contain 80 mg. of magnesium which expands your blood vessels and improves circulation. According to studies, 370 mg. of magnesium can lower your blood pressure immediately.
8. Reduced risk of stroke
Dates can keep your nervous system safe and prevent stroke thanks to the high potassium content. 400 mg. or more potassium a day can reduce the risk of stroke by 40%.
On a final note, take charge of your health.
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