Taking a step into a good healthy way of living will always start with the right kind of eating. Including the right fruits, vegetables, nuts and other food will automatically help you to stay fit and healthy. Dates are one such healthy food that should be included in the diet of children as well as adults. They are undoubtedly rich in sugar. So it is healthy to eat dates for diabetics? The tip here is to eat it in moderation. Dates are rich in nutrients, which is why they are recommended for a healthy life.
Health Wellness with Dates- Steps to a Healthy Life
Fresh dates have a healthy glycemic index. The dried ones are high in it. So diabetics need to be cautious and eat only after consulting their doctor. Dates can be held in moderation, even for people suffering from diabetes as they offer innumerable health benefits.
What are the health benefits of dates?
Dates are a rich source of nutrition. They contain minerals in abundance. They also contain vitamin, fructose and fibers.
Dates are fat-free: Diabetics are prone to excessive hunger. Dates are those that are free of fat and cholesterol. Hence, a date can be consumed whenever a diabetic suffers from hunger pangs. It temporarily keeps the hunger at bay.
- Dates are full of Minerals: Dates are a great step towards health wellness. It contains iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. Magnesium helps to regulate the sugar levels in the body. Zinc increases the insulin production. All the above minerals are needed by the body to live healthy and stay healthy.
- Dates are a source of Retinol: Vitamin A or retinol has many functions like improving vision, strengthening the immune system, increasing the biological activity, protecting the body from free radicals and so on.
- Dates contain Vitamin B: Dates have Vitamin B3 and B6. B3 plays a crucial role in coenzyme formation and helps in the function of enzymes and carbohydrates. Vitamin B6 along with Magnesium helps in the metabolic process of the cells. The vitamins found in dates aid in controlling the sugar levels in blood and is particularly beneficial to diabetics.
- Dates have Vitamin C: The increase in Vitamin C level in blood lowers the sorbitol level automatically. Also, increased levels of Vitamin C play an important part in decreasing the glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Hence dates are to be included in your list of healthy menu.
- Glucose and Fructose in Dates: For a typical patient suffering from diabetes, he needs to eliminate carbohydrates from his diet to lower the blood sugar levels. But, it can be replaced with healthy carbohydrates and having dates in limited quantity is one of them. It contains glucose and fructose, which act as an instant power booster.
- Fiber in Dates: Dates contain a soluble fiber called Beta-D-glucan. This roughage helps to lower the carbohydrate absorption by the body cells.
- Dates have a Low Glycemic index: People suffering from diabetes need to be really careful about glycemic index. Food containing high glycemic index will naturally shoot up the sugar level in the bloodstream. As per experts, dates contain a healthy glycemic index.
- Dates are a good source of fiber: Food with lots of fiber helps in digesting food and also helps in maintaining a good metabolic system. Studies show that dates contain soluble fiber known as Beta-D-glucan. With this soluble fiber in dates, the cholesterol in the cells of the body is easily absorbed. Care should be taken by people with diabetes to consume only fresh dates and not the dried ones, as the dried dates will shoot up the blood sugar level.
Dates in Limited Proportions for a Healthy Life for Diabetics
During fasting, diabetics should avoid eating dates. This is due to the fact that it increases their blood sugar levels. The dates have to be consumed fresh by diabetics and not the dried ones. It is better to consult the doctor for health tips regarding dates.
The date surely counts among the top healthy foods to eat. You are sure to reap the benefits of good health through dates.
