The dry, yet sweet and delicious date is a popular snack in Middle East Asia. Belonging to the drupe group of fruits, these are available in an array of shapes, colors, and sizes, based on their place of origin.
However, the benefits they give for your hair and skin remain the same. Loaded with assorted minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, folic acid, manganese, sulfur, and vitamins and proteins, these are rich sources of fiber. Read on to know the benefits of dates for your hair and skin.
What Are Dates?
Dates are edible sweet fruits, grown on the date palm trees of the desert regions. Date fruits are a staple in locations like the Middle East, Egypt, North Africa, and even Morocco. Dates are grown in clusters and contain around seventy-five percent of natural fruit sugars.
Along with the ripe variants, dates dry fruits are also generally used for cooking reasons. These fruits are widely used in making smoothies, desserts, cakes, and other goods to replace unhealthy white sugar.
Dates are a tropical fruit that is grown on date palm trees. It’s scientifically called Phoenix Dactylifera and is one of the most healthy fruits around the globe. Dates are delicious and highly nutritious.
Dates also play an essential role in the cultural heritage of many middle east countries. The name date is derived from the Greek word Gaktulos, which translates as “fingers” as a tribute to the fruit’s peculiar shape. Date palms belong to the Arecaceae family.
Are Dates Good For Health?
Dates are often termed as “Superfoods” due to the numerous health benefits they offer. These fruits are high in dietary fiber and help in improved digestion, along with relieving constipation. Dates are also loaded with several nutrients like antioxidants that lower the risk of Cancers and fight free cell damage.
Dates Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutritional breakdown of 1 medium-sized date fruit [1]:
- Total Calories: 20
- Total Carbohydrates: 5.33 gm
- Potassium: 47 mg
- Protein: 0.17 gm
- Sugar: 4.5 gm
- Magnesium: 3 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0.6 gm
- Iron: 0.07 mg
How Many Dates To Eat Per Day?
Nutritionists prescribe eating 3-7 dates each day for the improved health condition. Taking this limit frequently can promote smooth bowel movements. You will also notice improved energy levels with a high number of minerals and vitamins and present in these fruits. Taking beyond the prescribed limit can spike your blood sugar levels.
[Also Read: Health Benefits of Dates]
Best Time To Eat Dates
There is no specific best time to take desserts. You can take them after meals to replace your fat-heavy desserts with something sweet, yet healthy. Eating them before meals can reduce your intake and cut down your food cravings. Have dates after a prolonged fast or even as a first food in the morning to gain instant energy!
The high nutrient content of dates contributes to its highly beneficial properties. The need for a comprehensive fruit diet cannot be fulfilled without the incorporation of dates. In the below section, we will walk you through the various benefits that dates can have on your skin and hair.
Skin Benefits Of Dried Dates
The availability of the A vitamin along with B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, make a prevalent skin food [2].
1. For better elasticity of the skin
Rich in vitamin C, dates do wonders in keeping the skin hydrated and soothing it. It also possesses the potential to improve skin elasticity and retain the moisture level.
2. Gifts you with a younger-looking skin
Free radicals prevail in the human body. When left unattended, these harmful elements trigger oxidative stress to the cells, paving the way for the onset of signs of premature aging. Regularly eating dates, especially the red and black ones, can ward off those wrinkles and undesirable lines, bequeathing you with glowing skin [3].
3. A natural, effective remedy for various skin ailments
Dates are excellent sources of vitamin B. Research has proven that this group of vitamins is necessary for relieving multiple skin conditions. Get rid of your stretch marks and acne scars by applying honey with mashed dates.
4. Heals damaged skin cells
Dry dates are rich in pantothenic acid. It has incredible power to avert the harm caused by free radicals. Regular consumption of dates is known to strengthen the skin from within, keeping it glowing and supple. You can also use dates to fasten the healing of various injuries and wounds that skin has been susceptible to.
Hair Benefits Of Dates
The dense nutrient dates supply a steady dose of nutrients adequate for your hair follicles to grow the proper way. This, in turn, keeps your hair strong and healthy.
1. Healthier Hair
Just three dates a day can bestow your hair with sufficient nutrients to keep the strands and follicles and more durable and robust.
2. Natural remedy for hair loss
Enriched with vitamin B, these tasty snacks are lovely remedies for hair loss. It also contains iron, yet another crucial element that stops hair loss. The hair roots are nourished from within, making the strands robust and tensile.
3. For thicker, longer hair
Dates oil can be massaged on to the scalp to reap the nutrients hidden for healthier, longer, and thicker hair.These lush benefits of dates for hair and skin are so tempting that you cannot give any lame excuses for missing it from your diet. Try it and see the difference!
Bottom Line
Dates are one of the most exceptional gifts of nature to humanity! They are power packs of energy and are suitable for all age groups.
Dates are also known for their culinary advantages to help you enjoy delicious food, without compromising on your health. As long as you don’t indulge in them, Dates can be your daily doses of mineral and vitamin supplements. So, when do you include Dates in your daily regimen?
