The fruit (dates) of the Date palm tree is a staple fruit across most parts of Nigeria. It’s cultivated for it’s sweet fruit and it’s got an oval-cylindrical shape. When ripe, it has a bright yellow color and when dried, it turns brown. Botanically they are known as Phoenix dactylifera from the family of Arecaceae, in the genus Phoenix. In Nigeria, it’s not unusual to see northern vendors carrying around the Date “fruit” in wheel barrows especially the dried version which has a sweet taste unlike the fresh fruit which has a sour taste. Although dates can be eaten fresh, it’s often sold dried therefore resembling large raisins.
Nutritional Info
Health benefits of Dates
• Relieves Constipation: The fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which is essential for promoting colon health and making regular bowel movements possible. The soluble and insoluble fiber in dates helps in supporting regular bowel movements thereby cleaning the gastrointestinal system and allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency
• Prevents cancer: Due to the high fiber content and natural antioxidants, dates help improve colon health by preventing cancer-causing chemicals from binding to the colon thereby reducing risks of colitis, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids. it also helps lower the risk of diabetes
• Contains Anti-oxidants: It Contains antioxidants known as tannins which are known to possess anti-hemorrhagic properties which prevents easy bleeding tendencies, anti-inflammatory properties and anti-infective properties
• Boosts Heart Health: In addition to promoting colon health, fiber is also known to boost heart health.
• Reduce risk of stroke: Rich in potassium and low in sodium, this helps regulate a healthy nervous system and can reduce risk of stroke.
• Low in cholesterol: Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat.
