Dates are the edible fruit of the date palm, prized for their richness in vitamins and minerals. Homeland and history of this fruit, which grows on date trees, otherwise known as “Phoenix”, has been known since ancient times and for thousands of years was considered one of the main types of food in Africa and the Middle East. According to one of the versions, date palms first appeared in the countries of the Persian Gulf, and archaeological evidence indicates that dates were cultivated in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula 6 thousand years BC. For the inhabitants of the Ancient East, it was the most valuable fruit because of its availability, taste and useful properties. It was believed that dates contain all the substances a person needs, so they were taken on long hikes. Fruits were depicted on the walls of the temples of Babylonia and Assyria, and in Ancient Egypt they made wine from them and immortalized this process on the walls of tombs.
These fruits are rich in copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, potassium, calcium and vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6. They contain 23 types of amino acids that are absent in most fruits. They have fairly high calorie content – there are 274 kcal per 100 grams of dates. Despite the large amount of carbohydrates, they can be included in the diet as a substitute for sweets. Fruits help fight viral infections, and also soothe coughs and remove phlegm. They have a tonic effect, they are able to tone up and give strength. Dates are useful for anemia, hypertension, for brain activity, have a beneficial effect on the heart, kidneys and liver. Due to the composition rich in vitamins and microelements, the product is good for those who play sports or are often tired. Dates are also good for the elderly because they contain no cholesterol at all and protect against cardiovascular disease thanks to magnesium and potassium. These fruits are able to regulate blood glucose levels, reduce the risk of developing vascular pathologies and maintain the body’s acid balance.
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Atajan Rozybayev,
3rd year student of International Law faculty
of Institute of International Relations of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
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