Are Dates Bad For You?
Also Known As: date palm, Phoenix dactylifera
Short answer
Dates are quite good for you and are an excellent way to get some extra fiber into your diet.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Dates have long been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and their sweet flavor and health benefits make it easy to see why. The star nutrient in the date palm is dietary fiber, which helps relieve constipation and promote regularity. Because of this, dates can be used as a laxative, though it is suggested they first be soaked in water overnight and then eaten the following day. Thanks to their soluble and insoluble fiber along with amino acids, dates can also make the digestion of food more efficient. More nutrients are able to be absorbed, instead of simply passing through the body.
Dates contain a reasonable amount of iron, which is great for the prevention and treatment of anemia, as the iron content replenishes depleted stores and provides you with strength and energy. Dates are a good source of potassium - an electrolyte that lowers blood pressure and helps the heart function normally by managing heart rate. They can also be incorporated into the diet as a way to facilitate healthy weight gain. However, if weight gain is what you are trying to avoid, then make sure you are not eating more than the recommended serving size of four to five dates per day, as they pack quite the caloric punch. Finally, though dates are high in natural sugars, they actually have a low glycemic index, meaning they will not dramatically raise blood sugar levels.
Though they may not be much to look at, dates will certainly have you looking (and feeling!) your best.
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- relieves constipation
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promotes regularity
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works to prevent and treat anemia
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helps prevent abdominal cancer
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reduces symptoms of seasonal allergies
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manages heart rate and blood pressure
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boosts energy
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