Dates make you fat: here are their nutritional values
Dates fall into the category of dried fruit and are a food known since ancient times. They are eaten naturally or are used in the preparation of numerous recipes. Being a fruit very rich in sugars, however, it is not always an ally for the diet. : for this reason it is important to learn how to consume it in the right quantity. Do you know what other foods are high in sugar? Find out in the video below.
What are dates
Date is the name by which the fruit of the palm is usually called Phoenix Dactylifera. This tree, which can reach a height of twenty / thirty meters, grows spontaneously in the area between North Africa and Western Asia; it has, in fact, become a symbolic plant of Middle Eastern countries, so much so that its fruits, namely dates are one of the foods most consumed by these populations.
The so-called date palm is a long-lived tree (it can even live centuries!) And very prolific, in fact after a few years it is able to produce tens of kilos of fruit. These are essentially very fleshy berries with a characteristic elongated shape, so much so that the name "date" comes from the Greek and means "finger"; dates are sweet and very welcome, in fact they are used in the preparation of numerous recipes. They have the typical brown color and inside they contain a single very hard seed. Dates have become part of the daily diet of many populations thanks to their beneficial properties for the body and the excellent amount of energy they offer.
Dates are mainly divided into two categories: the springy ones, very fleshy and soft, which are mainly consumed in Europe and in the western states; and those with hard dough, which find greater use in Arab countries. In general, however, both categories are subjected to a drying process in order to make the dried fruit even sweeter and to increase its storage time. There are, however, also fresh varieties to eat, which contain fewer calories but more fiber and more vitamins.
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Is it true that dates make you fat? Here are their nutritional values
Dried dates (deprived, that is, of most of the water and in which the concentration of sugars is higher) contain 253 calories per 100 grams. This is a high value that makes them perfect for those who need to have energy. ready to be used (such as, for example, athletes). However, they are less suitable if you are following a slimming diet because, given the high caloric content, they are fruits to be consumed with attention.
Dates are mainly composed of carbohydrates, in fact almost 50% -70% of their weight is made up of sugars, then proteins (2.7%) and very little fats. Their pulp is very rich in numerous mineral salts including magnesium, iron, potassium, copper and zinc. In addition, the date contains almost all essential amino acids and a small amount of vitamins. In general, being extremely rich in fiber (especially fresh fruit which, unlike dried fruit, contains more water), dates can be eaten to give well-being to the intestine because they have the function of rebalancing its activity. Eating a few dates before breakfast, for example, does not provide too many calories but gives energy and can also help you lose weight as this type of fruit has a high satiating power.
Properties and benefits of dates
Dates are, among all dried fruit, the one that brings the greatest benefits to the health of our body. Not surprisingly, they are a food known and used in the kitchen for thousands of years. For this reason they can also be inserted without particular problems in a diet focused on weight loss, as long as you don't eat too many. Among the numerous properties that characterize this fruit we find:
- An intestinal regulating action. Dates help those suffering from diarrhea and intestinal irregularities. A popular remedy for constipation, on the other hand, recommends soaking a date in a glass of water overnight and then eating it the next morning. This fruit, in fact, contains a lot of fiber, which helps the well-being of the belly.
- Helps in case of constipation. Dates relieve heartburn and gut pain.
- Antioxidant properties. Rich in mineral salts, dates are good for our health and protect against damage caused by free radicals. Fresh dates, in particular, contain a lot of minerals and a good amount of vitamin B.
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- They lower blood pressure.
- They give energy without weighing you down.
- They are low in fat. Dates are among the least high-fat foods, which makes them perfect for those on a diet. Although they contain a good amount of calories, when eaten for breakfast or before main meals they also have a high satiating power that helps you lose weight.
In short, although very rich in sugars, dates also contain numerous other beneficial substances for the body and, if you do not overdo the quantity, they are a food to be consumed without problems even within a diet in which you want to lose weight. .
When and how to consume dates so as not to gain weight
Although dates are very high in sugar, they are low in fat, and they also have an excellent satiating power. This makes them suitable to be consumed even on a diet, as long as if not if they eat too many. Dried dates, due to the lower quantity of water, are more caloric than fresh ones, and contain more carbohydrates. In order not to gain weight, you can use dates to sweeten foods, for the preparation of sweets (instead of sugar) or to make syrups and energy drinks.
The best time of day to eat them is breakfast or during snacks because they bring energy without weighing down the stomach. Eating them in the evening after dinner could make them a bit heavy and difficult to digest, however it all lies in not overdoing the quantities. The ideal quantity of dates to consume is no more than three or four a day, preferably in the morning or away from the meals.
Dates are fruit with no contraindications, however those suffering from diabetes or hyperglycemia should first consult their doctor as they are very rich in sugars; moreover, even those who are allergic to nickel may have allergic reactions to keep under control and before consuming them should make sure not to run into problems. In general, however, the presence of fiber and vitamins (in particular vitamin B) make dates a type of dried fruit whose consumption brings numerous benefits to the health of our body.
