Anxiety is a prevalent mental health concern characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, and heightened stress levels. While medications are commonly prescribed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, there’s growing interest in exploring natural alternatives. One unexpected yet promising option is dates, a sweet fruit rich in nutrients. Dates contain magnesium, a mineral known to play a role in relaxation and stress reduction. Although dates are not a substitute for prescribed medications, they can complement anxiety management strategies, offering a natural and nutritious way to support emotional well-being.
To learn more about the relationship between dates and anxiety relief, we spoke with Sophie Cress, licensed therapist & mental health expert, who revealed to us that dates are a smart choice for anxiety relief because of their high content of essential nutrients, specifically magnesium, “which is known for its calming effects on the nervous system.”
Can Dates Reduce Anxiety Levels?
Cress first starts out by saying that magnesium is vital for muscle relaxation and mood regulation, two key factors in effectively coping with anxiety. She elaborates by noting that dates boast a wealth of antioxidants that contribute to diminishing inflammation within the body. This holds significant relevance for anxiety, given studies indicating that inflammation can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and other mood disorders. Through its capacity to mitigate inflammation, dates potentially play a role in indirectly easing anxiety symptoms.
"A study has found that a diet containing date palm fruit improved memory, learning, and coordinated-motor movement in mice. It was also found to be effective in reducing anxiety and amyloid beta levels in a precursor model for Alzheimer's disease. This is significant because amyloid beta is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and the reduction indicates that dates have a neuroprotective effect," Cress says.
Cress further elaborates on the magnesium properties of dates, which is what makes this fruit stand out when it comes calming down our minds. "Magnesium is a crucial element found in dates that provides relaxation benefits, especially for the nervous system and muscles. It plays a vital role in regulating neurotransmitters that send messages throughout the brain and body. Magnesium also helps regulate melatonin, a hormone that manages sleep cycles, which is essential for managing anxiety," Cress highlights.
She also notes that dates abound in antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid, effectively combating oxidative stress. This type of stress is associated with several mental health conditions, including anxiety. Through the reduction of oxidative stress, both the body and mind can operate more efficiently, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety.
The Bottom Line
It's important to note that while dates can be a beneficial inclusion in an anxiety management strategy, they should not substitute prescribed medication. It is always advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before making any alterations to your anxiety treatment plan.
Cress touches up on this point and concludes: "Dates should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for anxiety. Instead, they can be a part of a balanced diet and holistic approach to mental health, which includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication, depending on the individual's needs."
