Dates: soothe coughs and bronchial tubes

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Extract from the article: Dates are one of the most energy-rich fruits; 100 g (about 10 dates) provide 275 Kcal, which is 11% of the daily requirement for an adult male with average physical activity. The nutrients contained in dates are sugars (glucose and fructose), B vitam

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Dates are one of the most energy-rich fruits; 100 g (about 10 dates) provide 275 Kcal, which is 11% of the daily requirement for an adult male with average physical activity. The nutrients contained in dates are sugars (glucose and fructose), B vitamins, minerals and vegetable fibre.  Due to this richness, dates calm coughs and soothe bronchitis. In the treatment of coughs and colds, dates are indicated through dietetic-therapeutic applications.

Traditionally, dates are used to make excessively dry coughs greasy and to combat colds. They have a proven emollient (softening) effect on the bronchial tubes and antitussive effect thanks to their high sugar content and a component that has not yet been identified. Dates also treat anaemia, prevent haemorrhoids and arthritis and promote the proper functioning of the respiratory system. They are also anti-inflammatory thanks to magnesium and anti-cramp and anti-spasm. The ideal is to consume more than three per day so that they provide you with 2 grams of fibre, which is equivalent to 8% of the recommended daily amount. The most effective way to take them for this purpose is to boil them in milk.

Boiling in vegetable milk, such as soy milk or coconut milk: boil about 100g of dates in half a litre of milk for a few minutes. Dates consumed with milk to obtain a greater pectoral effect. 

Beware of excess

Eating too many dates, which have a laxative effect, can lead to flatulence, a « stomach ache » or even diarrhoea. Keep to the recommended daily amount. If you are diabetic or overweight, avoid dried dates, which contain more sugar than fresh dates. Consult a doctor in this case. In any case, eating fresh dates is less caloric than eating dry dates. In addition, an average of 6 to 8 dates per day is sufficient to ensure long-term benefits.

Source: « Health through food » by Dr. Georges Pamplona-Roger