Benefits Of Dates
The Date Palm tree- a native of North Africa is a fruit that is very beneficial for the health when it is consumed regularly. At many places of the world dates are consumed as a part of staple diet, mainly because of its high dietary content. Apart from the rich content of natural fibers, dates also contain a lot of nutrients, like calcium, oil, iron, sulfur, phosphorous, potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, etc. Dates are therefore considered as a healthy and balanced diet. The various health benefits of dates include:

1.Acts as a laxative.
Date acts as an effective a laxative food and is very beneficial for the treatment of constipation. The roughage that dates provide to the body stimulates and promotes sluggish bowels. When immersed over night in water and taken in the morning helps to provide maximum laxative effect.
2.Helps to cure intestinal disturbances.
The nicotinic content of dates makes it an excellent food for curing intestinal disturbances. Use of dates controls the growth of harmful and pathological organisms. They also help to set up a colony of beneficial and friendly bacteria inside the intestines.
3.Strengthens the heart.
Dates are very effective in treatment and strengthening of weak heart. Consumption of water soaked dates in the morning twice a week helps to strengthen weak heart.
4.Benefits to sexually weak people.
People who are suffering from sexual weakness can benefit a lot from the intake of dates. Dates soaked in goat’s milk overnight if consumed in the morning after crushing in the same milk helps to increase sex stamina. This is also a very effective tonic in the treatment of sterility caused by functional disorders.
5.Cure for alcoholics.
Dates are an excellent medicine for getting away from alcoholic intoxication. Intake of water that contains an extract of rubbed or soaked fresh dates provides quick relief.
6.Helps to prevent cancer.
Research and study have shown the positive effect of dates in the prevention of abdominal cancer.
7.Provide energy to the body.
Since dates are easily digestible, they are used for providing quick energy to the body.
8.Nourishing and restorative.
Boiling fresh and clean dates in milk makes it useful as a medicine. It is a highly nourishing and recuperative drink for children and adults especially for those who have suffered from some kind of illness and are in their restorative phase.

But, dates should be selected and purchased very carefully. The surface of dates is very sticky and easily attracts dust and impurities from the air. It is, advisable to buy the best varieties well packed, and should be thoroughly washed before use.