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What is the importance of fruits in a diet program? Fruits are very beneficial in our daily lives. They provide us with many health benefits that other food items do not provide. It has been proven by scientific research that fruits contain almost seventy percent of the necessary vitamin A that we need every day. Vitamin A helps us with proper eyesight, healthy skin, strong bones, and muscle growth. Fruits also help to control blood sugar levels and regulate weight gain.
The importance of fruits in a diet program is further highlighted when it comes to losing weight. Research has shown that the amount of water in your body is related to weight loss. It is better to have a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables rather than eating other high-calorie foods. You can make this a part of your daily diet program by having a daily bowl of fruits and vegetables in the morning. Along with fruits, you should also include cereal, yogurt, milk, and eggs in your diet.1
The importance of fruits in a diet program is enhanced when it comes to combating cancer. The natural antioxidants found in fruits help to strengthen our immune system and hence prevent us from getting affected by cancer. On a daily basis, you should try and eat five portions of fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you can not stick to this you should take a multivitamin supplement to ensure that you get all the vitamins and minerals that are required for a healthy diet. Once you start eating a healthy diet you will find that it becomes easier to stay fit and healthy.
Delicious Protein Bars With Dates
Protein Bars with dates are extremely delicious and a great alternative if you are trying to cut back on carbohydrates. One of the most popular snack foods today are protein bars. Protein bars with dates are just as popular and they have a wide range of benefits to offer you. These are specifically high in protein, which provides energy and an energy boost to you when working out or just plain feeling good to look forward to an energy boost throughout the day. There are many different types of protein bars that you can find today. Some of them come loaded with chocolate pieces or almonds; some contain only whey protein, whereas others come packed with eggs as well.
When choosing a protein bar that you want to try, make sure that the protein is mixed with at least some dates. By mixing dates in your protein bars with protein powder, you will increase the number of healthy carbohydrates that you can receive from each bar, as protein bars with dates are simply amazing. The reason for this is because protein bars with dates in them provide an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which give you energy much faster than simple carbohydrates, and also give you the energy that you need to work out as well.2
Another great thing about protein bars with dates is that they have low levels of fat and cholesterol. This is because the protein in them is broken down rather quickly, and then converted into glucose and fatty acids that your body can use. So while you still get the energy that you need, you don’t gain any weight. This is just one of the many benefits that you can receive by consuming protein bars with dates added in. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, then protein bars with dates added in are the best option for you to choose when looking for a protein bar to supplement your diet. Not only will they be delicious, but you can feel great about the way that they make you feel overall.
Are Dates in Protein Bars Healthy?
First, if protein bars with dates are healthy, so are the chocolate bars, hazelnut bars, peanut butter bars, and everything else that has chocolate in them. Chocolate isn’t bad for us, it actually contains some healthy ingredients including cocoa. Chocolate is high in protein and if you eat enough of it you’ll get a lot of protein. But, other protein bars with dates are not high in protein and that can sometimes be bad for you.3
Second, while there may be some taste, that protein from a protein bar is going to clog your digestive system. This is why many people have to take probiotic supplements in order to have healthy, bacteria-filled digestion. Third, there is a potential deficiency of vitamin C and other nutrients if the protein bars with dates are anything less than healthy. While some people may feel better because of the sugar substitute, there is no substitute for real protein and real, healthy enzymes if you want to build muscle, get rid of fat, and become healthy.
What Are Dates?
What are the dates? This common question has been on many minds since some time ago when the Mayan Indians first discovered this popular sweet from the slopes of the Andes Mountains. The tasty dates come in a variety of colors and can be eaten plain, added with flavors like raisins, nuts, or honey to make exotic sweet treats, or enjoyed as a dessert with a glass of fruit juice after the main components have been blended.4
For centuries, dates have been enjoyed all over the Middle East, and dates from the Middle East have a reputation for being especially high in quality, as is the case with the Medjool dates mentioned above. Middle Eastern food is renowned for its use of dates, both fresh and dried, as a way to add flavor and moistness to various soups and stews. In fact, dates are so versatile that some of the most popular ingredients in Middle Eastern cooking are dates themselves. They are often used in conjunction with nuts or pomegranates to create desserts that have a rich, creamy texture.5
The Middle East is a place that harbors a wealth of information about foods and cooking traditions, and recipes for dates are just as plentiful as there are places to seek them out. The next time you get yourself an afternoon free of chores and want a snack that won’t cause guilt or leave you craving unhealthy comfort food, give your taste buds a treat by using or making a Middle Eastern version of a favorite dessert.
