Medjool dates aids in digestion, regulates blood pressure, boosts metabolism, regulates nutrient uptake, improves vision, reduces cholesterol, regulates hormones, promotes growth and strengthens bones.
Medjool dates are the fruit of the Medjool species of date palm trees, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera. This tree has been cultivated since ages for its sweet fruit, the date, which contains a single stone, and ranges in color from red to yellow when ripe, depending on the species. Medjool dates are often called the king of dates, due to their global availability, and are also the “soft” variety of dates, compared to semi-dry or dry varieties. Dates are usually elongated in shape, up to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide, and often have a wrinkled or dehydrated appearance. Most varieties of dates available in stores are dried, but fresh dates are available in some import stores and markets in the regions where dates grow.
Although these trees are likely native to the region of Iraq and ancient Persia, they are now widely grown around the world, from Spain and North Africa to Mexico and the United States. A majority of dates, however, are still produced in the Middle East and exported. They are not only nutritionally dense fruits but also have a long shelf life in their dried form. According to USDA, medjool dates are rich dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, B family vitamins, vitamin A, magnesium, and calcium.
Read More: Are Dates Healthy for Babies?
In this article, we will discuss the 11 health benefits if including medjool dates in your child’s diet. Read on to find out the benefits of this wonderful fruit:
Medjool Dates for kids: 11 Health Benefits
Aids in Digestion
One of the best things about Medjool dates is their high dietary fiber content. A single serving of dates contains more than 6 grams of dietary fiber, roughly 20-25% of your daily required intake, depending on your gender. Dietary fiber is also crucial for proper functioning of the digestive tract. Fiber can help eliminate constipation by stimulating peristaltic motion and regulating bowel movements. This can also help relieve hemorrhoids, bloating, cramping, and general stomach upset. This will greatly help your teenage children, especially girls.
Read More: 11 Natural Remedies To Cure Indigestion In Kids
Regulates Blood Pressure
The notable potassium levels in Medjool dates mean that they have a positive effect on blood pressure. Potassium is a vasodilator, so it is able to relieve tension in blood vessels and arteries, which can ease the strain on the cardiovascular system and reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Helpful for obese children.
Read More: 11 Easy and Delicious Date Recipes Your Kids Will Love
Boosts Metabolism
The B vitamins present in medjool dates, such as niacin, pantothenic acid, and folic acid, are very important for regulating the metabolism, including over 300 different metabolic processes that go on within our body every single day. Copper is also found in high levels within these dates, which can increase iron absorption and contribute to energy generation within the body.
Regulate Nutrient Uptake
By improving digestion, medjool dates can ensure that the digestive process is efficient. The significant levels of copper and calcium also improve the bioavailability of iron and potassium, which further improves health.
Improves Vision
Medjool dates contain beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that is particularly effective in eye care. Vitamin A has been associated with lower levels of macular degeneration, slow development of cataracts, and lesser oxidative stress in the retina.
Read More: 11 Foods to Improve your Child’s Vision
Reduces Cholesterol
High levels of dietary fiber are always good for people with high cholesterol. While dates are high in calories and are not the best recommendation for someone who is obese, medjool can definitely aid in digestion, control cholesterol levels, and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Regulate Hormones
Manganese is often an overlooked essential mineral required by the body, even though it has a number of key effects on hormone production and regulation. Medjool dates have this mineral in abundance. It is essential, specifically for the production of sex hormones. This is essential for children entering puberty.
Promotes Growth
The protein level in medjool dates is not impressively high, but in combination with calcium, potassium, and magnesium, it is known to boost growth and ensure proper development, particularly in children as well as when they are recovering from an injury or extended illness.
Strengthens Bones
Medjool dates contain notable levels of magnesium, manganese, copper, and calcium, all of which are required to improve bone mineral density in the body. So, adding these essential minerals to your snacks will help make your child’s bones stronger and improve your overall health.
Read More: Health Benefits of Dates in Baby Food
Has Antioxidants
Dates provide various antioxidants that have a number of health benefits to offer, including a reduced risk of several diseases. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may cause harmful reactions in your body and lead to disease. Compared to similar types of fruit, such as figs and dried plums, dates appear to have the highest antioxidant content.
Read More: 7 Health Benefits of Soaked Dates for Children
Excellent Natural Sweetener
Dates are a source of fructose, which is a natural type of sugar found in fruit. For this reason, dates are very sweet and also have a subtle caramel-like taste. They make a great healthy substitute for white sugar in recipes due to the nutrients, fiber and antioxidants that they provide.
To conclude, it is a great idea to include medjool dates in your growing child’s diet, as it contains all the necessary nutrients required for a healthy diet and a healthy body.
