Date fruit (botanically known as Phoenix dactylifera) is a fruit from the date palm species of the palm family.
It has dark brown skin and soft flesh and is uniquely sweet. Dates originated from Iraq. It grows in tropical regions like North Africa, South Africa, and the Middle East.
Dates are one of the common fruits consumed by Nigerians. The fruit is a staple item for people in the Middle East, North Africa, and many parts of the world. They are one of the oldest cultivated fruits and have been cultivated for over six thousand years.
This article discusses the health benefits of dates for men.
Nutritional Value Of Dates
Dates contain a lot of nutrients needed by the body. They contain carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and beneficial nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, and Vitamin B6 (Folic acid). It is high in antioxidants and is a great source of Vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, B9), Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Sodium, Calcium, and Zinc.
50 grams serving of dates provides:
- 37.5 grams of carbohydrate
- 7% of daily magnesium
- 3.5 grams of fiber
- 9% of daily copper
- 1 gram of protein
- 7.5% of daily manganese
- 2.5% of daily iron
- 6% of daily Vitamin B
- 10% of daily potassium that is required by the body.
7 Health Benefits Of Dates For Men
The following are some of the nutritional benefits of dates that can be beneficial to men.
1. Helps reduce the risk of having cancer
About 80% of men who reach age 80 have cancer cells in their prostate. However, the antioxidant benefit of dates helps prevent cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
A 2019 study using dates conducted tests on prostate cells, results suggested dates had potential therapeutic properties for prostate cancer and showed strong inhibitory signs on the cancer cell.
Furthermore, in comparison to similar fruits like figs and dried plums, dates seem to have the highest antioxidant content. It contains antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids, which help to lower the risk of cancer and other diseases.
2. Helps manage diabetes
Diabetes in men causes more havoc than in women. In men, diabetes can result in erectile dysfunction and ejaculation, and it can cause damage to the autonomic nervous system.
Dates contain vitamins and nutrients that can help manage diabetes. When eaten in moderation, dates have a positive effect on diabetic patients. This is because dates encourage the production of insulin.
Dates have a low glycemic level which means they are less likely to spike your blood sugar level, and this is a safe choice for people with diabetes. They also contain polyphenols exerting strong antioxidant activities, which are potential nutrients for diabetes treatment.
Flavonoids in dates can stimulate beta cells activating insulin receptors following the increase in insulin secretion in addition to improving diabetes-induced complications.
3. Supports bone health
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that weakens the skeleton and causes the bones to break. This condition poses a significant threat to millions of men all over the world. However, consuming dates may play a role in supporting bone health.
Some minerals present in dates, such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are crucial in preventing bone-related conditions like osteoporosis.
4. Helps prevent ulcers
Between the age of 30 to 50, ulcers occur in men more than in women. Studies have shown that dates contain the necessary nutrients required to prevent ulcers.
A 2017 study concluded that date extract is capable of protecting the stomach from Ethanol-induced Gastric ulcers in Wistar rats.
Furthermore, another 2005 study showed that dates might be effective in alleviating the severity of gastric ulceration.
5. Good for brain health
Eating goods that boost brain health is important for men. It helps you to focus on work faster, increasing your productivity. Dates are one of such foods.
A 2016 review suggested that regular date consumption to better thinking skills and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Meanwhile, another study conducted on animals found that mice who ate food mixed with dates had notably better memory and learning ability, as well as less anxiety-related behaviors, compared to mice that did not eat them.
6. May improve sexual health in men
Few studies have shown that dates may aid in improving sexual health in men. Dates contain high levels of estradiol and flavonoids, which aid sperm motility and increase sperm count.
In addition, traditional African medicine have used dates to treat infertility in men. While some believe dates are an effective aphrodisiac.
Although, there is little medical evidence to support the sexual benefits of dates in men.
7. Improves good cholesterol levels
Having high levels of bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart disease in men. Nonetheless, a 2020 study investigated the effects of consuming three dates per day on cholesterol.
The results found that the participants who ate the dates had higher levels of good cholesterol, which helps eliminates the harmful type of cholesterol.
Conclusion
Dates are sweet to taste, easy to incorporate into recipes, highly nutritious, and a great addition to a diet. Adding dates to your diet is a good way of improving your health. The possible health benefits of dates for men are still numerous.
Dates contribute to good brain function and heart health. Dates also help maintain good kidney health, and they are very nutritious fruits that are beneficial to diabetic patients.
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