The date fruit is one of the sweetest fruits around and also happens to come in many different varieties. They can be eaten fresh of dry. The health benefits of dates are plentiful.

- Promoting digestive health: The insoluble and soluble fiber found in dates help to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency.

- Boosting heart health: In addition to promoting colon health, fiber is also known to boost heart health.

- Anti-inflammatory: Dates are rich in magnesium – a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation in the arterial walls was also reduced with magnesium intake.

- Reduced blood pressure: Magnesium has been shown to help lower blood pressure – and again, dates are full of the mineral. Additionally, potassium is another mineral in dates aiding with the proper workings of the heart and helping to reduce blood pressure.

- Reduced stroke risk: After evaluating 7 studies published over a 14 year time period, researchers found stroke risk was reduced by 9% for every 100 milligrams of magnesium a person consumes per day.

- Boosting brain health: Sufficient vitamin B6 levels are associated with improved brain performance and better test scores. Dates are abundant in vitamin B6.