Dates are those delicious fruits grown in the Northern part of Nigeria and sold on wheel barrows by Hausa men in different parts of Nigeria. In Port Harcourt, it is common to see Hausa men wheeling dates in barrows that also contain Tiger nuts. They are believed to have originated in Iraq. Dates were later introduced into Africa and other continents by traders. From fossil records , it is known that dates have existed for at least 50million years. Dates are a traditional crop in North Africa, Morocco, Iraq and a few other countries. This delicious fruit is mentioned more than 50 times in the Bible and 20 times in the Qur’an. They can take 4 to 8 years after planting to bear fruit.

Dates can be eaten raw or in dishes and snacks. They are cholesterol free ,very low in fat and high in fiber. Dates can be chopped up and used in breads, cookies and chocolate bars as sweeteners . It is one of the sweetest fruits and can be dried and stored for longevity. Dates come in many varieties and even though they are nutritious, the fruit is so small that you’ll need to consume a reasonable quantity to get your daily required nutrients. They are high in sugar content and shouldn’t be consumed as a meal even though it’s a healthy fruit. It isn’t advisable to have more than a handful per day.

BENEFITS OF EATING DATES

Eating dates in moderation can contribute to many health benefits . Below are some of the benefits.

- Dates Naturally Shorten Labor. Surveys carried out have shown that women who ate dates during pregnancy were more dilated upon arrival at the hospital and had shorter labours. Dates seem to have a compound that mimics the hormone called oxytocin which causes contractions. In a survey , the consumption of dates in the last 4 weeks before labor significantly reduced the need for induction of labor and produced a more favourable delivery in the women .

- Cure for Intestinal Disorders. Regular intake of dates helps to inhibit growth of pathological organisms and stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines. The nicotine content in dates helps in curing many types of intestinal disorders.

- Weight Gain. If you are thin and want to put on weight, you can eat dates because they are high in calories.

- Cure for Sexual Weakness. Dates have been used as an aphrodisiac for a very long time. For this purpose, dates are usually soaked in goat’s milk overnight and consumed the next morning. This mixture is known to reduce sterility and also increase sperm count and motility.

- Remedy for Intoxication. Dates are used to detoxify the body after over-consumption of alcohol. They provide quick relief and make intoxicated people become sober. When used to overcome hangover, they should be soaked overnight before consumption for a stronger effect.

- Helps maintain a Healthy Heart. When soaked overnight , crushed and consumed, dates have been known to have a positive effect on weak hearts. The potassium in dates have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart related diseases. Dates also reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body which is a major contributing factor in stroke, heart attacks and heart diseases.

- Night Blindness. When dates are ingested orally, or when the leaves are grounded and rubbed around the eyes, it has been shown to reduce night blindness.

- Reduces the Risk of Abdominal Cancer. Research has shown that dates reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer.

- Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals . Dates are a good source of many vitamins like vitamin C, A1, B2,B3, B5, iron, potassium, and sodium.

- Improves Skin Elasticity. Dates contain vitamin C which helps to enhance the skin’s elasticity and makes the skin tender and smooth.

- Anti -Aging Benefits. Dates are known for enriching and replenishing blood , preventing the accumulation of melanin in the blood and preventing fine lines and wrinkles. The vitamin C in the dates also helps resist oxidation.

- Treats Skin Problems. The oil from dates contain anti-microbial properties that make it a perfect massage oil for skin treatment. Date oil regenerates and rejuvenates ageing skin. Dates are rich in vitamin B which is essential for a youthful looking skin . The vitamins in dates can help eradicate skin problems like stretch marks.

- Promotes Digestive health and Relieves Constipation. The fiber content in dates aids regular bowel movements and cleans up the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency. Dates also reduce the risk of certain conditions like haemorrhoids, colitis and colon cancer. They help relieve diarrhea by providing bulk substance to the bowel movements.

- Reduces Blood Pressure. The magnesium and potassium in dates help lower blood pressure and helps the heart to function well.

- Boosts Health of Nervous system. The potassium in dates promote a healthy and responsive nervous system . It also improves the speed and alertness of brain activity. They are recommended for people that want to keep a sharp mind.

The benefits of eating dates can’t be overemphasized. Care should be taken in selecting the ones to eat. Dates are affordable and can be purchased for as low as 50naira from the Hausa men wheeling them in barrows. The dates sold in supermarkets are already screened and sorted but the ones sold by the Hausa men haven’t. It is advisable to wash them thoroughly before eating them and also open them first to check for fungi spores before consumption. Each date fruit purchased from the Hausa traders should be washed and checked for the visible fungi spores before consumption. Dates infected by the fungi should be discarded to prevent health issues.

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