Dates are one of nature's wonders that have been attributed many nutritional and healing properties since olden times. A...

Enticingly Healthy Date Salad and Date Ice Cream

6/09/2016 Unknown 0 Comments

Dates are one of nature's wonders that have been attributed many nutritional and healing properties since olden times. Along with regular dates, Medjool dates also have all the nutrients needed by a human body to function perfectly without needing any artificial supplements. Taking in the right quantity of nutrients is essential for our overall well-being, and dates provide the right nutrients in exactly the right amounts.

Here are some facts about the health benefits of dates that will interest you:
A 100-gram serving of dates has lesser carbohydrates than a similar serving of raisins. It also has more niacin (Vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), folic acid (Vitamin B9), magnesium and zinc. Although dates contain a few more calories and are slightly higher in sugar content than raisins, they are also very good energy boosters.
Similarly, although a 100-gram serving of banana is sometimes preferred over dates since it contains less sugar and carbohydrates, Medjool dates contain more dietary fibre, calcium, protein, iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K compared to bananas. Dates also contain three times the energy contained in the same quantity of bananas. In this way, many simple uses of dates contribute to a healthy regime.
Date salad
A refreshing healthy salad recipe that incorporates dates into your diet is as follows:
Take one cup couscous, 300 ml water, half a cup of boiled chickpeas, one tomato and cucumber each cut in pieces, three tablespoons freshly chopped coriander, six pitted and chopped Medjool dates, three thinly sliced onions, three tablespoons olive oil, three tablespoons lemon juice, a handful of sliced and toasted almonds, half cup toasted paneer (cottage cheese), and salt and pepper to taste.

Boil the couscous with water in a pan until cooked. Cool to room temperature and transfer to a serving bowl. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, Medjool dates, coriander, onions, olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with toasted paneer and almonds.
The health benefits of dates used in this couscous salad are amazing. You feel full, energetic and simultaneously satisfy your sweet tooth a little as well. Replacing your usual burger or wrap with this delicious date salad is a sure shot way to lose weight and stay healthy.
Date ice cream
Desserts made with dates are good too. You will need ten pitted and chopped Medjool dates, two pitted and peeled avocados, 300 ml plain yogurt and two tablespoons cocoa powder. Blend all the ingredients together. Place into ice cream moulds and refrigerate until frozen. Eat when desired. This ice cream recipe using natural ingredients is an amazing, delicious and yet healthy addition to your diet.
There can be many more uses of dates in salads and desserts that contribute to overall health and well-being.

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