Dates have long been a delicacy and most of the early civilizations from Indus valley to Mesopotamia and Egypt cultivated dates and traded in the same widely. Today, you are bound to come across the humble date more as a delicacy and you may even come across date palm wine if you do travel to certain corners of the world. Dates come with various health benefits and are loaded on fibre, minerals and essential nutrients along with Vitamins. This is why you are bound to come across a few health ads recommending that you consume at least three dates per day. But then, you are bound to wonder if there are any side effects from eating dates and whether you can eat the same, late at night? Well, read on to know more about some of the health benefits of eating dates and maybe, why you may want to restrict the same as well.

Health benefits from eating dates

Dates come loaded with various health benefits, and some of the main ones are listed below.

• Fibre: Dates come loaded with fibres which is effective in regulating the level of bad cholesterol in your body by effectively soaking it up from your body. What’s more, it also helps to regulate your metabolism and can help you with your weight loss as well
• Proteins and minerals: Dates are a rich source of various proteins and minerals that can help tone and build your muscles and even strengthen your bones. Dates contain various minerals such as Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorous, Iron, magnesium and Zinc, all of which are essential for your health and optimal development of your body.
• Can help prevent bone degenerative diseases: Dates are loaded on Selenium as well as magnesium and can do wonders for you as far as your bone health is concerned. It is effective in preventing osteoporosis and is often recommended as an essential diet for the elderly.

Read also: Best time to eat dates

But as with everything else, there are a few side effects that come with consuming dates which should help answer the question as to whether it is safe for you to consume dates at night.

• High in calories: Dates are naturally sweet and happen to be loaded on calories; a mere quarter cup contains as much as 24 gms of carbohydrates and 105 calories. So if you plan on eating dates regularly, you may want to keep an eye on that calorie counter.
• Increases blood sugar: Dates rank quite high on the glycemic index and will cause your blood sugar levels to shoot up immediately after you have consumed those dates.
• Can help cause cavities: Dates are rich in carbohydrates and sugars,

Given this, you may want to re-think your plans for consuming dates late at night. Since eating dates can lead to an increase in your calories as well as your sugar levels and never mind the fact that you may also get more cavities in your teeth, you may want to avoid consuming the same late at night. It is vital that you brush your teeth right after eating dates and make sure that you stay active for a few hours to work off those extra calories otherwise you will end up carting excess luggage around.