Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Dates And Walnuts: A Power Snack

Walnuts and Dates



I have discovered a power snack that I absolutely can't get enough of... Truly, I'm addicted, yet I know that I must eat them both in moderation. (Difficult thing to do...) That tasty treat is walnuts and dates. Mmmm... In combination they blend an earthy sweet taste in your mouth, that calls for you to scoop up just a few more to pop into your mouth.

I recently picked up containers of both walnuts and dates, ate them all, then went back for more. Might I add I deliberately increased both my water intake and exercise since I overindulged. While dates are as sweet as candy, I feel less guilty because of their nutritional value.

I found a study, completed waaay back in 2003 in the International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences stated that dates “may be considered as an almost ideal food, providing a wide range of essential nutrients and potential health benefits.” This includes at least six vitamins including a small amount of vitamin C, and vitamins B(1) thiamine, B(2) riboflavin, nicotinic acid (niacin) and vitamin A.


Here Are A Few More Reasons You Should Be Eating Dates:


  • Weight loss
  • Relieving constipation, supporting regular bowel movements
  • Promoting heart health, reducing heart disease risk
  • Diarrhea
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Reducing blood pressure
  • Impotence
  • Promoting respiratory and digestive health
  • Pregnancy deliveries
  • Hemorrhoid prevention
  • Chronic conditions such as arthritis
  • Reducing colitis risk
  • Preventing colon cancer


  • Nutritional Benefits Of Walnuts:


    Walnuts are among the oldest tree foods grown by man, with nutritional value discovery dated back in 7000 B.C. Here are a few benefits:

    • reduce the risk of breast cancer
    • packed with omega-3 fatty acids
    • reduce risk of diabetes
    • contain antioxidants that boost heart health
    • help you deal with stress
    • glowing and healthy skin


    Date And Walnut Pudding Recipe:


    Ingredients:

    • 3/4 cup chopped dates
    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
    • 6 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 2 tablespoons milk
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • Dash salt
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • Whipped cream
    • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, combine the dates, walnuts and sugar. In another bowl, beat egg, milk and vanilla. Add to date mixture; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to the date mixture.
    2. Spread into a greased 1-qt. baking dish; dot with butter. Bake at 325° for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream.  2 servings.

    ***Be sure to run on a treadmill after this one!!***