Red dates, or commonly called jujube, are one of the most popular and most beneficial foods in China. Well, Chinese people use red dates not only as a food, but as a traditional remedy for treating various health problems as well. So today, we will find out more about red dates and the incredible benefits they offer.
Nutritional Facts of Red Dates
Dates are rich in many vitamins. Namely, they are an excellent source of vitamin B6. 100 grams of date provide 20% of the Recommended Daily Intake of vitamin B6 and 16% of the vitamin B5. Dates are also packed with vitamin A, vitamin B2, B3, and B11. Dates contain minerals as well.
In fact, 100 grams of dates offers 40% of the Recommended Daily Intake of copper and 16% of potassium. They are also a great source of magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Health Benefits of Red Dates
Anti-cancer: Due to their rich content of lutein, dates can fight free radicals and prevent cancer. Free radicals can damage cells and the DNA and lead to serious problems.
Anti-depressant, natural: The regular consumption of red dates can reduce stress and fear and support mental agility. Many experts claim that date extracts help activate choline acetyltransferase, an important enzyme in the synthesis of our acetylcholine memory molecule.
Blood-building: Red dates are abundant in iron known for its ability to fight anemia and replenish red blood cells.
Blood Pressure: The regular consumption of fresh jujubes or red dates tea can regulate your blood pressure. Dried red dates contain higher levels of potassium that can improve blood pressure by keeping the blood vessels relaxed.
Cataract: Dates are rich in zeaxanthine, a phytonutrient that is very beneficial for your eyes and can prevent cataract.
Heart health: Red dates are packed with polyphenols that can effectively prevent cardiac damage after a heart attack.
Immune system: Red dates can strengthen your immune system as well. A clinical study proved that the fruit has therapeutic effects on constipation, something we know about dried plums.
Sleep better: Jujube contains flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides, all of which have a soothing effect on the nervous system. In this way, it prevents insomnia and improves your sleep.
How to Use Red Dates
Dates have the ability to improve blood circulation. They are extremely versatile and can be consumed in numerous ways. You can eat them fresh, or add them to your cooking, soups, broths, desserts and teas. According to TCM, you should eat 5 dates as snacks, 3-4 times a week.
Red Dates For Women To Aid Blood-Building
As we said before, red dates have a high content of iron. So, in TCM, they are used to prevent anemia. Anemia occurs as a result of low blood hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin is a protein in our red blood cells responsible for the transport of oxygen carbon dioxide through the blood. If your body is deficient in iron, you are more likely to experience anemia.
For many years, Chinese women use red dates tea to replenish monthly lost blood. It can improve circulation and your overall health.
Red Dates Porridge (Congee)
Needed Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white or brown rice
- 5 red dates (split them and remove the seeds)
- 4 cups of water
Boil the rice and the red dates and let it simmer until the rice is soft. Make sure to simmer in low fire. Cook for 25-30 minutes. Serve warm. This will improve your digestive system and blood circulation.
Do You Remove Red Date Seeds?
Those suffering from constipation, gas, bloating, mouth ulcers, fever, and cough with yellow phlegm are recommended to remove the seeds when eating red dates.
How to Make Red Dates Tea
You can find red dates in three forms: fresh, dried, and sweet. Even though the fresh fruit is very beneficial and is rich in vitamin C, dried red daters are used to prepare tea or soup.
Directions:
In a stainless steel pot, add 500 ml of water and boil. You should make a slit in 10 dates and eliminate the seeds. Let it simmer for 15 minutes on low heat. Then, remove from heat, and let it cool.
Source: Juicing For Health