November 21, 2017
Dates: Satisfy That Sweet Tooth
Six months ago, if you would have asked me “What is the one dessert or treat you just COULD NOT live without?” hands down the answer would have always been chocolate covered peanuts. The savoury chocolate taste melts in your mouth with that oh so perfect little crunch of the peanut was to die for. But, nowadays I opt for dates when I need to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Dates pack a punch of nutrition. They are full of various vitamins such as vitamin A, B6 and K, as well as a number of minerals like calcium and iron. Dates also contain fiber, which helps to prevent and relieve constipation, intestinal disorders, diarrhea and abdominal cancer. Dates provide energy, assist with healthy weight gain, help to strengthen bones, good for the heart, and even boost nervous system health.
Now, I know you are going to ask, “But aren’t they high in sugar?” Well yes, they are. While 100 grams of dates do contain 63 grams of sugar, dates are high in natural sugars like fructose, glucose and sucrose, meaning they are easily processed and utilized by the body for energy.
So, the next time you want to reach for that chocolate bar, brownies, or those delicious chocolate covered peanuts, grab 4-5 dates instead (watch for those pits). You can also use dates as a natural sweetener in a variety of recipes like protein balls, oatmeal blends, chia pudding, energy bites or healthy nut bars. As long as you don’t overdo it and keep your overall intake of dates to an average of 5-10 per day, dates can be a guilt-free and healthy way to make your sweet tooth (or teeth) happy.
