Dates, also known as khajoor, are a sweet, chewy dried fruit that is high in energy, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are a winter superfood that people often use as natural sweeteners in place of refined, added sugar.
In many cultures, having dates with warm milk is extremely popular. It makes for a delicious food combination that also provides several health benefits. As winter sets in, here are 5 scientifically-backed advantages of consuming dates with warm milk.
Also Read: Here’s Why You Should Eat Dates Soaked In Virgin Coconut Oil On An Empty Stomach
Health Benefits Of Having Dates With Warm Milk
Stronger bones
We all know how milk and other dairy products are great sources of calcium and protein, which help strengthen our bones and aid muscle repair and recovery. But did you also know that dates contain minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, manganese, and copper, which also support bone health? Therefore, regularly consuming dates with milk may contribute to increased bone mineral density, especially beneficial for individuals at risk of osteoporosis.
Better digestion
If you're someone who isn't lactose intolerant, having dates with a glass of milk can be beneficial for your digestive system. Dates are high in fibre, which is known to regulate bowel movements and maintain gut health. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), one pitted date contains 1.61 g of fibre in it.
In healthy individuals, milk also helps soothe the digestive tract, making it a healthy remedy for people suffering from constipation and bloating. Therefore, eating dates with warm milk can help improve your digestion and also maintain your gut health.
Improved sleep
The Sleep Foundation suggests that milk contains "sleep-promoting properties" due to the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan plays an important role in the production of serotonin and melatonin, which are involved in mood, immunity, and other physiological processes. "Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that impacts mood, cognitive reasoning, and memory. Melatonin is a hormone released by your body in response to darkness in order to help you feel like sleeping at night," shares the health charity.
Dates contain tryptophan too. This is why the combination of dates with warm milk can help regular sleep cycles and promote relaxation.
Also Read: Soaked Or Dry Dates, Which Is The Healthier Way To Consume It?
Enhanced brain functions
Consuming dates with warm milk is often considered beneficial for brain health. Both these food items contain B vitamins, minerals like potassium, antioxidants, including carotenoids, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, and polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory compounds that not only help improve memory and focus but also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
Winter warmth and immunity-boosting effects
Winter can bring a range of health challenges. During this time, the metabolism slows down, lowering body temperature and making the body more susceptible to illnesses. Having dates with a warm glass of milk can help combat these issues and provide a comforting, warming experience.
Dates are rich in calories and essential nutrients, making them effective in raising body temperature and providing sustained energy. Meanwhile, milk contains proteins that promote thermogenesis, a process that generates heat within the body. Beyond their warming properties, this combination also strengthens the immune system, helping to keep infections and illnesses at bay.
Conclusion
Dates with milk are a popular and highly nutritious food combination. From supporting bone health to improving digestion, both ingredients offer numerous health benefits individually and together. If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy warm milk on its own or prefers not to eat dates by themselves, you can easily blend them into a smoothie. The natural sweetness of dates eliminates the need for any added sweeteners. This winter, enjoy the goodness of the dates-and-milk combination to take care of your health while keeping yourself warm during the chilly months.