A review of the chemical composition, nutritional and health benefits of dates for their potential use in energy nutrition bars for athletes

The purpose of this review was to provide information about the chemical composition and nutritional benefits of date fruits, known more commonly as dates. We also present the potential application of dates in energy nutrition bars for athletes. Dates have a high nutritional value and are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibers, proteins, minerals, and many vitamins including B complex. Carbohydrates comprise 70% of dates mainly as fructose and glucose. In addition, dates are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sulfur, cobalt, fluorine, and manganese. Recently, there has been enhanced interest in the abundant health-promoting properties of dates, and this has led to the need to develop food products that use dates as a rich source of nutrients. Dates thus have a great potential for application as a food ingredient in dietary supplements, energy nutrition bars and as a functional food for athletes.