Prized for their sweetness and rich nutritional profile, Medjool dates originate from Morocco, where they have been cultivated for centuries in the fertile Maghreb region. In this North African country, the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) thrives in the arid, sun-drenched landscapes of the Sahara Desert and its oases, producing some of the best dates in the world.
Medjool dates are one of the most popular date varieties in the world, although originating in Morocco, they are now mainly cultivated in the Middle East (Israel is the main producer and exporter) and North Africa.
Medjool dates are renowned for their size, texture and sweet, caramel flavour.
Medjool dates are high in fibre, with 100 g of this treat providing 26% of the recommended daily allowance (Medjool).
But the sweetness and fibre benefits don’t end there. Dates are also a source of copper: 100 g contain 36% (Medjool) of the RDA for copper. Copper has many benefits for the human body:
- helps maintain normal connective tissue;
- helps maintain normal energy metabolism;
- helps maintain normal functioning of the nervous system;
- helps maintain normal hair and skin pigmentation;
- helps maintain normal iron transport in the body;
- helps maintain normal immune function;
- helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
Dates are also rich in potassium 34% (Medjool RDA), which helps maintain normal nervous system and muscle function and normal blood pressure.
They also contain other minerals: medjool dates contain 14% manganese RDA, 14% magnesium RDA and 8% phosphorus RDA, respectively. Medjool dates also contain 8% of the RDA for calcium. Dates also contain a number of vitamins: vitamin B6 (17% of the RDA), folic acid (7% of the RDA) and niacin (10% of the RDA). Medjool dates also contain vitamin B5 at 13% RDA.
As Medjool dates are a source of vitamin B6, we will remind you of the benefits they provide to the body. Vitamin B6, like copper, has beneficial properties for the human body:
- helps maintain normal functioning of the nervous system;
- helps maintain normal protein and glycogen metabolism;
- helps maintain normal psychological function;
- helps maintain normal red blood cell production;
- helps maintain normal immune function;
- helps reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue;
- helps regulate hormone activity.
Use of
Snack – a portion of 2-3 dates is a filling and nutritious snack. They can be eaten on their own or combined with nuts.
Sweetener – medjool dates can be added to smoothies, porridge or used as a natural sweetener in baking recipes.
They are particularly good for energy bars and date desserts.
Chopped Medjool dates can be sprinkled on salads.
To keep Medjool dates fresh for a long time, store them in the fridge. They can also be frozen.
Source:
https://www.webmd.com
USDA Food Composition Databases
NOTE. The information contained herein should not be construed as a recommendation for treatment or other health issues. We encourage you to make personal decisions about your personal health, taking into account a wide range of sources of information.