What are the health benefits of dates?

So we know that dates are tasty, but are they good for us? Let’s take a look at the numbers.

A Medjool Date, one of the most common types found in the United States, that is pitted and of average size, has a calorie count is 66 per serving. They are fat free, sodium free, and cholesterol free. Dates are rich in dietary fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, and copper. They are also full of tannins--great for preventing bleeding and are anti-inflammatory. Looking for a potassium fix without eating a banana? Try a date. Potassium is an electrolyte and can help protect against heart disease and strokes.

Dates contain roughly 110 grams of carbohydrates, and that translates into major energy. Many of our customers use dates to pep up their day as an afternoon snack or mixed into one of our famous date shakes. Dates will fill you up without slowing you down—which is another major benefit.

Dates are good for colon health as they help clean out the digestive tract and can help regulate your system.

Though dates have a lot of natural sugar—as the human body processes dates, blood sugar levels do not spike. That is to say, dates have a low glycemic index and are a popular treat for diabetics for that exact reason. Date sugar is available at major retailers and is quite simply, ground dates that can be used as a brown sugar substitute in many recipes. Date sugar doesn’t dissolve well so it is best in bread, muffins, cakes and cookies. Date syrup, made with ground dates and water, works great as a sugar substitute in drinks like coffee. Many nutrition bars on the market are naturally sweetened with chopped dates or date sugar - dare we say it’s even "trendy" these days.

The verdict? Dates are nutrient rich, energy boosting and a great alternative to refined sugar. And with the amazing variety of dates we offer at Sphinx Date Company, your palate will never get bored!