Dates

Dates have been a staple food of the Middle East and the Indus Valley for thousands of years, and although their place of origin is unknown because of long cultivation, they probably originated from the Fertile Crescent region straddling between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Dates are very sweet, oval-cylindrical fruits, ranging from bright red to bright yellow in color, depending on their variety. Nutrionally, these sweet gems are high in fiber, which may be beneficial for preventing constipation and controlling blood sugar level. Dates also contain several types of antioxidants that may help prevent the development of certain chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.