Dates- an Ayurvedic treat with benefits

Dates an Ayurvedic snack with benefits

Dates are revered in Ayurveda. Dates produce profound changes in our body 

Consumed preferably in the morning, 2-3 dates a day may:

-Stabilise blood sugar actually reducing sugar highs and lows -Dates give sustained energy and vitality -Dates are good for metabolic health and a great 3pm snack when out and about or at work. Sip hot water or herbal tea for the perfect pick me up -Dates are anti inflammatory and  contain antioxidants. They are linked to improvements in  MS, in Parkinsons and alcheimers.

I use dates in many ways here are some examples to try

Date milkshake, a hot milk Ayurvedic elixir, bfast substitute and ojas booster.

2-3 dates, 1 cup unhomogenised whole organic milk( real milk available at most supermarkets), 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ghee, a pinch cardamon and a small pinch of turmeric powder. Bring all to boil in saucepan and simmer for 1 minute, use stick blender to whisk it up and enjoy! Add 4 soaked skinned almonds for a complete bfast, snack or pick me up.

My children called them row boats, a date pipped and halved with 2 macadamia nuts inserted like men in a row boat, a delicious after school snack for sustained energy and to satisfy even the hangriest boys!

My cheesecake base. Instead of using highly processed cheap non organic biscuits crushed to form a biscuit bae, use dates! I start with 1-2 cups of natural macadamia nuts, give them a quick burst in the blender to chop them up a little, add 1-2 cups ( same volume) of pitted medule dates and 3/4 teaspoon of good quality salt Blend again till the mix just comes together You can add 2-3 teaspoons of maple syrup to assist this process. Mapel syrup is currently my favourite sweetener- again low GI. Press this mix into your well greased with butter dish and chill for 10-20 minutes while you make the filling. This is suoer healthy and there are a few options to make it even more so. I use drained greek yogurt, twist up in a fine muslin cloth over a basin overnight in the fridge Great in place of philly cheese (when I have time). If not use philly 1 block, ricotta cheese full fat 500 ml and finely grated rind of 2 lemons plus the jiuce and to sweeten 200 ml maple syrup. Mix all ingredients for the filling well preferably in stand mixer. Throw the filling over the base and refridgerate for 30 minutes to serveral hours keeps well covered ready for special treats or celebrations. The salty sweet base with the rich creamy, yet sour and tangy citrus topping satisfies everyone! Bet you cant eat just one serving.

So next time you need to pack a snack think dates, preferably the luchous Medjool type dates that live permanently in my cars’ glove box