The exact number of uses for the palm date is yet to be explored. According to Arabian folklore, there are 360 benefits gained from the date palm. It has been reported that damaged dates that are not used for human consumption, when added to animal feed, can increase the flow of milk in farm animals.8 Ground pits can also be used as an additive to feed for fish farms. Nutritionally, dates are dense and healthy and provide a good source of energy. They are naturally sweet, rich in fiber and low in cholesterol.
Dates are rich in iron compared to other fruits and have more potassium than bananas.
The California date administrative committee nutrient analysis reports the nutritional content of California dates. The average date has only 23 calories, rich in vitamins like vitamin B-6, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid. Dates are also rich in minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Moreover, they are fat free, cholesterol free, and sodium free. Five to six dates make up an equivalent of one fruit serving according to the USDA food pyramid.