Unless you've lived across the pond or you're a big fan of the Mediterranean Diet, it's likely you don't consume many dates. Which is sad. Sure, they're shriveled, brown, and oddly shaped; but come on, looks aren't everything! These delicious darlings have incredible worth where it counts...on the inside!
The hidden beauty of dates. . .
1) Dates Don't Raise Blood Sugar
Despite their decadent sweetness, dates have relatively no impact on glucose levels.* While they contain high
amounts of natural sugars, they are actually a low-glycemic index food. The next time you need a sugary afternoon fix, skip the cookies and have some dates. Three times the benefit, and none of the sugar crash.
2) High in Fiber
Health journals and fitness writers are forever preaching the merits of a high-fiber diet. Most of the time, when we read these articles, our minds conjure images of cereal bowls piled high with tasteless, crunchy grain products. Next time, think Dates! Dates are loaded with fiber. One serving of Medjool dates (4-5 dates) contains 6.7 g of fiber. That's 25% of the recommended daily intake!**3) Vitamin Powerhouses
Need more B-6? Vitamin A or K? Dates are the way to go. Dates are good sources of B-complex vitamins, B-6, niacin, and Vitamin K.** These vitamins are essential in helping the body metabolize proteins and fats.
Notes:
*Nutrition Journal, 28 May 2011
**USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
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