In addition to being a tasty snack, dates are a nutritious powerhouse because of their rich flavor and chewy texture.  Due to their low glycemic index and high fiber, protein, and potassium content, dates can enhance diabetics' insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Additionally, these dried fruits lessen harmful cholesterol and heart disease risk.

How many dates a day are good for your health?
Experts say that dates contain a lot of important micronutrients, but you should watch how much you eat.  Consuming too many foods might lead to an excess of calories.  Only 100 grams, or around four Medjool dates, is the typical serving size of dates.  Therefore, to reap the health advantages, you should not drink the entire packet.  About 277 calories and 66 grams of sugar are found in four Medjool dates. Because of their high sugar content, experts advise consuming either one or two giant dates or three tiny ones, which equals around 50 grams and delivers half the calories and sugar.  Even while two dates a day is a totally acceptable serving amount, you won't necessarily get healthier right away.
 
Dates improve gut health, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
Experts say that although pitted dates often don't include added sugars, they might still have a lot of natural sugars like fructose, glucose, or sucrose.  However, dates are always a better snack than sugary drinks or other processed meals because of their high fiber content.  A low glycemic index results in a lesser jump in blood sugar levels, while fiber inhibits the bloodstream's absorption of glucose.
 
In lesser doses, eating also decreases triglyceride and cholesterol levels, according to some studies.  They do, however, greatly benefit your digestive system and are best consumed in conjunction with other foods high in fiber, particularly those that are lower in sugar, such as leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.  Your GI tract's natural microbial cells, known as your microbiome, can also benefit from eating dates as snacks.  Diarrhea can also result from eating too many dates.
 
What should you do if you don't like dates?
Although eating dates every day may not appeal to everyone, experts say there is no reason why you can't find other comparable fresh or dried fruits that offer more health advantages.  Prunes, figs, and apricots are usually good substitutes, however, their fresh varieties are much better because they have fewer calories.
 
 

 
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SIBY JEYYA

25/02/2025 10:05 AM