Dates

Dates are an ideal food for improved energy and brain function. Dates are a good source of vitamin A and B-complex and they are rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, copper, and potassium. They are known to help build bone and muscle strength and have been used for thousands of years by athletes to improve physical endurance, agility, and stamina. Dates contain anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties which make it an excellent food for those who suffer with chronic infections and auto-immune disorders. They also help to control heart rate and blood pressure which offers protection against strokes and coronary heart diseases. Dates contain an easily digestible fiber that has been found to help prevent colon, prostate, lung, endometrial, breast, and pancreatic cancers. They are also known to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, relieve constipation, improve anemia, and prevent macular degeneration. There are several varieties of dates including Medjool, Deglet Noor, Zahidi, Honey, Khadrawi, Halawi, and Barhi. Each variety is unique and varies in sweetness, flavor, and texture. For instance, Khadrawi dates are small, very soft, melt-in- your-mouth, and super sweet, while the Deglet Noor dates are firm and chewier with a more rich deep flavor. Medjool dates are one of the most popular dates for their king size and delicious meaty flavor. Dates can be eaten out of hand as a quick snack and they also combine particularly well with celery sticks and cucumber slices as a balanced, high energy snack. They can be blended with a little water and turned into a caramel dipping sauce for apple slices that kids love! Dates are also delicious when added to smoothies and/or salads. They can also be chopped with walnuts, coconut, ginger or other spices and pressed into homemade energy bars and deserts. Fresh dates can be found online or in the produce section of your local health food store. They can provide a wonderful energy boost and help revitalize the body any time of the day.