Many people like dates. They love the sweet, yet filling taste. But there is some controversy over whether dates are good or bad for you. While some say they are healthy, others say that they are a “bad food” that can lead to weight gain. Whether or not they’re healthy, they are certainly delicious and fun to eat. Here are some tips on how to enjoy your date, without consuming unhealthy grains and other packaged foods full of empty calories:
Eating Dates: The way we have made dates palatable is by adding honey, which raises the glycemic index. Since there are many different types of dates, glycemic index ratings can vary widely. So instead of reaching for the chocolate chip or orange flavors in your favorite ice cream shop, try a store brand with a lower glycemic index. You can also cook them instead of eating them raw, such as in a dessert.
Date Tree Dried Onions: Dried dates can be eaten fresh or added to a recipe later. Dried apples, pears, dates, or other fruit-sweetened products with a low glycemic index will have a milder flavor than those with high glycemic index. Some date manufacturers use a process called solublization to give their products a longer shelf life, but there is no longer any need to throw away the dried fruit after one date.
Date Nutritional Benefits: One of the benefits of dates is their rich source of dietary fibers and potassium. While dates are low in sugar and high in potassium, it is important to note that dates contain a surprising amount of magnesium, which has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and other heart problems. Since magnesium is also a component of many of our bodies’ enzymes, this could help to improve the body’s absorption of other nutrients, including calcium, another important element for good health.
Dates Nutritional Benefits And The Potential For Weight Loss: There are several reasons that dates may reduce the risk of developing diabetes and certain types of cancer. They are high in fiber, so they slow down the release of unused sugar into your system. In addition, due to their high potassium levels, dates may help reduce your appetite. The sweetness of dates (in addition to their low glycemic index) may also help make them more likely to stick to a diet. This makes them a great choice for people who have trouble controlling their appetite.
If you prefer to use dried fruits as a sweetening agent in recipes, you can still enjoy the rich flavor and nutrient content of dates. Due to their high water content, dates can also add a nice, rich layer of moisture to soups, cookies, cakes, and any other dessert you would like to make. Try using dates in place of sugar in your next cake recipe. You’ll find that they make an excellent, healthy alternative to refined sugar. You’ll also find that they have a slightly different texture than dried fruits, which may help to add a unique flavor to your desserts.