Nature's candy is full of natural sugars

Dates used to be part of an Arab's diet as this ‘nature's candy' was easy to transport and did not require refrigeration, according to a dietician. She said this energy-boosting fruit helps stop the craving for sweets and is good for those who are obese or overweight. "It's full of natural sugars and much healthier,' she said. The natural sugars include fructose, glucose and sucrose. But she notes that diabetics should eat just eat two or three dates at a time. Article continues below The fruit has very low calories (about 23 calories in a single date) and is a good food for the health-conscious. Controls cholesterol Lubna Surya, dietician with Aster Clinic, said the fibre in the fruit helps control bad cholesterol. According to the American Cancer Society, fibre (about 20g to 35g) is good for your body as it helps eliminates toxins from your body. Amazingly, dates are also full of other good things. It is a treasure house of B-complex vitamins, which are essential for the functioning of your metabolism. Dates also have 20 kinds of amino acids which help ease the digestive process. Their rich potassium content helps reduce the risk of stroke or coronary heart disease and helps bring down high blood pressure. Anti-oxidant The selenium in dates is a good anti-oxidant. The dietician said eating dates is ‘sunnah' (the practice of Prophet Mohammad, PBUH). In Ramadan, Muslims start and end their fast with dates. A perfect food Nature's candy: power-packed with natural sugars which give you an energy boost Calories : very low, suitable for the health-conscious Fibre: lowers bad cholesterol and cuts craving for sweets, eliminates toxins High in potassium content: which helps cut the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease Host of B-complex vitamins: essential for the function of metabolism Anti-oxidants: reduce inflammation of arteries Amino acids: 20 different kinds, which ease digestive process Pregnancy: strengthens uterine muscles and helps dilation during delivery Iron: good for the anaemic