Dates are a highly nutritious fruit with a variety of health benefits. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, allowing us to pack our bars with lots of added value.
Aside from adding a desirable natural sweetness and caramelised flavour, dates also contribute to the moisture content and softness of our bars, providing the beloved, desirable texture (i.e. not dry or crumbly) you all enjoy! They also help bind other ingredients, like nuts, together, without having to rely on sweeteners or fibre fillers like chicory root, which can cause digestive distress in some people.
As artificial sweeteners and sugar free alternatives like Stevia have steadily grown in popularity, unfortunately dates have been handed a bad reputation simply for being high in sugar. Here at Sneaky, we believe this outdated view totally overlooks all the benefits that come with using a natural source of sugar! Removing dates would be removing loads of health benefits to our protein bars, nourish bites and protein ball mixes - meaning less value for you when you eat them.
When you snack with us, you’re getting the added benefits of dates including:
1. A natural source of energy
Dates are a natural source of carbohydrates, primarily sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose, making them an excellent energy-boosting snack. Just a few dates can provide a quick and sustained energy source.
2. A source of fibre
Dates are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which promotes digestive health. A 100-gram serving of dates can provide about 7 grams of fiber, helping with bowel regularity, preventing constipation, and supporting overall gut health.
3. Essential Minerals
Dates are rich in important minerals like:
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Potassium: Supports heart health by regulating blood pressure and maintaining proper muscle function.
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Magnesium: Essential for nerve and muscle function, as well as bone health.
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Copper: Supports the formation of red blood cells and the absorption of iron.
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Manganese: Aids in bone health and helps with metabolism.
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Iron: Important for red blood cell production and preventing anemia - especially if you’re following a plant-based diet!
4. High in Antioxidants
Dates contain a variety of antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and protect the body from free radicals, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. This can help protect against signs of ageing, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin repair and regeneration.
5. Good for Heart Health
The high levels of potassium and magnesium, combined with the antioxidants found in dates, can contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and support overall cardiovascular function.
6. Rich in Vitamins
Dates are a good source of several essential vitamins, including:
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Vitamin B6: Important for brain health, hormone regulation, and metabolism.
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Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
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Folate (Vitamin B9): Crucial for cell division, especially during pregnancy.
So, by using dates, we’re making sure that you're getting more than just sugar, and far more than you’d get from an artificial sweetener or stevia extract. When you snack with Sneaky, you’re getting a whole, natural food packed with a wide array of health benefits.
