Dates

Health Benefits of Dates

Dates are a great source of iron and research shows these sweet little delights help lower hypertension, Cholesterol, Heart Attacks and Prevents Stroke. They have very little sodium in them which is the basics of the Dash Diet, reducing sodium intake.

Dates can also relieve constipation. Put dates in water for the whole night and in the morning, sip the juice to speed up digestion. It is a mild and effective laxative.

They have nutrients that stop excess fat tissue, so eat them on empty stomach. They have zero cholesterol and slim you down. But, they have sugar, so set a limit.

Dates help reduce the bad cholesterol or LDL and they help clean the blood vessels.

For better heart health, put the dates to soak in water during the night. In the morning, strain this and remove seeds. Seeds can be blended and consumed.

Dates have potassium and almost zero sodium so they are healthy for the hypertension patients. 5-6 dates have 80 mg magnesium.

Dates have potassium which helps reduce the rate of strokes. With 400 mg potassium daily, you lessen stroke chances by 40%.

Storage of Dates

Dates are better stored in a tightly-sealed container; refrigerated (between 32 and 40 degrees F., 50% – 70% relative humidity), frozen (below 32 degrees F. or stored in a dark, cool pantry for up to one year. Chopped dates can be stored in cool, dry storage or several months.

Stuffed Dates

Ingredients

12 large dates, pitted

2 3 oz packages cave-aged Blue Cheese

2 Tbsp Almonds, sliced & toasted

4 Tbsp Chives, chopped

1 clove Garlic

3/4 cup extra virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Slice dates lengthwise, on one side only; taking care to not cut all the way through. Fill the date cavity with about 1/2 teaspoon blue cheese. Add a sliver of almond atop blue cheese on each date and arrange dates in the baking pan.