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What Health Benefits do Dates Offer?
Dates are nutrient dense foods which provide a generous dose of essential vitamins and minerals that maintain optimum health. Dates provide the following important nutritional benefits :

Fight acidity :
Dates are the most alkaline foods that we have. If eaten first thing in the morning, dates promise to keep acidity at bay, by leaving an alkaline ash on digestion.
Treat constipation :
Dates are packed with loads of soluble fiber, especially beta-D-glucan. It adds bulk to the stools, increases stool weight and speeds up the expulsion of the fecal matter out from the rectum. A bulkier stool passes quickly and effortlessly from the intestine to the rectum. Also, bowel movements get regularized and constipation is managed effectively.
Lower Cholesterol :
Beta-D-glucan helps decrease blood cholesterol level by reducing the body’s absorption of cholesterol.
Prevent Cancer :
Research says, dates contain a larger number of powerful anti-oxidants and anti-cancer agents. These agents fight free radical damage, prevent injury to the DNA of the cells and check cancer. In fact, laboratory investigations say that the anti-cancer ability of dates is so strong, that it can fight the most potent cancer causing chemical benzo(a)pyrene.
 

Quick Serve Ideas for Dates
Chopped dates make wonderful additions to home cooked whole-wheat breads, muffins, cookies and cakes.
Add chopped dates to yogurt, hot or cold cereal, rice dishes and puddings.
A curry made of chick peas, onions, lentils, aubergines, carrots, roasted peanuts and diced dates, tastes delicious with steamed rice.