Dates

The dates are the fruits of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, and their name comes from Greek daktylos, which means finger, for their elongated shape. These fruits can be eaten either fresh, though in this form they are harder to find, or dry. Rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron, but also vitamins A, B and C, the dates help control cholesterol and give relief in case of constipation. In order to benefit the bowel functionalities, you can try to soak 2-3 dates in a glass of water for all night long. The next morning, drink the liquid and then eat the fruits. The dates bring sugars and provide energy for immediate use, for these reasons they are suitable to be eaten as a mid-morning snack, in case of hard and busy days or for students. In addition to this, dates help counteract free radicals and cellular aging and have anti-inflammatory action on the respiratory tract. To get the most benefit in case of cough, colds and more in general respiratory tract inflammations try to make the date syrup. This syrup is obtained by boiling 100 grams of fruits in half a liter of water for 3-4 minutes, then filter and sweet with honey. But the dates are very versatile in cooking, they can be used as a sweetener and as a butter! In fact, by blending in the blender 100 grams of dates together with a juice like apple juice, you’ll get a cream that can replace the soft butter in the preparation of cakes and desserts. Dried dates are not recommended for people with diabetes, because they contain simple sugars and they will cause a too high rise in blood glucose levels.