TV personality and NHS GP Dr Amir Khan highlighted the benefits of a particular fruit that he enjoys daily. In a social media video made towards the end of February, Dr Amir shared his daily habit of eating dates.
His post read: “You guys are loving my date, walnut and peanut butter snacks. And because it’s almost Ramadan and it’s tradition to break fasts with a date – here’s my reel on why I love dates so much again.”
Dr Amir mentioned that for individuals monitoring their blood sugar levels, dates are an excellent choice. He said: “Studies show that dates don’t have an impact on average blood sugar levels or fasting sugars, and actually some research shows that dates can lower your average blood sugars and even lower your cholesterol.”
He attributed these health advantages partly to the high fibre content found in dates, which also promotes gut health. Furthermore, he lauded the presence of plant antioxidants and polyphenols in dates, which aid in warding off cell damage from “harmful free radicals”, reports Surrey Live.
Additionally, early research, as noted by Dr Amir, indicates that dates could bolster brain health through reducing inflammation. He recommended dates as a healthy substitute for sweet cravings.
Owing to their status as a dried fruit, dates are densely packed with nutrients, which means they tend to be more calorie-rich compared to other fruits, he stated. While most of their caloric value comes from carbohydrates, they also provide a modicum of protein.
Although dates are high in calories, they are also a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which can have a positive impact on gut health. According to Healthline, the fibre content in dates may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion and preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar.
Additionally, dates are packed with antioxidants that can help mitigate the risk of various diseases. These antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid, play a crucial role in protecting the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Flavonoids have been shown to reduce inflammation and may help lower the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancer. Carotenoids are known to promote heart health, while phenolic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
In a previous post from February, Dr Amir shared his healthy date snack recipe, which involves topping dates with peanut butter and a walnut. He said: “So all I do is get some medjool dates, take out the seed, put some peanut butter in and a walnut. And that way I’ve got all the health benefits of these dates which are high fibre, loads of antioxidants, managing my blood sugars really well.
“The walnuts, you know I’m obsessed with walnuts, obsessed with the omega-3s that come from walnuts and all the other goodness. And that bit of peanut butter adds a bit of healthy fats and protein, and I just can’t tell you how delicious this is.”