Why dates are the perfect swap for white sugar
They are super popular, extremely sticky, come from the special date palm trees and are a great substitute to white sugar. Why is it that these oval shaped dried fruits are perfect to sweeten up your life?
Let’s first take a look at the Western perspective on dates. According to this science dates are full of essential minerals, vitamins, fibers and antioxidants.
They contain high iron levels helping you to stay awake while at the same time the fibers will support your digestion and may even cure constipation. Dates are also very high in protein and therefore super nutritious for yogi’s and sporters to support muscle growth.
On the mineral front, they are rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese and copper. Due to the high levels of these minerals they are considered as a tonic for your bones. It is even scientifically proven that they potentially prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
In terms of vitamins, dates are rich in vitamin C and B6 and also contain folic acid. Good for a smooth skin and a boost for your immunity. The latter will also be promoted due to the high levels of antioxidants which are very well known in fighting free radicals of the cells and as a consequence prevent you from getting sick.
They are full of essential minerals and vitamins.
According to Ayurveda dates are Sattvic (pure) and directly nourish your Ojas (which is in Ayurvedic terms the essence of your immune system). They are considered great building blocks for your body as they nourish all the tissues (Dhatus) of your body.
To explain the nutritive value of things Ayurveda looks at the qualities of the substances. Dates have the same qualities as plasma tissue (Rasa Dhatu) and will therefore keep your body juicy. Promoting your bowel movement and reproductive tissues.
Dates contain great building blocks for your body.
Ayurveda uses dates as medicine when plasma tissue (Rasa Dhatu) is depleted. This is often the case when there is too much dryness which among other things can be caused by your birth constitution (Vata Dosha, Autumn season (rough cold winds dry things out), having eaten too much dry stuff (like crackers, chickpeas, alfalfa sprouts, beans and salads) or as we grow older. When there is too much dryness in the body constipation and infertility may follow. So if you want to boost your immunity and promote digestion you should eat your dates.
Isn’t it funny how both sciences say exactly the same thing with different words? The ones who designed the Ayurvedic system more than 5,000 years ago knew it all. Although I do agree that it’s very beneficial for my Western Mind to have a list of science-backed benefits I completely understand why they call Ayurveda the mother of all sciences.
In the mood for a sugarless quick fix? Here is a very well balanced autumn proof recipe:
Pregnant? Eat these wonderful fruits especially in the last few weeks of your pregnancy as it they potentially promote natural birth by supporting dilation of the cervix in a natural way.