King of Dates,are a very sweet, soft variety date (picked early in the ripening season) with a wrinkled outer skin and are considered a superfood due to their incredible nutritional benefits.
So what exactly makes these caramel-soft, naturally sweet fruits king? Well, besides satisfying a craving for sweets, research shows that eating 2-4 (40 -100g) medjool dates per day boosts our daily nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals. They have a low glycemic index and are rich in fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin K, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and provide a high source of pure energy to the body. It should be noted that they are calorie-dense (about 66 calories per date) so it's best to eat them in moderation!
Here are just some of the ways the high micronutrient content in medjool dates support our wellness:
- Fiber - improves digestion, promotes a healthy gut, keeps us feeling fuller longer and curbs sugar cravings.
- Antioxidants - protects cells from oxidative stress, fights inflammation and improves memory.
- B vitamins - essential for brain development and healthy immune and nervous systems. Boosts metabolism and balances mood.
- Vitamin A - supports vision, the immune system and plays a crucial role in the health of skin and reproductive systems, while helping the heart and lungs function properly.
- Vitamin K - helps maintain strong bones, heal wounds, regulate calcium levels in the body, which is vital for heart health.
- Copper - helps our body absorb iron and maintain healthy bones and connective tissues. It supports the immune system and the production of healthy red blood cells.
- Manganese - essential for hormone production and regulation, bone formation, metabolism of carbs and fats and is an antioxidative defense against cell damage.
- Magnesium - regulates muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and aids in energy production.
- Phosphorus - essential for strong bones and teeth, filters waste in kidneys, produces energy, supports cells and tissues.
- Potassium - supports our heart, muscle and nerve function and helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels by countering the effects of sodium.
Medjool dates are packed full of minerals, something most of us don't get enough of. Minerals are essential for our entire system and are vital for building strong bones, healthy muscle and nerve function, and for aiding the production of hormones and enzymes. Minerals play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being.
Probably my most favorite thing about medjool dates, is that they give our body an energy boost whenever we need it, like before a workout or a hectic schedule, without the crash that sports drinks or energy bars, with questionable ingredients, tend to do. Medjools can be found in the produce section at most supermarkets. I like to put them in glass jars and pop them in the fridge to maintain freshness. They can also be preserved in the freezer, so they're always readily available. A large container of organic medjools costs about $20 and will almost fill a half-gallon mason jar. That's a whole lot of healthy goodness, and they're so versatile. Add them to smoothies, salads, stuff them with nut butters, chop them into your favorite dishes, or simply do what I do, and enjoy every sweet, chewy bite of these nature candies, just the way they are.