Dates are among the most alkaline of foods and contain a special type of soluble fiber called beta-D-glucan which has been shown to decrease the body's absorption of cholesterol and to slow or delay absorption of glucose (sugar) in the small intestine, thus helping to keep blood sugar levels even.

Because of its ability to absorb and hold water, beta-D- glucan adds bulk and some softness to the stools, easing both stool movement through the colon and elimination. In addition, this soluble fiber passes through the intestinal tract more slowly than insoluble fiber. By slowing down gastric emptying (the rate at which the stomach digests and empties its contents after a meal),
beta-D- glucan increases feelings of satiety and can thus aid in weight loss.

Recent laboratory studies reveal that dates are also surprisingly rich in antioxidant and anticancer compounds. Dates extract was found to prevent free-radical damage to both fats and protein in a dose-dependent manner....the higher the concentration, the greater the protection against free radicals.

And dates' ability to protect against free-radical damage persisted even when the potent cancer-causing chemical benzo (a) pyrene was added to the mixture.