Date consumption across the world
- Dates are stone fruits that have a single seed surrounded by an outer skin
- Dates can be eaten as is or used in baking or cooking to make food sweeter
- Dates are consumed worldwide as a nourishing food
Dates are a good source of many nutrients including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They also contain protein and fiber. Dates are organic and thus considered a natural sugar source. They can be eaten fresh or dried, like raisins. People all around the world eat dates every day because they’re so nutritious. In this article, we’ll explore how dates are consumed around the world.
Let’s first dive into the history of dates. Dates are one of the oldest fruits in the world, with fossils showing that they’ve been around for at least 50 million years. They first grew in the Persian Gulf area on palm trees, and they still grow on palm trees all around the world today.
Now let’s fast forward to recent years. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database, or FAOSTAT, Egypt has previously ranked as the country with the highest dates consumption, followed by Saudi Arabia and China. Based on region, they are considered the most popular in the Middle East. In Oman, dates are important because of religion and are considered part of their culture. For example, in Oman, dates are served to visitors as a sign of hospitality with coffee. They’re also served at weddings, funerals, and parties and are therefore considered essential. In Europe, dates consumption is also growing, and it is consumed as a small snack. In Europe and the United States, people are also starting to eat more dates and use as sweetener.
Regardless of how they are consumed, research also shows that dates are a nourishing food packed with many nutrients that elicit health benefits. They can help decrease the risk of heart disease, help with weight management, and improve gut health. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume dates if you’re able to do so.
Dates are part of a nutritious diet and consumed worldwide. Some of the most common uses of dates are for religious purposes, as a snack as is, or as a natural sweetener source. Dates are consumed worldwide and is usable in many ways. Dates are a nutritious food that should be a part of your diet if possible because they’re good for you.
Summary
Dates have been around for many years and are a naturally grown sugar source. They are a nourishing food with numerous health benefits. Dates usage varies per country.
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION
Antioxidants: Compounds that protect cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals.
