Dates are packed with such healthy nutrients as fiber, vitamins, and minerals that play a vital role in the functioning of the body. Here are some of the proven benefits:

1. According to nutritionists Jamil Mpiima, dates give the body a quick energy boost and this explains why they are a favorite when Muslims are breaking the fast. One of the major components of dates is sugar which is easily transformed in the body to make energy. They contain such sugars as glucose, fructose, mannose, and maltose.

2.-Fibre slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach hence leaving one feeling satisfied for a longer period. This, therefore, puts dates on the list of foods that can help one manage their weight as they are restrained from eating more frequently. More interesting about dates is that their sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream; this equally keeps hunger at bay.

3.-The fiber content in the dates also helps in ensuring easy bowel movement. Soluble fiber found in dates helps retain more water in the stool hence making it softer and easier to pass out. Whereas the insoluble fiber on the other hand makes adds bulk to the fecal matter speeding up its passage through the gut. The insoluble and soluble fiber in dates has also been found to clean the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency.

4. According to an article published in the US National Library of Medicine, one of the vitamins found in dates is nicotinic acid (niacin). This helps to check the growth of any pathological microorganisms in the intestines and boosting the survival of helpful bacteria. So making dates a significant part of your diet is important to reap such benefits.

5. Some of the essential nutrients for heart health such as magnesium, potassium and vitamin B-6 are available in dates. Potassium regulates the electrical impulses that maintain a steady heartbeat. It also counterbalances the effect of sodium in your diet by lowering blood pressure. Magnesium makes the muscles in your heart and blood vessels relax, which lowers blood pressure. It may also help lower levels of triglycerides. Vitamin B-6, on the other hand, removes the amino acid homocysteine from your blood, which lowers its level in your blood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.