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to read the first part of this article click here.<\/a><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dates have been studied for their potential to promote and ease late-term labor in pregnant women.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eating these fruits throughout the last few weeks of pregnancy may promote cervical dilation and lower the need for induced labor. They may also be helpful for reducing labor time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In one study, 70 women who consumed 6 dates per day for 4 weeks prior to their due date were 20% more likely to go into labor naturally and were in labor for significantly less time than those who did not eat them<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although eating dates appears to help promote labor and reduce labor duration, more research is needed to confirm these effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The role dates may have in pregnancy is likely due to compounds that bind to oxytocin receptors and appear to mimic the effects of oxytocin in the body. Oxytocin is a hormone that causes labor contractions during childbirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, dates contain tannins, which are compounds that have been shown to help facilitate contractions. They are also a good source of natural sugar and calories, which are necessary to maintain energy levels during labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dates are a source of fructose, which is a natural type of sugar found in fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, dates are very sweet and also have a subtle caramel-like taste. They make a great healthy substitute for white sugar in recipes due to the nutrients, fiber and antioxidants that they provide.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to substitute dates for white sugar is to make date paste, as in <\/span>this<\/span><\/a> recipe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n A rule of thumb is to replace sugar with date paste at a 1:1 ratio.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, you\u2019ll replace it with 1 cup of date paste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to note that although dates are high in fiber and nutrients, they are still fairly high in calories and best consumed in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dates are incredibly versatile and make a delicious snack. They are often paired with other foods, such as almonds, nut butter or soft cheese<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dates are also very sticky, which makes them useful as a binder in baked goods, such as cookies and bars. You can also combine dates with nuts and seeds to make healthy snack bars or energy balls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, you can use dates to sweeten up sauces, such as salad dressings and marinades, or blend them into smoothies and oatmeal.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to note that dates are high in calories and their sweet taste makes them easy to overeat. For this reason, they are best consumed in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dates have been claimed to have a few other health benefits that have not yet been extensively studied.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bone health<\/strong>: Dates contain several minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. All of these have been studied for their potential to prevent bone-related conditions like osteoporosis<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n Blood sugar control: Dates have the potential to help with <\/span>blood sugar regulation<\/span><\/a> due to their low glycemic index, fiber and antioxidants. Thus, eating them may benefit diabetes management<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. May Promote Natural Labor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Excellent Natural Sweetener<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7.Easy to Add to Your Diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Other Potential Health Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n