DATE FRUIT

Phoenix dactylifera(date or date palm) is a flowering plant species in the palm family Arecaceae, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. Although its place of origin is unknown because of long cultivation, it probably originated from lands around Iraq.  Though it can be eaten fresh dates are often dried resembling raisins and plums. But whether fresh or dry, the health benefits are just as plentiful. If you are looking for fibre, copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin B6, look no further than dates. But the fruit is so small that you will need to consume a larger quantity to intake the necessary amount. It also has a high sugar content about 66.5 grams per 100 gram serving of the fruit. Dates are useful for weight loss, promoting heart health, iron deficiency anemia, reducing high blood pressure, promoting respiration and digestive health, preventing hemorrhoids and impotence. The seeds are soaked and ground up for animal feed and oil from the seeds can be used in making soaps or cosmetics. Its leaves are used for Palm Sunday in the Christian religion. In North Africa the leaves are commonly used for hats, mats, baskets and fans.
Its wood is used for posts and rafters for huts. It's lighter than coconut and not very durable. Leftover wood is burnt for fuel.