When buying fresh produce, we usually stick to apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes, but there’s one powerhouse fruit you’re missing out on—fresh dates. Fresh dates are sticky and chewy like dried fruits and they’re naturally sweet. You’ll usually find two types of dates—Medjool, a soft date with a sweeter flavor, and Deglet Noor, a semi-dry date that has a nutty taste. Dates may be tiny, but they’re packed with tons of health benefits. Here are four reasons to include them in your diet.
Packed with Fiber
Dates are loaded with fiber. In just four of them there are 6.7 grams of fiber. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, stabilizes blood glucose levels, and boosts digestive health.
Promotes Heart Health
Like bananas, dates are a great source of potassium, and in four dates there are 697 milligrams of it. Potassium keeps your heart and kidneys healthy and regulates blood pressure.
Strengthens Bones
Dates have magnesium and manganese which keep your bones healthy and strong. Four dates contain 17 percent of your daily magnesium intake and 16 percent of manganese.
Boosts Immune System
Dates are a great source of antioxidants which boosts your immune system by fighting off harmful free radicals.
