Scientists has confirmed that dates are number World’s food for hypertension, heart attack, stroke and cholesterol.

Did you know that Dates are ones of the healthiest fruits and the number one food for hypertension as they are rich in various ingredients which can treat different health issues from hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, and high cholesterol? Many Nigerians neglect dates and see it as a poor man’s food without knowing the health benefits of this wonderful fruit.

It is mostly sold by the Hausas who often hawk it around the streets of Lagos and is mostly consumed by the people in the north.
After unveiling the health benefits of this wonderful fruit we are sure you will remember to consume it whenever you remember.

1. Dates are said to be high in potassium which can help prevent diarrhoea. They also accelerate your metabolism
2. Regular consumption of dates cleanses blood vessels and prevent the formation of blood clots which in turn helps to regulate cholesterol level in the body.

3. Date are the best fruit for a healthy heart. Soak it in water at night, and in the morning eat them or add them to your smoothie.

4. Dates are high in potassium and contain no sodium, so they are perfect in the case of hypertension. Eating about 6 dates contain 80 mg of magnesium, which can help to boost and reduces blood pressure, you need about 370 mg of magnesium.

5. Did you know that dates are a rich source of iron, which is useful for anaemic patients, pregnant women and for children? 100 grams of dates daily will provide 0.9 mg of iron, which is about 11 % of the recommended daily intake of iron.

6. Iron has a beneficial effect on the red blood cells and haemoglobin and helps the oxygen flow through the blood.

7. Dates prevent strokes when consumed daily. The high potassium content in the fruit enhances the nervous system and prevents strokes.

So so true...they are very healthy.
I'm not a fan of dates....don't care for the sweetness & their look...but they can be put through a juicer and blended into what's called "date butter".
First make sure the dates are pitted....meaning no seeds.
Cut them in half, add 1 cup dates to 2 cups water in a pot and simmer on medium low heat ...until the water cooks out. You can put up to 5 cups of dates in a pot (depending on size of pot). After simmering, the dates will become smooth and need to be warm before spooning them into and running them through the juicer. Store the "butter" in mason jars. It can be frozen also. It keeps fresh in the fridge up to two weeks.
"Date butter" can be used as a spread on toast/bread and also in place of white sugar in any baking recipe.

MZLady39:
So so true...they are very healthy.
I'm not a fan of dates....don't care for the sweetness & their look...but they can be put through a juicer and blended into what's called "date butter".
"Date butter" can be used as a spread on toast/bread and also in place of white sugar in any baking recipe.

Nice one...I learnt something new today

Laird:



Nice one...I learnt something new today

Awesome....actually I have to modify something with the preparation instructions (that I left out) in order to make the date "butter" creamy

MZLady39:


Awesome....actually I have to modify something with the preparation instructions (that I left out) in order to make the date "butter" creamy

Its OK JoLi

Wow! I love the way you explained the best way to make it more nutritious.
This is what Nigerians have been missing for so long.

MZLady39:
So so true...they are very healthy.
I'm not a fan of dates....don't care for the sweetness & their look...but they can be put through a juicer and blended into what's called "date butter".
First make sure the dates are pitted....meaning no seeds.
Cut them in half, add 1 cup dates to 2 cups water in a pot and simmer on medium low heat ...until the water cooks out. You can put up to 5 cups of dates in a pot (depending on size of pot). After simmering, the dates will become smooth and need to be warm before spooning them into and running them through the juicer. Store the "butter" in mason jars. It can be frozen also. It keeps fresh in the fridge up to two weeks.
"Date butter" can be used as a spread on toast/bread and also in place of white sugar in any baking recipe.

I was even amazed when I was making this research.
How often do you eat it? will it lead to any health problem if I take it too much?

Laird:



Nice one...I learned something new today

Afriglobalmedia:
Wow! I love the way you explained the best way to make it more nutritious.
This is what Nigerians have been missing for so long.

Thanks....i've been on the health track for a few years now. Still not there quite yet....but striving.
I'm interested in Nigeria's fruits & vegetables..because that's what I'm into eating more of (of course with rice or potatoes)....
Like what fruits & vegetables thrive in the climate?
Is it like the Carribean where their fruits rank high in freshness and taste? Their climate must be a lot like Nigeria's perhaps?

Well, during the rainy season, there ar particular kinds of fruits especially in Nigeria, like Mango, Corn, Pineapple, More Bananas. During this period,
more vegetables are said to be very fresh and good looking. I don't know much about Carribean but here in Nigeria, fruits rank high in freshness and taste. Do you reside in that part of the world?

MZLady39:



Thanks....i've been on the health track for a few years now. Still not there quite yet....but striving.
I'm interested in Nigeria's fruits & vegetables..because that's what I'm into eating more of (of course with rice or potatoes)....
Like what fruits & vegetables thrive in the climate?
Is it like the Carribean where their fruits rank high in freshness and taste? Their climate must be a lot like Nigeria's perhaps?

Afriglobalmedia:

Well, during the rainy season, there ar particular kinds of fruits especially in Nigeria, like Mango, Corn, Pineapple, More Bananas. During this period,
more vegetables are said to be very fresh and good looking. I don't know much about Carribean but here in Nigeria, fruits rank high in freshness and taste. Do you reside in that part of the world?

No....I live in the U.S.
In the U.S, the fruits that have a better taste to me are the organic ones (free of pesticides).
Thanks for the info...mangoes, blueberries and bananas are my dad's favorites...he's Nigerian.
When I visit, I was wanting to know what fruits & vegetables I would be choosing from. The weather is pretty much the same year round there (I'm guessing) so regardless of which time I come, I guess I'll be able to have the desired fruits/vegetables.

You are welcome. all fruits have their own time and seasons, lol. you may not see mangoes during summer, but you will always see Bananas and other kinds of vegetables. until yo come, we will know what selection will be best for you lol.

MZLady39:



No....I live in the U.S.
In the U.S, the fruits that have a better taste to me are the organic ones (free of pesticides).
Thanks for the info...mangoes, blueberries and bananas are my dad's favorites...he's Nigerian.
When I visit, I was wanting to know what fruits & vegetables I would be choosing from. The weather is pretty much the same year round there (I'm guessing) so regardless of which time I come, I guess I'll be able to have the desired fruits/vegetables.