Organic pitted dates may contain selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which may aid in managing bone health, particularly among older adults. May Promote Healthy Weight Gain Dates might be a natural way to encourage labor in pregnant women. A 2017 study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed that among 154 pregnant women who consumed dates, there was no need for labor induction using prostaglandin and oxytocin, and no negative effects were observed on either the mother or child. [32]

They’re especially important during the month of Ramadan, when people practicing Islam enjoy them after long days of fasting or to celebrate a month’s end feast known as Eid al-Fitr. To this day, dried dates remain common throughout the Middle East, where they are enjoyed during several holidays and everyday recipes. Sweetener: there are several ways to sweeten your homemade walnut milk. You can use dates (or date paste to avoid any bits in your nut milk), sweeteners (like monk fruit or erythritol), or even liquid sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup). You can read through my walnut butter post for more health benefits! You might also enjoy adding them to your diet more, as I’ve done with this fig and walnut jam, walnut quinoa avocado salad, and muhammara dip! There are several ways to sweeten and flavor homemade walnut milk easily and naturally. Here are just a few of my top recommendations. Basic Optional Add-ins Most of the calories in dates come from carbs. The rest are from a very small amount of protein. Despite their calories, dates contain some important vitamins and minerals in addition to a significant amount of fiber.Dried dates are available in several varieties, with flavors and nutrients differing based on where and how they’re grown. Well-known types of dried dates include medjool, zahidi, and deglet noor. They can be found in grocery stores and health food shops all around the world. Dates have been studied for their potential to promote and ease late-term labor in pregnant people. To try to avoid separation, you can pour the milk into your mug first and slowly top it up with the coffee. That way, it will help to temper the milk and (hopefully) prevent separation. However, in general, store-bought options are usually best for coffee, thanks to the addition of stabilizers. Technically, walnuts are soft enough that you can use raw walnuts for walnut milk, and it will work. However, it likely won’t blend quite as well, and you’ll end up with more pulp. More so, unsoaked nuts contain phytates, tannins, and other anti-nutrients that will impact the milk’s nutritional value, make them less easy to digest, and yield more bitter walnut milk. Top Tips and Recipe Notes An animal study done in 2016 indicated no such increase in weight. Given the conflicting reports, more research is needed to support this benefit. [29] Can Potentially Aid in Relieving SAR Symptoms

Chocolate walnut milk: I recommend adding 2 tablespoon of cocoa powder with the sweetener of your choice (adjusted to taste) and a pinch of salt. Vanilla spice nut milk: there are several spice blends that you can combine with vanilla and the sweetener of your choice. Pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, gingerbread, chai spice, etc.

Spring Onion Greens: This Aromatic ..

From trail mix to pastry centerpieces, dried dates have been a staple ingredient for thousands of years. Believed by some historians to be the oldest cultivated fruit, dates played an important role in several ancient empires and religions. Since they’re dried, their calorie content is higher than most fresh fruit. The calorie content of dates is similar to that of other dried fruits, such as raisins and figs ( 1, 2, 3). Laboratory studies have found dates to be helpful for lowering inflammatory markers, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), in the brain. High levels of IL-6 are associated with a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s ( 16, 17, 18). When plaques accumulate in the brain, they may disturb communication between brain cells, which can ultimately lead to brain cell death and Alzheimer’s disease ( 18). In addition to being used as food for 6,000 years, dried dates have been used as a remedy for the following:

While dates can be enjoyed fresh, many people prefer the rich flavor of their dried form. In addition to improving convenience and changing the taste and texture, the drying process increases levels of certain minerals. If you’ve never tried walnut milk before, then prepare to be amazed at this creamy, buttery, and frankly delicious nut milk. Not only does it taste great, but it’s nutritionally impressive too. When compared to popular almond milk, this homemade walnut milk definitely holds its own, too. Whereas almonds contain more fiber (with almost twice the amount), more protein (6g vs. 4g per serving), and are more abundant in certain minerals while remaining slightly lower calorie. Walnuts provide a higher source of a variety of vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Benefits of Walnut Milk The potential brain-boosting properties of dates have been attributed to their content of antioxidants known to reduce inflammation, including flavonoids ( 17).

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Additionally, dates contain tannins, which are compounds that have been shown to help facilitate contractions. They are also a good source of natural sugar and calories, which are necessary to maintain energy levels during labor ( 23). Summary Additionally, other studies including animal studies have shown dates to be helpful for reducing the activity of amyloid beta proteins, which can form plaques in the brain ( 17). Nut milk bags are a simple and inexpensive reusable kitchen tool that makes straining nut milk a breeze. They’re simply a material bag that you can pour the milk into and squeeze. They’re easier to work with than cheesecloth (and easier to clean). I often use nut milk bags in my cheese-making now too! Note that cloth/hemp versions are slightly harder to clean. I recommend using nylon versions. Cinnamon date: cinnamon and walnuts pair SO well. For this cinnamon walnut milk, add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 2-4 Medjool dates (based on how sweet you want the milk to be) or the sweetener of your choice.

Let us look at some of the key health benefits of dates in detail below. Can Be a Good Source of Energy According to a study conducted in 2012, dates may have a positive impact on SAR (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis), a condition that affects approximately 30 million people in the United States alone. [30] Dried dates may contain high levels of polyphenols (antioxidants), minerals, and fiber, but these qualities can also be problematic for some people. Add the walnuts to a large bowl, cover with cold/room temperature water, and add ½ teaspoon salt. Leave to soak for at least 6 hours, up to 12 hours. I like to do this overnight (8-9hrs).A 2005 study emphasized the high levels of dietary fiber in these dried fruits, particularly the insoluble type. [15] One animal study found that mice fed food mixed with dates had significantly better memory and learning ability, as well as less anxiety-related behaviors, compared to those that did not eat them ( 19). The process for making homemade walnut milk is incredibly simple – but you need to make sure to plan for enough time to soak the walnuts (aka activate them). This process is very hands-off and can be done overnight. Step 1: Soak the Walnuts