Dates make an excellent snack. The chewy texture and caramel flavor can satisfy a sweet tooth while keeping things on the healthy side.
Because they contain a broad range of nutrients, they are an excellent addition to any daily diet.
Let’s take a closer look.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants in our diet help to combat inflammation and neutralize free radicals that may lead to disease. Dates contain antioxidants that can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and heart disease.
Fiber
One of my favorite things found in dates is the fiber! Dates contain 8 grams of fiber per 100 grams (That’s about 4 medjool dates). Consuming enough fiber means healthy digestion. If you suffer from constipation or diarrhea, consider adding a couple of dates into your diet each day to see if that improves things. The fiber content also helps control blood sugar by slowing down the digestion of the sweet fruit and prevents blood sugar spikes. Because of this, dates have a low glycemic index.
Bone-building minerals
Who needs a multi-vitamin when you have dates? Dates are rich in phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. All of these are important for strong bones as well as a healthy nervous system.
Vitamin-rich
Dates are also rich in B vitamins that assist in energy production. By consuming dates, you may notice an increase in your energy levels. 1 or 2 dates make a great pre-workout snack if you are into that sort of thing. They also contain vitamin C which can boost your immune system and promote healthy skin.
Boost your Iron levels
Dates are a sweet way to get iron into your diet. This is especially great for those who follow a plant-based diet or who are anemic.
Some of my favorite ways to include dates are chopping 1 into oatmeal, simply eating them, or making a date paste to use as an all-natural refined sugar-free sweetener. Another way I love them is to stuff them with peanut or almond butter and then freeze them.
Frozen Nut Butter Stuffed Dates
- dates
- nut or seed butter of choice
- Simply take as many dates as you would like to use for the recipe. Slice one side open and remove pit if necessary.
- Fill with a small scoop (1/2-1 tsp) of nut or seed butter. I like to make a variety using almond butter, cashew butter, tahini, and peanut butter.
- Place into a container with a lid and freeze.
I like to enjoy one of these in the afternoon if I need a little pick me up. These also make a healthy sweet treat after dinner. I personally think these taste like a Reese’s cup once they are frozen, despite not having any chocolate. Call me crazy or try it and let me know if you agree.
