Dates are the fruits of date palms. They have long been valued for their nutritional properties. We will understand their chemical composition and potential benefits for the body.
Calorie and chemical composition
They are a dietary product due to the high content of carbohydrates (they are represented by glucose, fructose, sucrose). Calorie dates per 100 grams is 292 kcal. 
Ratio b / w / y:
- proteins - 2.5 g;
- fat 0.5 g;
- carbohydrates - 69.2 g
Did you know? The necessary minimum human needs for nutrients can provide one date and a glass of milk.
In addition, they contain:
- dietary fiber - 6 g;
- ash - 1.5 g;
- saturated and unsaturated fatty acids - 0.1 g each
- organic acids - 0.3 g;
- water - 20 g
What is useful dried dates
Fresh, the shelf life of dates is very small, and they do not tolerate transportation, so they are exported mainly in dried form. First of all, it is a product that allows you to supply the body with fast energy due to the large amount of carbohydrates.
Learn how to grow a date palm from a stone at home, as well as how to cope with possible problems when growing it.
For women
Moderate consumption of dates is indicated for weight loss. First, they replace the harmful sweets, and secondly, remove excess fluid from the body. For women, these dried fruits are also beneficial for their beneficial effects on nails and hair - they become strong, as well as the skin - regular use of these dried fruits gives it elasticity.
Great their benefits and during pregnancy. The main thing, than dates for pregnant women are useful, - it is important to use them for anemia prevention, from which many women in the position suffer, for a quick recuperation. In addition, they contain oxytocin, which is produced by the body at the beginning of labor and helps to facilitate the process of childbirth. 
In the early stages dates will be useful in view of the presence of folic acid in them, which plays an important role in laying the nervous system of the fetus. It is worth noting that dates during pregnancy, in addition to benefits, can bring harm to the woman’s body. You can not include them in the diet of patients with diabetes and disorders in the digestive system.
Important! It should also be noted that pregnant women are advised to reduce the generally accepted consumption rates of this dried fruit.
For men
Many dates are useful and for men. They are able to strengthen the cardiovascular system, activate the brain, make the body stress-resistant, more resilient (it is easier to carry both physical and mental stress). All these factors have a positive effect on potency, therefore, these dried fruits are products that are necessary to maintain men's health. 
How many dates can be eaten per day
This fruit is a useful substitute for familiar sweets and sweets. They quickly saturate the body and at the same time have excellent taste data, so it is important not to exceed the rate of their consumption. The optimal daily portion is considered 10 dates. They carry the necessary amount of vitamins, elements and nutrients.
Did you know? The name "date" came to us from ancient Greece, in translation it means "finger", since the dried fruits are similar in this part of the body. However, there is another version of the origin of the word from "foinis", which means "red". This characterizes the appearance of the fruit.
How to choose when buying
In order for the dried fruits to bring maximum benefit, you need to choose a quality product. First of all, when buying, you should pay attention to their appearance. The color should be dark brown, with a matte surface. 
Glossy shine can say that the fruits were processed glucose syrup. This technique is used to impart a more appetizing look, as well as to hide defects on fruits and impart additional sweetness. Processed in this way, the dates become very sticky.
Next, you need to examine the fruit on the integrity of the peel. Do not buy cracked fruit. This may indicate that they contain harmful microorganisms or insect larvae, as well as violations of the drying technology.
We advise you to read about the beneficial properties and methods of drying fruits and berries: apples, plums, pears, apricots, figs, kumquat, strawberries, cherries, cornels, rose hips, sea buckthorn.
Sometimes for a faster drying process dates are treated with chemistry. Therefore, when buying is worth paying attention to their smell. They should not smell like gasoline or other chemical smell.
Candied fruits are also better not to buy. This is a sign that the rules of storage and transportation have been violated (excessive moisture) or the product is simply not fresh.
How to store at home
If you have purchased too many dried fruits, they must be folded into a glass jar or plastic container, tightly closed with a lid and stored in the refrigerator.
Important! It is not recommended to keep them in an open container, in sunlight and in a warm room. In such conditions, they can dry out and become too hard.
In the refrigerator at a temperature of about 0 ° C, they can be stored for about a year without losing useful properties. 
Contraindications and harm
The use of dates in excess of the recommended rate can lead to weight gain, as well as provoke diabetes. You can not eat them to people who have the above abnormalities, as well as fructose intolerance. Caution should be taken to their use with a propensity for caries, because the high content of sugars adversely affect tooth enamel.
"Chinese dates" is called zizifus (unabi), and "date plum" is called persimmon.
They are contraindicated in people with:
- stomach ulcer;
- chronic gastritis;
- colitis;
- enteritis.
As you can see, the use of dates for the body of women and men is indisputable, so you should definitely include them in your diet.
