Nowadays, more and more people are looking for ways to incorporate healthy alternatives into their diet. While there’s an array of wholesome and natural resources available, there are a few edibles that may not yet be included in the average person’s daily meals. This includes Medjool dates.
Medjool Dates 101
Although they were once native to Morocco, these tropical fruits are now commonly harvested in Africa, South Asia, Middle East, and warm regions in the United States.
Medjool dates are at their freshest during the autumn season, which falls between September and November. Hence, if you prefer crisp dates, make sure to mark your calendars during this period and consume them immediately. However, if you like to lengthen their storage span, consider dried dates that are available all year round.
While there are more than 30 varieties of dates sourced globally, Medjool dates are arguably one of the most delicious and popular types of dates. Although they’re wrinkly on the outside, they’re actually tender and meaty on the inside. They’re soft, sweet, and have a caramel-like taste, making them an easy household favorite.
Because their sugars are organically concentrated, Medjool dates are great sugar substitutes and can even be turned into syrup for extra, added flavor to your pastries and dishes. Apart from all these, Medjool dates are loaded with nutrients vital for a healthy lifestyle.
Reasons to Incorporate Medjool Dates
If you’re wondering whether or not you should give them a try, below are reasons to add Medjool dates into your daily meals:
1) They Can Be Incorporated Into Almost Any Dish
It’s not too difficult to include this sweet fruit into your diet. They can be added to your daily recipes, whether you’re going for something savory or sweet for this week’s meal plan. For instance, you can place them in your food processor or blender, and add your preferred spices to make vegetable dressings and sauces.
While they’re commonly described as having a brown and wrinkly appearance, dates can still vary in shape, color, and flesh consistency. This is great, especially if you have certain visual and palate requirements for your dish.
Moreover, date syrup can also be one of the best substitutes for refined sugar. Hence, the next time you’ve run out of honey or any similar natural sweetener, consider buying date syrup in your nearby markets. You can even make one at home using recipes from digital blogs.
The sugar of Medjool dates comes from fructose, making them great alternatives to sweeten up your meals without compromising any health benefit. It’s truly a versatile, no-fuss ingredient that you can throw into almost any dish, depending on your preferences.
2) They Can Be Enjoyed as a Sweet Snack
Similar to raisins and prunes, Medjool dates can be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack due to their natural sweetness and chewy texture. Apart from this, Medjool dates can be blended into your smoothies, topped on your oatmeal, and turned into delightful pastries such as brownies, energy bars, and more.
Moreover, because they contain a high number of carbs, these can be enjoyed as midday snacks, especially if you’re craving for something sweet, or if you need extra energy to push through your remaining tasks.
Carbohydrates are your body’s primary source of fuel. Rather than snacking on foods that include high amounts of refined carbs and have little to no nutritional value, consider healthy carb alternatives such as Medjool dates.
Nonetheless, the dried version of these tropical edibles is still high in calories per serving, unlike their fresh counterparts which harbor more water content. Thus, you need to be mindful of your consumption, especially if you’re on a calorie deficit.
3) They Are Packed With an Array of Health Benefits
Medjool dates are guilt-free, tasty snacks that are rich in a plethora of healthful benefits. These include:
Dietary Fiber: Medjool dates are rich in dietary fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer. Food that’s packed with dietary fiber also helps manage blood sugar levels, lowers bad cholesterol levels, and aids you in achieving a healthy weight.
Because they’re high in fiber content, Medjool dates should ideally be incorporated in your breakfast to aid in healthy bowel movements. They can also help you stay satiated throughout the morning.
As mentioned, dates can be placed into a blender and enjoyed as a smoothie. Alternatively, they can be served as oatmeal toppings together with your preferred fruits and berries. Depending on your preferences, you can drizzle Medjool date syrup onto your pancakes as well.
Phytonutrients: Apart from a high fiber content, Medjool dates are good sources of phytonutrients. These are organically active compounds produced by plant foods and other sources. Many phytonutrients have antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative damage to your cells.
A diet rich in antioxidants is truly vital, especially as you age when you’re much susceptible to oxidative damage. This phenomenon is typically caused by either internal factors such as inflammation or external threats such as lifestyle habits, pollution, UV (ultraviolet) exposure, and the like.
If the body can’t immediately eliminate the free radicals collectively caused by these, they can accumulate and harm your cells. Consequently, this can manifest into illnesses such as certain cancers, heart ailments, arthritis, stroke, and respiratory illnesses among others.
The National Library of Medicine reports that Medjool dates are found to have the highest antioxidant property compared to figs and prunes. Antioxidants are said to combat these free radicals to neutralize and promote overall health.
Rich In Minerals: People who have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medicine might have problems in their mineral absorption. Hence, they have to consume a wide array of mineral-enriched food to meet their nutritional requirement.
Medjool dates are a good source of selenium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and copper. These minerals are crucial to support an array of physiological functions, including creating enzymes and maintaining heart, brain, bone, and muscle health.
Whether or not you’re suffering from a certain illness, it’s best that you’re eating the right amount of food to fulfill your dietary needs and stay healthy. If you’re working with a dietician, it’s best to ask for their expert insights on how you can incorporate Medjool dates and maximize the benefits provided by these.
Wrapping It Up
Medjool dates have become a popular, edible preference not only because they’re tasty, but also because they’re versatile ingredients that are packed with vitamins and minerals. So, whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, try a bowl of Medjool dates. Generally regarded as ‘nature’s power fruit’, these surely won’t disappoint.
