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Dates make for a great afternoon snack. Lilliana Fuchs/Flickr
No, we’re not talking about the kind that involves dressing up, awkward conversations and a nice meal (if you’re lucky). We’re talking about the soft, sweet fruits that grow on palm trees and are somehow ignored despite the many benefits that they pack. Check these out:
Dates have a high soluble fibre content which helps maintain digestive health at an optimum.
Dates help fortify bone strength. They can help fight off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis thanks to the high content of selenium, copper, potassium, and magnesium.
Dates are rich in iron which makes them an ideal dietary supplement for those suffering from anemia.
Consuming dates (soaked overnight) twice a week can be the key to a healthy heart. The high potassium content has been proved effective in cutting the risk of strokes and other heart ailments. Moreover, they help reduce LDL cholesterol level in the body, which is a major contributing factor of several heart diseases.
Packed with natural sugars (fructose, sucrose, glucose), dates provide an instant energy boost. This makes them a perfect afternoon snack – so skip that energy bar.
While we haven’t tried this but dates are also said to fix hangovers, and control inebriation. All you need to do is rub the skin, soak overnight and consume a handful. We suggest you prep a bowl before you begin pre-gaming.
