Dates are delicious and extremely healthy

TNN

Not only are they one of the less expensive and easily available dry fruits, but are also great for your health

Dates and delicious are almost synonymous. These fruits, popularly known as Khajur, are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals thereby making them indispensable when it comes to our well-being.

·         Rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants and made of simple sugars, these soft, fleshy fruits can revitalise the body and almost instantly give an energy boost.

·         Dates are cholesterol-free and have very low fat. This coupled with the fact that they are energy boosters make dates a suitable snack for health-conscious people.

·         They are rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, A1 and C, proteins and dietary fibre.

·         These fruits are a good source of iron (11%) and potassium (16%) and are rich in minerals like calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium.

·         Dates have soluble and insoluble fibres and amino acids that can help to improve your digestive system.

·         These fruits are rich in potassium and low in sodium, thereby helping to regulate your nervous system.

·         It is believed that dates with milk can help thin people gain weight.

Different ways to have dates

·         You can eat these soft dry fruits right out of the box or can coat them in molten chocolate.

·         One interesting way to have dates is to de-seed them and stuff them with almonds and walnuts.

·         When making a fruit salad you can use chopped dates. They can also be used in other desserts and savoury dishes.

·         Dates with milk can be a very nutritious dessert and can help in gaining weight

Points to keep in mind

·         One cup of dates offers around 29 mg of fructose. Avoid if you have fructose intolerance.

·         Dates have a high glycemic index and can increase your blood sugar levels.

·         One cup of dates has around 415 calories. Do not overeat if you are fighting off weight. However, having a few won't harm you!

Date chocolate balls

Ingredients:

·         500 gm or 2 medium-sized packets of marie biscuits

·         1 large cup of soft dates

·         1/2 cup desiccated coconut

·         5 tablespoons of cocoa powder

·         500 ml of tinned condensed milk

For the garnish:

·         4 tablespoons of icing sugar

·         or grated chocolate or a few quartered dates.

Method:

·         Put Marie biscuits in a large zip lock bag (or freezer bag) and crush with a rolling pin. Or you can also use a food processor but remember not to over-grind it.

·         Remove the date seeds and chop them up into small pieces.

·         Now mix all ingredients together. Roll into balls.

·         Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before serving.

For the garnish:

·         Take a tea strainer and put two tablespoons of icing sugar in it and dust the date balls with icing sugar.

·         If you do not want them too sweet, you could grate chocolate on the balls and decorate them with quartered dates.

Source: Dates are delicious and extremely healthy