Diabetes Complications And Diabetes Diet Plan

How effective dates are as diabetic food and for cardiac patients?

Date is a fruit, which is considered as a delicacy in many countries. It is also part of the staple diet, in the Middle East. It has an excellent nutrient composition and is a good source of copper, phosphorus, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese. It is a poor source of fat, which makes it an integral part of weight loss diets. The total fat content is as low as 0.39 mg. Saturated fats comprise 0.032 mg, poly unsaturated fat - 0.019 mg and mono unsaturated fat - 0.036 mg. About hundred grams of dates provides 75 grams of carbohydrates, 2 mg of sodium, 39 mg of calcium and 19 micrograms of folic acid. They are easy to digest and help in the repair of tissues. Dates can be boiled in water and used as a rejuvenating drink for individuals, especially in convalescence. The total dietary fiber contribution by dates is 7.5 grams per 100 grams. They are an excellent source of potassium at 652 mg per 100 gm. It provides 275 kcal per 100 grams, though a poor source of protein, with 1.97 gm per 100 gm.

Diabetes Diet Plan And Treatment Of Diabetes

Dates are good for the heart. They are often soaked overnight and the water is drunk with the crushed dates, for a strong heart. Milk boiled with dates is also helpful. Dates helps in the control of blood glucose levels. The sweetness of dates fails to have any harmful effect on diabetics. Dates exhibit laxative properties and provide relief from constipation, due to their fiber (8 gm per 100 grams) content. It is also effective against intoxication by alcohol. Water in which dates have been soaked overnight is drunk for this purpose. Dates are considered an aphrodisiac, as it enhances the sterility and sex stamina that may be affected due to functional disorders. Drinking goat’s milk, in which the dates are soaked overnight, is also considered healthy.

Date syrups are commercially available, and are good for nursing mothers. Care is essential, as proper brushing of teeth is important, after consumption of date syrup. Anemia or iron deficiency is especially common in vegetarians, due to the lack of meat intake, and dates are good iron supplements. Dates are highly effective against anaemia. The contribution of iron by dates is higher than finger millet, greens and pomegranate. Dates are sticky in nature and require a lot of care, prior to usage. Wash them well, as they attract a lot of dust and other impurities.