The benefits of dates include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anaemia, sexual dysfunction, diarrhoea, abdominal cancer and many other conditions. – www.organicfacts.net
YOU HAVE TRIED everything in your power to boost up business in the bedroom and nothing is working so you feel frustrated. Have you tried dates?
I do not mean going on another date; I mean consuming silent doctor dates. How many readers know that dates are reputed by some people to spice up life? Well, if you are looking for more romance, try some dates and get back to me with the final result.
This week the spotlight is on dates, which are very popular with Caribbean people. As we proceed to celebrate 50 years of Independence, let us ensure our celebrations are sincere and holistic by also documenting the herbal culture that has been given to us by our African ancestors.
Dates, whose scientific name is phoenix dactylifera, have been included in diets, especially vegetarians’, for a very long time. If you speak to the lovers of dates, they will be quick to tell you that they substitute dates for sugar.
Dates, the fruit of a specific species of palm, contain many nutrients, including protein, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium, copper, fibre, manganese, protein and vitamin A.
The website www.nutrition-and-you.com reveals: “The fruit is rich in dietary fibre, which prevents LDL cholesterol absorption in the gut. Additionally, the fibre works as a bulk laxative. It thus helps to protect the colon mucous membrane from cancer-causing chemicals binding to it in the colon.”
Dietary fibre is also excellent for people who are challenged with constipation. You can try consuming two dates mixed with two tablespoons of linseed between meals. Furthermore, the potassium content is good for people who want to control blood pressure. The web page further says that “potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. They thus offer protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases”.
Dates are also good for people who want to gain weight. They also diminish allergic reactions and boost energy levels.
Finally, the web page organicfacts.net offers hope. “Studies have shown that dates are even beneficial for increasing sexual stamina. Soak a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk overnight, then grind them in the same milk with a mixture of cardamom powder and honey. This mixture becomes a very useful tonic for increasing sexual endurance and reducing sterility caused by various sexual disorders.”
• Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via [email protected] or by telephone 250-6450.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care provider.
