Date Palm Tree

Dates are actually quite amazing in their many nutritional qualities and health benefits. They are among the oldest of cultivated foods, with archeological evidence from as early as 4000 BC. Date seeds also remain viable for a remarkably long time, with one instance of a Judean Date Palm seed sprouting after an accidental storage of 2000 years.

Dates provide a wide range of essential nutrients including potassium, protein and fiber. Dates are also a source of calcium, iron, sulphur and other trace minerals.

How about health benefits?

One interesting traditional belief of dates is that they have been said to reduce the effects of alcohol intoxication. Need to sober up in a hurry?

Dates!

Another benefit of dates is their sexual energy stimulating effects. For increased sexual endurance and fertility soak overnight equal parts dates and goats milk. Blend together in the morning with cardamon powder and honey. Consume said concoction and go for it!

Dates can be useful in managing constipation. Dates are easily digested and contain fiber. Just remember to drink plenty of water to aid the process.

Dates may also help in the prevention of abdominal cancer.

For the Raw Food enthusiast, dates are a practical and useful food and are a must for your pantry. Used in recipes like One Bite Brownies, they act as a binder and sweetening agent. Soaked overnight in water and then pureed in a food processor, they can serve as a delicious glaze for your raw Chocolate Torte.

A tea shop in Iran

Dates are also a fabulous appetite suppressor. Eat a few before a meal and you will feel an early satiation. Or eat them for an energy boost. Dates are packed with calories and provide super energy super fast.

Think I need a snack…

Sources: Wikipedia, OrganicFacts.net

Disclaimer: Statements made in this publication are the thoughts and opinions of the author and have not been evaluated by the U.S. or Canadian Food and Drug Administration.