If you have a wicked sweet tooth, don’t reach for the candy jar just yet. Medjool dates are a naturally sweet snack that can satisfy your toughest cravings without all the processed sugar. Loaded with nutrients and health benefits, medjool dates are perfect for those who want to make healthier decisions without ridding their diet of any flavor.
Medjool dates aren’t referred to as the “king of dates” for nothing. Keep reading to learn why this healthy snack is a worldwide favorite.
What Are Medjool Dates?
Medjool dates are produced from the date palm tree, which are typically grown in hot climates such as the Middle East and Africa. Although you can eat them fresh, they are commonly eaten dried to increase their lifespan.
Their deep amber-brown color and wrinkly skin may not look appealing at first, but one bite into their chewy, sticky flesh will have your taste buds demanding more. The hints of caramel, honey, and cinnamon flavors that greet the tongue are what give medjool dates its reputation for being nature’s candy.
Health Benefits of Medjool Dates
It may feel like you’re cheating on your diet when you eat medjool dates, but they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are good for the body. This delicious dried fruit contains a wide variety of essential nutrients, including potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, copper, and zinc.
The benefits of medjool dates has been widely studied over the years. Studies have shown that they can provide you with the following health benefits:
Maintain cholesterol levels: Medjool dates contain properties that help maintain your cholesterol levels, which in turn can ward off heart disease and stroke.
Boosts energy: Need a great pre-workout snack? Skip the energy gels (which contain artificial ingredients) and pop some medjool dates instead. Dates are naturally rich in carbohydrates that your body needs to fuel itself.
Strengthens immune system: Dates are full of phytonutrients that help prevent illness and speed up your body’s recovery when you get sick.
Prevents cell damage: High in antioxidants, medjool dates can stave off cell damage caused by free radicals.
These are just a handful of the health benefits that medjool dates have to offer. The best part is that they can be incorporated into a wide variety of diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and paleo.
Ways to Eat Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are delicious on their own, but there are also plenty of ways to experiment with them in the kitchen. If you need some ideas, here are a few medjool date recipes that you can try:
In a smoothie: Dates can make smoothies extra creamy while also providing extra sweetness and health benefits. Try out this peanut butter-date smoothie recipe as a post-workout recovery drink.
Stuffed with nuts: Slice open the date, remove the pit, and replace it with walnuts or brazil nuts for a delicious and healthy snack.
As an energy bar: The sticky texture of medjool dates make them an ideal ingredient for nutty energy bars. If you are a fan of Lara bars, you will enjoy this 3-ingredient recipe.
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