dates

Date palms have been cultivated in North Africa for over 8000 years. Ancient Egyptians used the fruits to be made into a date wine. In the late 1700's, the Spaniards introduced dates in Mexico and California.
Christians use the leaves of the date palms for Palm Sunday. In north Africa the leaves are used for making huts.

• The fruit is naturally sweet, they are described as nature's candy,  yes they are full of sugar, but also full of nutrients.
• They are high on calories, a single date has over 60 calories.
• They have Calcium and Magnesium in an almost perfect 1:1 ratio.
• Dates are an excellent source of Potassium as well.
• They are a good source of Iron, Niacin and vitamin B6.
• They are very high on fiber.
• Dates fall into three categories  depending on their  moisture content: soft, semi soft or dry.
• They have almost no vitamin C.

Medicinal uses 

• They have a tonic effect, they help establishing a colony of good bacteria in the intestines.
• Dates have a laxative effect, soaking them overnight in water and make them into syrup the next morning. It would help constipation.
• They  may be administered as an infusion, concoction or paste to relieve colds, catarrh or sore throat.
• Remember that if you are on a low sugar diet or trying to lose weight, dates should be avoided.