Native to Iraq, Zahidi dates are sometimes known as the “butter dates” for both their light flavor and pale tan color. Chewy, and semi-dry in texture, these dates have a mildly sweet, nutty and buttery flavor with a subtle tang reminiscent of dried apricots. In addition, they are a rich source of dietary fiber, and also contain iron, potassium, B-vitamins, flavonoids, antioxidants and almost all twenty amino acids. There's one study that concluded that consuming dates was effective at decreasing oxidative stress which is a rick factor for heart disease and atherogenesis