Blood sugar regulation
Despite their natural sweetness, these soft fruits have a surprisingly low glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes dates a safe option for people with diabetes.
One reason dates are so effective at regulating blood sugar levels is their high fiber content. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping prevent sudden spikes and drops in blood glucose levels. This is especially important for people with diabetes, who must carefully monitor their blood sugar levels to avoid complications.
Dates are also a good source of antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thus helping to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation – two factors that can worsen insulin resistance and blood sugar control.
However, it is important to remember that dates always contain natural sugar, so they should be eaten in moderation to ensure a balanced diet.
Long-term impact on natural childbirth
A small study was conducted on 69 women who consumed six dates a day for four weeks before their due date, compared with 45 women who did not consume any. At the end of the study, researchers found that women who regularly consumed dates had a shorter first stage of labor, significantly more dilated cervixes, and less need for labor induction.
