Date palms or khajur have long been celebrated as sweet succulents with wide-ranging health benefits. But did you know that their seeds, which we throw away without a second thought, also pack a nutritional punch?
Yes, that's right. A study published in the book 'Functional Properties Of Traditional Foods,' stated that numerous studies have shown that date seeds contain oleic acid, dietary fibre, and polyphenols, which have been linked to a decrease in cardiovascular diseases and improved overall well-being. Here are a few reasons why you should not throw away date seeds next time you have khajur.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralising free radicals in the body, preventing oxidative stress and inflammation, according to a study published in the journal Chemistry and Biodiversity. Date seeds are rich in these powerful antioxidants, which can contribute to a lower risk of chronic diseases and support a healthy immune system.
Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Some studies, such as one published in the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal suggest that compounds found in date seeds may possess anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation in the body, these compounds could contribute to improved joint health and a lower risk of inflammatory conditions.
Digestive Health Support
The fibre content in date seeds can be beneficial for digestive health. Fibre aids in regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. Including date seeds in your diet may contribute to a well-functioning digestive system.
Also Read: Are Dried Dates Good? Know Nutrition, Pros and Cons
Blood Sugar Regulation
A study published in the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science indicated that date seeds may have a positive impact on blood sugar levels. Components within the seeds may help regulate glucose metabolism, making them potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition, found the study.
Heart Health Benefits
The nutritional profile of date seeds suggests potential benefits for heart health as well. From lowering cholesterol levels to supporting blood pressure regulation, incorporating date seeds into your diet may be a small yet significant step toward a healthier heart, corroborated a study published in the Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications.
How To Add Date Seeds To Your Diet
Consuming date seeds is uncommon, as most people focus on eating the fruit. However, if you're interested, you can try grinding dried date seeds into a powder and incorporating it into recipes or smoothies.
To enjoy its halth benefits to their maximum, follow these steps:
- Once you have collected 15-20 date seeds, clean the flesh off them completely and leave them out in the sun to dry for one day.
- Then roast these seeds in a pan on medium flame till they become crispy and can be crushed by hand. Make sure the seeds do not get burnt or charred.
- Once the seeds are roasted, crush them by hand, and then grind them using a mixer-grinder.
- Now you have the nutritious date seed powder ready. Mix one spoon of this powder in warm milk and drink this every morning.
While date seeds might have been an overlooked byproduct in the past, their impressive array of health benefits makes them worth considering as a valuable addition to your diet. Make sure that you start with a small amount of date seed powder to ensure you like the flavour and your body is responding to it positively. Additionally, if you have any health concerns or dietary restrictions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet.