Foods to pair with dates for boosting immunity

Sweet, satiating, and loaded with fibre, eating dates or Khajoor is a delicious way to satiate your sugar cravings without raising your blood sugar dramatically. There are many reasons to include dates and its recipes in your daily diet as they have impressive benefits due to their nutritional composition. A heart-healthy food, dates are also rich in polyphenols that aid in boosting good cholesterol in the body. Even 2-3 pieces of dates can make you feel satiated for a long time as they are rich in dietary fibre, and can even help regularize your bowel movements. However, avoid going overboard if you have diabetes as you may experience unnecessary blood sugar spikes. If you are looking for foods to pair with dates, here are some options for you:

1. Dates and apples

A power-packed combo for digestion and brain health, dates and apples can be combined in a range of recipes from smoothies, pies to sweet puddings like Kheer. Apple has healthy fibre like pectin and dates too are high in soluble fibre. Dates and apples have antioxidants that can prevent brain inflammation and boost cognitive health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), says 4 dates or 100 grams of it contains a good amount of copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and Vitamin B6.

Easy recipe: Chop apples in small pieces, deseed the date and reduce it to small bits. Add some milk and get ready to enjoy a sweet and delicious shake.

2. Oats and dates

Dates can enhance the goodness of oats and add a series of micronutrients to it, making for a balanced meal. This combination can also be consumed for gaining weight and is recommended by health experts for boosting immunity. Eating oats and dates together can be excellent for your gut health and regularize your bowel movements. This also makes for a breakfast that instantly energises you.

Easy recipe: Roast oats on a low to medium flame and once aromatic, transfer it to a bowl. Deseed 3-4 dates, cut them in small pieces, and make a paste along with some water. You can also add your choice of dry fruits to this recipe and customize its flavor as you like. Mix the ingredients in a bowl of milk and enjoy a healthy breakfast.

3. Chocolate and dates

Chocolates are loved by one and all and they can be easily made healthy by adding dates instead of sugar. Antioxidants in dark chocolate can help reduce blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease, and improve blood circulation. Flavonols in chocolates caeatingn boost brain function. When unsweetened dark chocolate is combined with dates, it makes for a perfect treat for those with sweet tooth, and can offer many health benefits.

Easy recipe: Take 8-12 date pieces and remove seeds with caution. Stuff them with an almond each and freeze them for some time. Melt some unsweetened dark chocolate and quote the dates with it. Garnish with your choice of crushed dry fruits. Your date chocolates are ready to be relished.

4. Dates and almonds

A combination of dates and almonds can be wonderful for stabilizing your blood sugar levels, liver health, heart health, better immunity, and better sleep. It not only satisfies sweet tooth, but can keep you full for longer, suppressing unwanted hunger pangs.

Easy recipe: Chop and roast almonds until fragrant. Cut dates into small pieces and convert it into a pulp-like consistency. Mix almonds and dates. Add some honey and make small balls after applying a little ghee or vegetable oil in your palms. Freeze and enjoy.

It is important to not over-indulge in dates as they are nutrient dense and having too much of them can lead to blood sugar spikes and digestive trouble. Eating them in moderation - 5-6 pieces - can help you reap many benefits for your health.


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