Medjool dates are the fruit of the Medjool cultivar of date palm trees, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera. This tree has been cultivated for thousands of years for its sweet fruit – the date – which contains a single stone, and ranges in color from red to yellow when ripe, depending upon the cultivar.
The impressive benefits of Medjool dates help to increase cardiovascular health, provide nutrients to promote bone-mineral density, help with growth and development, and optimize digestion.
What Are Medjool Dates?
Medjool dates are often called the king of dates, due to their global availability, and are also the soft variety of dates, as compared to semi-dry or dry varieties. Dates are usually elongated in shape, up to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide, and often have a wrinkled or dehydrated appearance. Most varieties of dates available in stores are dried, however, fresh dates can be found in some import stores and markets in the regions where dates grow.
Although these trees are native to the region of Iraq and ancient Persia, they are now widely grown around the world, from Spain and North Africa to Mexico and the United States. The majority of dates, however, are still produced in the Middle East and exported around the world. Dates are not only nutritionally dense fruits but also have a long shelf life in their dried form. To know more about dried dates, you can head over to Dried Dates: Nutrition & Top Health Benefits. [1] [2]
Medjool dates are one of the most popular dates worldwide. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
| Serving Size : | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 21.32 |
| Energy | 277 |
| Energy [kJ] | 1160 |
| Protein [g] | 1.81 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 0.15 |
| Ash [g] | 1.74 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference [g] | 74.97 |
| Fiber, total dietary [g] | 6.7 |
| Sugars, total including NLEA [g] | 66.47 |
| Sucrose [g] | 0.53 |
| Glucose (dextrose) [g] | 33.68 |
| Fructose [g] | 31.95 |
| Maltose [g] | 0.3 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 64 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 0.9 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 54 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 62 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 696 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 1 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 0.44 |
| Copper, Cu [mg] | 0.36 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 0.3 |
| Thiamin [mg] | 0.05 |
| Riboflavin [mg] | 0.06 |
| Niacin [mg] | 1.61 |
| Pantothenic acid [mg] | 0.81 |
| Vitamin B-6 [mg] | 0.25 |
| Folate, total [µg] | 15 |
| Folate, food [µg] | 15 |
| Folate, DFE [µg] | 15 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 9.9 |
| Betaine [mg] | 0.4 |
| Vitamin A, RAE [µg] | 7 |
| Carotene, beta [µg] | 89 |
| Vitamin A, IU [IU] | 149 |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] | 23 |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] | 2.7 |
| Tryptophan [g] | 0.01 |
| Threonine [g] | 0.04 |
| Isoleucine [g] | 0.05 |
| Leucine [g] | 0.08 |
| Lysine [g] | 0.05 |
| Methionine [g] | 0.02 |
| Cystine [g] | 0.05 |
| Phenylalanine [g] | 0.05 |
| Tyrosine [g] | 0.02 |
| Valine [g] | 0.07 |
| Arginine [g] | 0.06 |
| Histidine [g] | 0.03 |
| Alanine [g] | 0.08 |
| Aspartic acid [g] | 0.22 |
| Glutamic acid [g] | 0.27 |
| Glycine [g] | 0.09 |
| Proline [g] | 0.11 |
| Serine [g] | 0.06 |
| Sources include : USDA [3] | |
Medjool Dates Nutrition
According to the USDA Nutrient Database, Medjool dates are rich in dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, B- family vitamins, vitamin A, magnesium, and calcium. They provide energy and key minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. These dates also contain vitamin K, sodium, and iron. [4]
Medjool Dates vs. Regular Dates
The biggest difference between Medjool dates and “regular” dates is that they come from different cultivars of the same plant. Medjool dates are picked early in their ripening season, when they are quite soft, which is why they are included in the soft category of dates, along with other cultivars, such as Barhee and Halawy. The other common form of dates often referred to as regular dates, are Deglet Noor dates, which fall in the semi-dry category of dates. [5]
In terms of nutrition, Medjool dates are almost identical to Deglet Noor dates, although the latter tend to have more dietary fiber and less beta-carotene, as well as more lutein, fat, and protein. The largest difference is their consistency; Medjool dates are squishy and easier to eat, while Deglet Noors often have to be soaked in water before they are edible.
Health Benefits of Medjool Dates
People who regularly consume Medjool dates may find relief from maldigestion, elevated blood pressure, and cholesterol, constipation, and other ailments.
Aids in Digestion
One of the best benefits of Medjool dates is its high dietary fiber content, according to research published in the journal Critical Review in Food Science and Nutrition. A single serving of dates contains more than 6 grams of dietary fiber, roughly 20-25 percent of the daily recommended intake, depending upon your gender. Dietary fiber is crucial for the proper functioning of the digestive tract. Fiber can help eliminate constipation by stimulating peristaltic motion and regulating bowel movements. This can also help relieve hemorrhoids, bloating, cramping, and general stomach upset. [6]
Regulate Blood Pressure
The notable potassium levels in Medjool dates mean that they may have a positive effect on blood pressure. Potassium is a vasodilator, so it can relieve tension in blood vessels and arteries, which can ease the strain on the cardiovascular system and help you maintain a healthy heart.
Boost Metabolism
B vitamins, such as niacin, pantothenic acid, and folic acid, are very important for regulating metabolism, including over 300 different metabolic processes that occur within our body every single day. Medjool dates contain a healthy amount of this vitamin, as well as copper, found in high levels, and can increase iron absorption and contribute to energy generation within the body. [7]
Improve Vision
Medjool dates contain beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that is particularly effective in eye care. Vitamin A has been associated with lower levels of macular degeneration, slow development of cataracts, and lesser oxidative stress in the retina. [8] [9]
Reduce Cholesterol
High levels of dietary fiber are considered beneficial for people with high cholesterol. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, [10]dates also possess antiatherogenic properties in healthy populations. They have been shown to help aid in digestion, control cholesterol levels, and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
However, dates are high in calories and must be eaten sparingly for those who are not an ideal weight so as not to contribute to obesity.
Regulate Hormones
Manganese is often an overlooked essential mineral required by the body, even though it has many key effects on hormone production and regulation. Medjool dates have this mineral in abundance. It is essential, specifically for the production of sex hormones. As part of a healthy diet, the nutrient obtained from dates may help maintain hormone levels. [11]
Promote Growth
The protein level in Medjool dates is not impressively high, but in combination with calcium, potassium, and magnesium, it is known to boost growth and ensure proper development, particularly in children or when recovering from an injury or extended illness.
Strengthen Bones
Medjool dates contain notable levels of magnesium, manganese, copper, and calcium, all of which are vital nutrients to maintain bone mineral density in the body. So, incorporating more of these essential minerals into your diet via dates may help strengthen and improve your overall bone health. [12]
Calories in Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are quite calorically dense because there is little water in these fruits. One date, on average, weighs about 1 ounce and contains roughly 66 calories. The average serving size is about 4 dates or roughly 100 grams, totaling an average of 282 calories. While this is quite a high amount of calories for a snack and represents nearly one-eighth of most people’s calorie intake for the day, this same serving also provides more than six grams of fiber and a wealth of other nutrients.
Word of Caution: If you are trying to lose weight or dealing with diabetes, Medjool dates should be eaten in moderation. This way, the health benefits will certainly outweigh the risks. Generally, these fruits are considered to be very good for overall health when consumed in moderation.
