Runners continuously question what to eat in order to have the best performance. The answer is dates! They are easily digested and primarily glucose so are perfect for the boost of energy that you need during a long run. You can simply slip some seeded dates into a plastic baggy and store in your running belt for easy access. Plus, below is a link to an AMAZING recipe that you can make to eat after the run. But before that, let’s get into the health benefits of dates:
- High in fiber, prevents LDL cholesterol absorption and moves waste through the body. In turn, there are reduced risks of colitis, colon cancer and hemorrhoids
- Anti-inflammatory—helps reduce the risk of arthritis, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s
- Anti-oxidant and offers some protection against colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung and pancreatic cancer
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces stroke risk
- Strengthens bones
- Boosts nervous system health and improves brain activity
- Alleviates seasonal allergies because they contain sulfur
- Perfect supplement for people suffering from anemia--increasing energy and strength
- Contain vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, riboflavin, folate, A, B6 (improves brain performance) and K
- Contain minerals potassium (controls heart rate and blood pressure), iron (helps carry and balance oxygen in the blood), calcium (required for muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve impulse conduction), manganese, magnesium (anti-inflammatory and required for bone growth), phosphorus, sodium, zinc and copper (required for production of red blood cells)
What is there not to love about dates? Seems like the perfect food to me. Check out my recipes for Date and Nut Balls.