Description
Specifications
Product Type
Fresh
English/Common Name
Barhee dates, Phoenix dates, and Khalal Barhi dates.
Botanical Name
Phoenix dactylifera
Origin
Egypt
Overview
Medjool dates are one of the hundreds of varieties of dates. Known as “the fruit of kings,” they have a sweet, caramel taste and chewy texture. Medjool dates were originally eaten by royalty and thought to fend off fatigue. Medjool dates are a great way to sweeten up your diet while adding vitamins and minerals.
General Benefits
Sweet snacks often have little nutritional value and are loaded with “empty calories” from sugar and fat. But Medjool dates’ high fiber content helps you feel fuller for longer, which can aid in weight management goals. Medjool dates are still high in calories, so too many can be a bad thing. Research has found that Medjool dates can offer additional health benefits such as:
Medjool dates’ soluble fiber content lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol. Fiber binds with this cholesterol and prevents its absorption into your bloodstream. This keeps cholesterol’s fatty deposits from building up in your arteries, which reduces the risk of heart disease Studies show that soluble fiber may also help control blood sugar levels and reduce blood pressure. The antioxidants in Medjool dates may reduce triglycerides, a fat found in your blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease.
Medjool dates also contain insoluble fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion. Eating enough insoluble fiber helps prevent constipation and inflammation in the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber may help prevent colorectal cancer, but more research is needed. Medjool dates contain 50% more potassium than bananas. This essential mineral helps control heart rate, breathing, and muscular function. This benefit is particularly important because potassium deficiency is common as less than 2% of Americans meet the daily recommended value. Low levels of potassium can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and irregular or weakened heartbeat. Medjool dates can help you increase the potassium in your diet, supporting these nervous system functions.
The B vitamins in Medjool dates, such as pantothenic acid, folate, and niacin, help manage the metabolic processes that convert food to energy. This can help fight tiredness and fatigue. Dates may reduce sugar absorption in our bodies. This can help lower blood sugar levels, which can aid in weight management and reduce the risk of diabetes.
