21 Reasons Dates Should Be Your New Superfood Sidekick

5. High In Antioxidants

Dates are usually eaten dried and are thus high in calories. A single 3.5-ounce serving contains 277 calories. The same serving, however, also contains a lot of nutrients, such as two grams of protein. Dates also provide twenty percent of the recommended daily intake of potassium and twelve percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B6. Dates are also high in antioxidants. They provide eighteen percent of the RDI of copper and fifteen percent of the RDI of manganese. Dates also contain carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acid. Carotenoids can help the heart stay healthy and they may also prevent eye disorders like macular degeneration. Flavonoids prevent inflammation and thus may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer. Phenolic acid also prevents inflammation and may reduce the chances of developing heart disease or cancer.

6. Reduce Blood Pressure

When individuals suffer from chronic high blood pressure, they often control it with medicine. However, the foods they eat are even more important in maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure range. Dates contain carotenoids, which promote heart health and reduce blood pressure. Potassium can also be found in dates, and the body needs potassium for proper heart functioning. Another ingredient in dates is magnesium, which has been proven to reduce blood pressure. It is, of course, important for everyone to keep their blood pressure under control because it can lead to life-threatening health problems, such as a heart attack or a stroke. Dates, along with other fruits, are also commonly recommended as heart-healthy foods.