As winter approaches, our bodies naturally seek foods that provide warmth and nourishment to help us brave the cold. One small, sweet fruit stands out for its nutrient-packed power: dates. More than just a delicious snack, dates are incredibly beneficial for your health. In fact, incorporating just two dates into your daily winter routine can offer numerous health advantages.
In a candid conversation with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Sanjana Premlal, Nutritionist, Kinder Hospital - Bangalore, shared seven reasons or benefits of having two days daily in winter. Read ahead to know what they are.
Benefits Of Having Two Dates Daily In Winter
Expert-approved and study-backed, here’s why you should make this simple addition to your diet this winter:
1. Natural Energy Booster
The shorter days and colder temperatures can leave you feeling sluggish. Dates, rich in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose, provide a quick energy boost without the crash. Whether you need a pick-me-up during a chilly morning or a pre-workout snack, two dates can do the trick.
Also Read: Understanding Expiry and Best Before Dates for Safer and Smarter Food Consumption
2. Supports Immune Health
Winter often brings the challenges of colds and flu, making it crucial to strengthen your immunity. Dates are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, which help bolster your immune system. Their antioxidant properties combat free radicals, keeping your body’s defences in top form.
3. Promotes Digestive Health
The season’s rich and indulgent meals can sometimes take a toll on your digestive system. Dates are a good source of dietary fibre, which aids in regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation. Two dates a day can keep your gut happy and healthy.
4. Keeps You Warm
Dates have a natural warming effect on the body, making them an ideal food for winter. Their high-calorie content provides the necessary fuel to generate heat, helping you stay comfortable in the cold.
5. Heart Health Booster
The potassium and magnesium in dates are heart-friendly minerals. Regular consumption helps maintain blood pressure and supports overall cardiovascular health, which is particularly important during winter when physical activity levels are considered to be reduced.
Also Read: Understanding Expiry and Best Before Dates for Safer and Smarter Food Consumption
6. Strengthens Bones
Bone health often takes a backseat in the winter, but dates can help. Packed with calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin K, they contribute to stronger bones and may prevent conditions like osteoporosis in the long run.
7. Improves Skin Health
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dry and dull due to lack of moisture in the air. However, eating dates daily can result in a radiant winter glow as they contain natural antioxidants and vitamins that promote skin elasticity and hydration.
Tips For Incorporating Dates Into Your Diet
Here are a few fun ways to incorporate dates into your winter diet:
- Pair dates with a handful of nuts for a nutritious breakfast.
- Blend them into your favourite winter smoothie for added sweetness and nutrition.
- Stuff dates with almond butter or cream cheese for a satisfying snack.
- Use dates as a natural sweetener in baking or to make energy balls.
Bottomline
Dates have been a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets for centuries, cherished for their taste and health benefits. Making them part of your daily routine this winter will make sure that you enjoy a delicious treat while also tapping into a sure-shot source of wellness. So, the next time you’re feeling the chill, grab two dates and savour their sweetness while reaping their benefits.