Medjool dates are native to Morocco. Sometimes called the "king of dates," they used to be considered a delicacy reserved for the Moroccan royal family and their guests. Now, though, Medjool dates are grown and enjoyed throughout the world. Read on to find out what everyone should know before trying this delicious and nutritious superfood.
What Are Medjool Dates?
Medjool dates are large, oval-shaped fruits with dark brown, textured skin. Like other dates, they have pits in the middle surrounded by edible flesh. Medjool dates are known as soft dates, so harvesting can begin early in the season. When shopping for medjool dates, it's important to note that they are typically sold dried rather than dehydrated. The benefit of this strategy is that the sugars concentrate as these fruits dry, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Nutritional Profile
Medjool dates aren't just delicious. They're also known as a highly nutritious sugar substitute and with good reason. According to the USDA, just one date provides:
- 167 mg potassium
15.4 mg calcium
14.9 mg phosphorous
13 mg magnesium
0.216 mg iron
These are just a few of the many nutrients found in this superfood. To sweeten the deal, even more, Medjool dates also contain large amounts of fiber, which has been shown to aid in digestion. They also have significantly more calcium than other common varieties of dates.
Potential Health Benefits
Given the wide variety of essential nutrients found in Medjool dates, it should come as no surprise that they can confer health benefits. Those benefits can include:
Protection Against Cardiovascular Disease
The fiber in Medjool dates helps to lower LDL cholesterol and keep arteries clean, but that's not the only reason these fruits help protect against cardiovascular disease. They're also rich in antioxidants, which help to combat the oxidative stress that often leads to heart issues.
Support for Healthy Digestion
The fact that Medjool dates contain a good deal of fiber makes them an excellent digestive aid. Fiber has been shown to promote bowel regularity, prevent constipation and diarrhea, and even reduce the risk of developing serious digestive diseases like colorectal cancer.
Neuroprotective Qualities
This article has already discussed the ability of Medjool dates to combat oxidative stress. However, these fruits' high antioxidant levels may also help to reduce neuroinflammation and the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Support for Bone Health
The calcium, potassium, manganese, and copper found in Medjool dates are important nutrients for supporting bone health. This makes them a perfect snack for anyone worried about osteoporosis.
Natural Energy
Medjool dates pack a lot of punch. They contain high levels of carbohydrates and natural sugars in small servings. Carbs are the body's primary nutritional source of energy, and natural sugars found in high-fiber foods can offer a quick boost without the crash caused by processed alternatives.
Where to Find Medjool Dates
Medjool dates can sometimes be found in grocery stores, although specialized health food stores are more likely to carry them. Those who plan on incorporating this superfood into their daily diets to take advantage of its health benefits may want to buy in bulk online instead, though. As long as they find a reliable supplier, consumers can get better rates and typically a higher quality of fruit when buying wholesale online. They can be stored for up to a year under refrigeration, so there's no harm in buying in bulk.
Published by Tracey Maggio
a year ago 
