21 Reasons Dates Should Be Your New Superfood Sidekick

9. Promotes Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease in which bones become brittle and weak. The bones are therefore more susceptible to fractures. The condition is most frequently seen in elderly individuals, and it tends to worsen over time, especially if left untreated. It is common for individuals with osteoporosis to experience bone pain, back pain and also muscle cramps. Doctors often recommend a special diet that promotes bone health. Treatments for osteoporosis typically include taking vitamin supplements and drugs designed to strengthen bones. However, there are some foods patients can eat to help improve bone strength. Because dates are filled with bone-strengthening minerals such as potassium and calcium, eating dates promotes bone health.

10. Decreases Oxidative Stress

Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven amount of electrons. When free radicals come into contact with other molecules, they react to them. During this reaction process, free radicals trigger chemical reactions in the body. An imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the human body causes oxidative stress. All of these processes can either be helpful to the body or harmful. For instance, when antioxidants give an electron to a free radical, this can lead to the stabilization of free radicals. However, in some cases, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants is created, and the body has a negative response to it, which can lead to damage in fatty tissue and proteins. The good news is dates contain antioxidants, which decreases oxidative stress. There are several other things individuals can do to see decreases in oxidative stress, including avoiding toxins and processed foods might help.