There are many awesome facts about eating dates, with the most simple being the ease of adding them, as they are, to any balanced diet.
History & Geography
The date is considered to be the oldest cultivated fruit in the world. The palm tree can be found in warm U.S. regions like California and Florida. However, there is a prolific growth in the Middle East where the fruit has been eaten as a staple food.
Health Benefits
Fresh dates are excellent for cleansing and producing new blood as well as providing energy, strength and health to those requiring extra nutrition in their diet.
Dates contain carotene and are a good source of phosphorus, iron and vitamin B.
From a health perspective the natural sugars found in dates are a good substitute for refined white sugar.
A simple nutritious snack can consist of preparing bite size oatmeal energy balls mixed with dates and honey before a workout (see recipe below).
Another awesome fact about eating dates, as with apples, is the potassium content which is essential in promoting a healthy heart.
The sugar, proteins and vitamins in the fruit can help with putting on weight if required. However, when eaten with cucumber there is a neutralising effect so that a consistent weight can be maintained.
Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium all of which are needed for healthy bones.
More awesome facts about eating dates comes from their choline content which is required in the production of acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role for memory, mood and the health of the brain.
Another aim of this site is to give recipe ideas that are simple and nutritious because the objective is to have fun and to take part in learning about different ingredients, rather than the exact quantities and weights of items required. However, guidelines will be available. Recipes will be nut free, however, add them if there are no allergy issues.
Experiment and enjoy!
KEEP IT SIMPLE RECIPES – ENERGY DATE BALLS
Ingredients
- 10 dry dates (pitted)
- 1-2 tbsp honey
- 100g ground oats
- Sesame seeds (or any coating of choice)
- Oil to bind.
Method
Warm the
ground oats in a saucepan.
Chop the dates into pieces.
Put the dates and ground oats into a food processor.
Add the honey and oil until the mixture binds.
Spread the mixture out onto a shallow tray.
Divide into portions.
Roll into balls and coat as desired.
Finally place the energy date balls in the fridge for 2 hours.