Many people believe that it is possible to replace various snacks and chips with fruits and dried fruits. One of the popular alternatives is dates. They can be added to porridge, PP-baked goods, used as a snack between meals. But can everyone eat dates and are they so useful? Let’s find out together with nutritionist Taisiya Prokopenko.
What are dates?
To begin with, let’s find out what this snack is. Dates are fruits of palm trees, which most often grow in the tropics. The size of the fruit and its color directly depends on the region in which a particular palm tree grows. Fresh fruit is usually yellowish in color with a smooth surface and a tart, sweet taste. When it dries out, it takes on a brown color and a honey flavor.
As far as healthiness is concerned, nutritionist claim that dates are rich in nutrients. They contain fiber, protein and carbohydrates. It is worth noting that these dried fruits have vitamins and minerals, namely vitamins B6, C (in fresh) and K, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper and a small amount of iron.
What are the usefulness of dates?
Speaking about the useful properties of dates, the expert notes the high fiber content – it has a beneficial effect on the work of the GI tract and esophagus. Also, the fruit is rich in antioxidants, which reduce the risk of many diseases and oxidative processes in the body. It is believed that dates can be eaten as a prevention of microbial infections, as they are resistant to many bacteria. From a nutritional point of view, these fruits are a great substitute for sugar. There are no “empty calories” in them.
Who should not eat dates?
The expert does not recommend eating dates to people with an exacerbation of the symptom of irritable bowel. They can cause bloating, bloating and discomfort in the abdomen. There is also an individual intolerance to this product or an allergy – it is always worth paying attention to this.
Nutriciologist also does not recommend eating dates if you are obese or overweight, as it is a sweet product with a high glycemic index.
How many dates can be eaten per day?
The nutritionist notes that everything depends on the person’s weight, the presence of chronic diseases and physiological data. It is also important to take into account the diet and the consumption of other sugar-containing and quickly digestible products during the day.
If you average a specific figure, you get 6-8 dates per day. It is not recommended to eat more.
Is it possible to eat dates every day?
According to nutritiologist, if a person does not have any contraindications, it brings him pleasure and does not harm either figure or health, dates can be eaten every day, like any other product.
How to choose dates correctly?
Like any dried fruit, dates have their own characteristics, which should be taken into account when choosing. First, the fruit should not be shiny. Shiny dates are likely to have been soaked in glucose syrup at best. This is done for processing and longer storage. Such solutions have a bad effect on the human body, especially on the gastrointestinal tract.
You should also pay attention to the consistency of the fruit: too dry dates contain a high concentration of sugar. Ideally, when the fruit is dried on the tree naturally or on a sheet of paper – without acceleration by chemical methods. After buying the fruit, you should be sure to rinse it with water so that it is not dusty and excessively sticky.