Amazing Chocolatey Delights (Surprising Benefits for Dates and Nuts)

It can be hard to find ways to eat healthy. The foods are incredibly boring compared to a tantalizing chocolate bar with caramel oozing from the center.

But even the most mundane nut can be whipped into a taste bud teaser with the help of a sweet date.

What are the benefits of almonds, and how can there be benefits for dates? The answer is rather surprising.

Almonds and dates are both a good source of folate, aid in digestion, and help maintain a healthy weight.

Almonds contain vitamin E which is amazing for skin elasticity. Not to be outshined, dates contain vitamin K and have been scientifically proven to be beneficial for preparing for birth.

Benefits of Almonds

When I first thought of incorporating almonds into my diet, I pictured throwing handfuls into my mouth to quickly get it over with.

But there are many ways to enjoy the benefits of almonds.

Almond milk, almond butter, almond snacks, almond based deserts. On and on.

What are the benefits of almonds though? Why is it worth the time and effort?

These small tear drop shaped nuts have a tremendous amount of nutrients packed within them. They are high in antioxidants which help fight free radicals that cause oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is a main culprit for immune disorders, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.

Almonds are one of the best ways to get vitamin E without having to supplement. Vitamin E is shown to help reduce cognitive decline (1) and is fantastic for promoting skin elasticity and gleaming hair.

Almonds are a great addition for those who suffer from diabetes (including gestational diabetes). They are low in carbs but high in healthy fat.

Their magnesium content is especially beneficial to diabetics. This is due to the fact that between 25 and 38 percent of diabetics have a magnesium deficiency. (2)

Eating almonds is a great way to keep extra pounds at bay. Their high protein content allows you to feel full for longer.

The European Journal of Nutrition shows that eating a mid-morning snack of almonds decreased the amount of calories ingested during lunch and dinner. (3)

Almonds are high in folate and iron. They help the development of muscles, bone, and the central nervous system. They have calcium, healthy fats, and riboflavin. They improve memory and help with energy levels.

The folate in almonds are especially beneficial for brain development and essential for preventing neural tube defects in unborn babies.

 The benefits seem to be endless.

Benefits for Dates

For many, adding dates into the diet isn’t too difficult of a task. Unfortunately there are those who don’t like the flavor. And quite frankly, it’s boring eating them regularly.

I didn’t discover the versatility of dates until after I was done having kids. My sister knew of their fantastic benefits, but failed to mention it until a year and a half after the birth of my last child.

Extremely helpful.  Oh well, I’m over it. 

Besides being a good source of folate and fiber, these sugary little delights boost energy levels and help maintain a healthy weight. They contain iron, vitamin K, and magnesium. Three must haves during pregnancy.

For those of you in the third trimester, you’ll want to look closely at this part.

Women who eat six dates a day have higher rates of spontaneous labor. Which means the use of induction medication is much lower.(4)

In turn you’ll be less likely to begin a slide down the slippery slope of medical intervention.

And maybe the best benefit of all, pregnant women who eat dates have significantly higher average cervical dilation upon admission. Meaning shorter labor (typically).

Benefits of Walnuts

I love when food resembles the part of the body it’s best for. Look at a walnut, what do you see?

A brain.

Walnuts are scientifically proven to boost brain health. They are high in healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals. The Omega 3 fatty acid in particular is amazing for improving mood (fights depression) and promoting heart health.

Two necessities in the American lifestyle.

This nifty little nut is a great anti-inflammatory food that supports the immune system. The Journal of Nutrition says that it even promotes positive changes in the gut.

Eat walnuts before meals and it will help decrease feelings of hunger. In turn, you may not eat as much, and therefore ingest less calories. A great process for weight management. Especially during pregnancy.

Last, but not least, walnuts are an excellent source of manganese. This is essential for skeletal system growth in a developing infant, and brain development.

Healthy Can Be Tasty

Trail mix isn’t the only way to combine nuts and dates. Blend them with other beneficial ingredients and you will have a snack that’s hard to resist. I can tell you I’ve had to fight the urge to eat them by the handful.

Proceed with caution.

Chocolately Delights April 1, 2022 by Ashley Vail Category Uncategorized Serving Size 24 balls Prep Time 20 minutes Wait Time 1 hour Total Time 20 minutes Ingredients 1/3 cup milled oats 2 cups walnuts 1 cup almonds 2 cups dates 2 tbsp coconut oil 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 2 tbsp cacao Instructions Put almonds and walnuts in a food processor. Blend until you have a crumbly mixture. Add dates, coconut oil, salt, vanilla, and cacao. Blend until completely mixed. Roll into tablespoon sized balls. Spread a layer of milled oats onto wax paper. Roll balls in powder until completely covered. Place in freezer for about an hour. Nutrition Facts Chocolately Delights Serves: Amount Per Serving: 24 balls Calories 89 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0 Saturated Fat 0 Trans Fat Cholesterol 0 Sodium 0 Total Carbohydrate 0 Dietary Fiber 0 Sugars Protein Vitamin A Vitamin C Calcium Iron * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Unconventional Millennial https://unconventionalmillennial.com/tantalizing-chocolatey-delights-incredible-benefits-for-dates-and-nuts/