Dates Medjoul Ardoc Nero
An exotic fruit, typical of southern Africa and western Asia, which is appreciated for its goodness but also for the nutritional properties it presents. Let's find out what they are ...
Dried dates: properties and benefits
The date is a fruit that contains many vitamins, including vitamin A and beta-carotene, substances that help the body to counteract the presence of free radicals, responsible for aging. Furthermore, this vitamin is important for the well-being of sight and precious for the skin. In addition to vitamin A, they are rich in B vitamins and vitamin E, which are beneficial for the functionality of our body.
In terms of antioxidants, Medjoul dates contain flavonoids and polyphenols, important tannins, known for their properties to support the well-being of the human body, in addition to lutein - a substance that protects the eye from damage resulting from exposure to rays solar and blue light.
In this type of dried fruit, moreover, there are many fibers, which help the body to counteract constipation, favoring intestinal transit (insoluble fibers), as well as reducing the absorption of cholesterol (soluble fibers); an element that favors the regularity of blood pressure.
For those with the classic "lazy intestine", the fibers of dried dates help to reactivate the normal functions of peristalsis, with emollient and soothing properties of the digestive system, which can prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids and colitis. Dates are also useful with a drainage action of body fluids to improve the functionality of the urinary tract.
The pulp of dates contains several simple sugars, useful for those looking for energy foods, and for sportsmen their intake is excellent, especially in the version of sweet dates without added sugar. Those who lead a very active life can benefit from the energetic properties of dates, but also those who are in a weakened or underweight condition.
Even when you are in a cold situation, a few dates a day will help the fluidity of bronchial secretions.
Medjoul dates contain important minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron. We know how important calcium is for bones and teeth, while potassium is useful for the nervous system. The sodium-potassium exchange is beneficial for our balance: for the correct functioning of the muscular and nervous system, and for correct hydration in the presence of sweating after physical activity or during the hot season. In addition, the sodium-potassium balance helps the well-being of the cardiovascular system and correct blood pressure.
Like different types of dried fruit, dates also contain a good percentage of copper, essential for the transport and use of iron in the body, and for enzymatic reactions that help the proper functioning of different organs.
Origins and History of cultivation
The date palm tree comes from African and Middle Eastern territories, and is considered by some historians to be among the first plants cultivated by humanity. Already in ancient Egypt as dried or fresh fruit, the date was highly appreciated for its sugar content (70%), and for the presence of nutrients, which today we know are minerals and vitamins. The ancient Romans used dates to flavor wine, for the preparation of desserts, and to produce alcoholic beverages through their fermentation.
On a symbolic level, the plant was considered important, and if in the imperial era a palm branch was given to great actors and gladiators, the gospel scene in which Christ enters Jerusalem celebrated with palm leaves is emblematic (since then, we talk about Palm Sunday). In the medieval period, the date palm became more widespread in Europe, brought to Spain and Sicily during the Arab invasion. The date was present as a fruit served at the end of lunch, and as a fundamental ingredient of elaborate dishes such as cakes and pies, perhaps combined with other salty ingredients.
They were always present on the tables of kings and nobles, and this particular date won the titles of King of Fruits and Diamond of Fruits. Historic is the palm grove of Elche, in Spain in the province of Alicante, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco for its beauty. Here there are over half a million palm trees, making it the largest palm grove in Europe. It is also called Palmera imperial in honor of the visit of Empress Elisabeth of Austria Hungary, the famous Sissi, in 1894.
Today, when we consume them in the form of dehydrated fruit without sugar, dates come from crops in different parts of the world, from the Maghreb to the United States.
