Date Syrup: What are the Benefits and Uses

Are you searching for a healthy substitute for sugar? For those who like to eat sweet desserts but can’t tolerate sugar, date products are great alternatives. Date syrup is one of the most delicious and popular products that is made by processing dates. It is not only sweet and delightful but also carries all the benefits that dates hold. Therefore, date syrup can be your choice. Let’s see what health benefits date syrup has and how you can use it.

What are the benefits of Date syrup?

Since date syrup is made from pitted dates, it has the sweet taste of this fruit and still holds all the benefits of dates.

It has antioxidants

Studies indicate that dates are high in antioxidants, which makes any related products healthy for the immune system. Antioxidants can prevent the cells from the damages caused by aging or the lack of immunity. Therefore, eating foods that are high in antioxidants can help our body become secure against several diseases, such as respiratory problems, heart disease, or brain damages caused by aging, such as Alzheimer’s.

Date syrup has antibacterial properties

New evidence shows that date syrup might have antibacterial effects. However, researchers believe more research is needed on this subject, but due to the presence of phenolic compounds in dates, they have shown effective results in reducing the growth of several bacteria. Middle easterners not only consumed date syrup because of its distinctive taste and health benefits but also used it to cure wounds, which can support the effectiveness of this syrup as an antibacterial product.

Note: It doesn’t mean that you can consume date syrup to treat different diseases, this product can help your body become stronger and more immune but don’t count on it as a medicine.

Dates are rich in minerals and vitamins that are needed in the body

Our body needs several minerals and vitamins during the day to stay healthy and strengthful. Fortunately, dates have the necessary minerals and vitamins for the body, such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin A, which are beneficial to the body.

It can give you energy you need during the day

Dates are high in calories. Eating only one spoon of date syrup in the morning can give you energy all day long. That’s why most athletes consume date products to become more energetic before their workouts. Date and its products are the most popular foods for Muslims during Ramadan. They usually eat it in the morning, so they don’t need to eat anything else all day because it gives them the energy they may need during the day.

Date syrup is rich in fiber

Fiber can help the digestive system, and dates are high in dietary fiber. Therefore, not only it is easy to digest date syrup, but also this product can help with absorbing other foods. It is hard for some people to digest fruits, but dates are easy to eat, and date syrup is even easier to digest.

It is cholesterol-free

Dates don’t have any cholesterol, and since this product is made without any additives, such as extra oil, it is healthy for the heart. Therefore, people with heart diseases can safely eat date syrup without being concerned about their cholesterol intake.

Date Syrup Uses

Date syrup has a sweet flavor and a soft texture, which makes it similar to honey. Therefore, it can be consumed like honey too.

• It is easy to add date syrup to different recipes, including cakes and desserts. It is an exceptional alternative to sugar.
• Date syrup can be eaten individually. Some people like to enjoy this delicious syrup at breakfast.
• People who enjoy sweet flavor can make unique sauces with this product.
• It is a preferred ingredient for different diets, such as vegan and paleo diets.
• It is also used as a delightful dressing over ice creams.

Is Date syrup healthy for people with diabetes?

Since date syrup has natural sugar, which doesn’t spike the blood sugar levels as much as artificial sugar does, it is a safe choice for people with diabetes. However, even though Dates have a low GI, overeating might have a negative impact on blood sugar level. Therefore, if you have diabetes, consult with your medical assistant about consuming this product. Your doctor will let you know how much date syrup you are allowed to eat in a day based on your condition.

How much date syrup is healthy to eat in a day?

As a healthy person without having diabetes, you can eat between 4 to 6 dates during a day based on the type of date (larger dates might have more calories and sugar). But we can’t count the numbers of dates per serving of date syrup. Therefore, it’s better to avoid eating too much date syrup, especially if you want to lose weight. Date syrup is high in calories and rich in natural sugar, which means overeating it might harm your body. It’s recommended to eat no more than seven teaspoons of date syrup per day. Moreover, if you have any health problems, such as diabetes, it’s better to talk to your doctor about the amount of date syrup you can eat per day.

How to make Date syrup at home?

Like date paste, it is possible to make date syrup at home too. The process is very simple but needs some equipment. You need fresh pitted dates, and it will only take 10 minutes to make this healthy savory product.

1. Wash the pitted dates and soak them in hot water for almost 2 hours.
2. You can remove the skin easily.
3. Mash the dates completely. You can use a blending machine for this process.
4. Use a cheesecloth as a filter, and extract the water from the rest of the ingredients.
5. Squeeze the dates in the cheese clothes to remove all its water.
6. Put the pulps remained in the cheese clothes in the bowl again. Add some water and let it boil.
7. Do the filtering part again.
8. Now you need to boil the water that is in the bowl to make it as sticky as honey.
9. Put the date syrup in an airtight container. Let it cool down and then store it in the refrigerator or any cool and dry place.

Bottom Line

Date syrup can be the best friend for people who enjoy eating sweet dishes and desserts. It is delicious, healthy, and easy to incorporate into different recipes. Although making date syrup at home is so easy, it’s easier to find pre-made products at the market. But make sure to check the ingredients to avoid buying products that have additives, such as sugar, oil, or any artificial color.