What Are the Health Benefits of Dates?
What are the health benefits of dates? Well, Medjool dates certainly don’t disappoint. Packed with nutrients, iron, vitamins, and minerals, the health benefits of dates are impressive. These sweet, gooey, edible fruits of the dates tree make excellent sugar alternatives and natural sweeteners, but they’re not only delicious.
The best things about dates are that they are rich in antioxidants – good bacteria that may have health benefits. Antioxidants can protect against premature aging, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as from infection and other illnesses. Antioxidants also prevent damage to DNA caused by free radicals, which contribute to cell mutation and the development of cancerous growths. So the next time you’re eating dates think twice before grabbing the bag – you may be surprised at the nutrients it has in store for you.6
In addition to containing antioxidants, dates are good sources of vitamin C, beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and manganese. And the best thing about eating dates is that they are one of nature’s purest sweetest foods. Yes, there are “man-made” sweeteners out there, but nothing compares to the natural sweetness of fresh date syrup or pure date honey. In fact, eating dates is like eating the most nutritious dessert you’ve ever had – all without using any extra calories. And we’re not talking calories from added sugars – we’re talking real, natural organic calories, too!7
They’re also good for your diet, especially if you replace white sugar with date syrup or pure honey. Because dates are sweet, a typical serving contains only 45 calories, compared to 50 calories per serving of white sugar. That’s a significant reduction in calories, especially when you look at the glycemic index. Glycemic index rates compare the amount of sugar in food with its effect on blood sugar levels. The lower the index, the better for you.
What’s more, dates contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to maintain a healthy balance of these substances. For example, dates are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as potassium and manganese, all of which help the body use calcium. If you look at any nutritional label, you’ll find that dates are one of the healthiest foods available – especially in terms of minerals.8
Further, the fiber content of dates makes them an excellent source of protein. Natural sugars enhance protein digestion, so eating these sugary treats can actually boost your protein intake without loading you up with unwanted amounts of dietary fiber. What’s more, the high potassium and magnesium content of dates make them ideal as a snack because they keep your blood sugar low. Low blood sugar means reduced hunger and cravings, which is another health benefit of dates.
Finally, you should consider the source. High-fiber fruits like dates are relatively low in calories, so using them to burn fat is a smart move. However, if you’re trying to lose weight, dates aren’t going to cut it. They’re high in calories and very rarely contain nutrients to improve your diet. So even if you use dates as a delicious dessert, you’ll probably be just as unsatisfied as you were before.
Image Credits
Youtube / 2021
Food Revolution Network / Google Stock Images
Food Revolution Network / Google Stock Images
RatinkHosh / 2021
1 “Why is it important to eat fruit? – UNL Food.” https://food.unl.edu/NEP/NEP%20Documents/Fruit%20Group.pdf Accessed 3 Nov. 2021.
2 “Complex carbohydrates: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image.” 20 Aug. 2020, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19529.htm Accessed 3 Nov. 2021.
3 “Chocolate: Health benefits, facts, and research – Medical News Today.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270272 Accessed 3 Nov. 2021.
4 “What Are Dates, and Why Are They So Awesome? | Bon Appétit.” 24 Apr. 2018, https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-are-dates Accessed 3 Nov. 2021.
5 “8 Proven Health Benefits of Dates – Healthline.” 21 Mar. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-dates Accessed 3 Nov. 2021.
6 “Medjool Dates: Are There Health Benefits? – WebMD.” 25 Sep. 2020, https://www.webmd.com/diet/medjool-dates-health-benefits Accessed 3 Nov. 2021.
7 “8 Proven Health Benefits of Dates – Healthline.” 21 Mar. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-dates Accessed 3 Nov. 2021.
8 “Glycemic index for 60+ foods – Harvard Health.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic-index-and-glycemic-load-for-100-foods Accessed 3 Nov. 2021.
