Secrets Benefits Dates

Dates are a fruit that grows from the family Arecaceae palm trees of the genus phoenix. The scientific name is the date palm phoenix dactylifera. Dates are believed to come from the land around the Nile and the Euphrates. Now the palm trees are widely cultivated in warm temperate regions in all continents, including Africa, Australia and the USA (California).
Fresh dates have fibrous flesh soft and very sweet taste, like sugar and honey syrup mixture. A date contain simple sugars like fructose and dextrose that is easily digested and quickly recharge the body's energy. Because of these characteristics, it is suitable for start dates to break the fast.
Nutrient content of dates
Dates have a long list of nutrients that are beneficial to the body. The table at right shows the nutrients and non-nutritional elements existing on the dates.
Maturity dates contain about 80% sugar, the rest consisting of protein, fat and mineral products including copper, iron, magnesium and folic acid. Dates are rich in fiber and an excellent source of potassium. Five dates (about 45 grams) contains about 115 calories, almost all from carbohydrates.
Efficacy of a date

1.  Bedouin Arabs, who eat dates on a regular basis, showed a very low incidence rate of cancer and heart disease.
2.  Palm fruit rich in fiber which prevents the absorption of LDL cholesterol in the intestine. Palm fiber content also helps protect the intestinal mucous membrane by decreasing exposure and binding chemical that causes colon cancer.
3. As food laxative (laxative food), date benefit staged bowel movements and prevent constipation.
4. Dates contain antioxidants known as tannins. Tannins are known to be anti-infection, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic.
5. Dates are a source of vitamin A, which is known to have antioxidant properties and is essential for eye health. Vitamin A is also necessary to keep the skin healthy. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A is known to help protect against lung cancer and oral cavity.
6. Dates are a good source of iron is very good. Iron is a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells that determine blood oxygen carrying capacity.
7. Potassium in dates is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure, thus providing protection against coronary heart disease and stroke.
8. Calcium is an important mineral in the formation of bones and teeth, and is needed by the body for muscle contraction, blood clotting and nerve impulse conduction.
9. Manganese is used by the body as a supporting element for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
10. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.
11. Magnesium is essential for bone growth.
12. Dates are rich in vitamin K and vitamin B-complex, namely pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), niacin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. This vitamin helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Vitamin K is important in blood clotting and bone metabolism.

If it is so, so true Prophet recommended fasting to start with three points of dates!

Source : http://majalahkesehatan.com