Breaking Down the Nutrients in Dates; Vitamin and Mineral Rundown!

When you think about the nutritional components of dates, what comes to mind? For many, the carbohydrate and fibre content stand out at highlights.

However, date fruit contain minerals and vitamins as well as phenolic and flavonoid compounds that supportgood health. Minerals are compounds found in food that support cellular function and biochemical processes within the human body.

Date fruit contain significant content of important minerals including; potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus (1).

Let’s compare a serving of Liva Date Syrup (2 tbsp) to other refined sugar alternatives, Maple Syrup and Honey.

What we can see is that honey is significantly lower in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Although, maple syrup is comparable from a mineral standpoint; it is significantly lower in fiber therefore higher on the glycemic index and will result in more drastic blood sugar spikes upon consumption.

Dates also contain vitamins like beta carotene which is a precursor of vitamin A, ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and nicotinic acid (B3). These nutritional components play a key role in the maintenance of good health, mitigation of disease and allow the body to perform its key functions in a state of equilibrium.

As a result of dates vast mineral and vitamin content; date fruit has been shown as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective and anticancer (1). 

When it comes to choosing a sugar alternative; LIVA raw organic date powder and syrup is healthier alternative to many other sweeteners due to its vitamin and mineral content.

For more information on the functional applications of dates and recipe ideas check out the blog section of our website.

This article was developed by Emma BscFN (c), our resident dietetics student.

*Note that this article is intended for informational purpose only and is not intended as medical or direct nutritional advice. Please consult your medical doctor or individual counselling with a registered dietician to determine what is best for your unique needs.

References:

1. Alvi T, Khan MKI, Maan AA, Razzaq ZU. Date fruit as a promising source of functional carbohydratesand bioactive compounds: A review on its nutraceutical potential. J Food Biochem. 2022 Sep;46(9):e14325.