D is for Dates – natures fudge!
Although high calorie (relative), dates are nutritionally dense.
🟤 They’re high in fibre with 7g per 100g portion. Fibre is required for good digestive health, helps prevent constipation, and by slowing digestion, helps with blood sugar control.
🟤 Dates are high in anti-oxidants such as Flavonoids, Carotenoids and Phenolic acid that reduce inflammation, promote heart health and maintain eye health.
🟤 A 100g serving of dates (about 4 with the pits taken out) contains around 18% of your daily copper needs. Copper contributes to iron absorption, helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves and immune function.
🟤 They’re super sweet, like a natural fudge so they’re a great alternative to processed confectionery.
I love to add dates to my morning oats and if I’m craving a sweet treat, or I grab a strawberry and sandwich it between 2 date halves 🙂 .
Mums-to-be… Studies have shown that dates may promote and ease late-term labour. Eating dates in the later stages of pregnancy may promote cervical dilation and reduce labour time. NB More studies are needed though so don’t take this as gospel!