Did you know that medjool dates, which are considered “nature’s power fruit,” are packed with 50% more potassium by weight than bananas? Potassium is a mineral that works with sodium (also a mineral) to balance the fluids and electrolyte levels in your body. And since steady fluid levels help to regulate your heartbeat and prevent muscles from cramping, potassium is of particular importance to runners and active enthusiasts. They’re also packed with other powerful nutrients including fiber (can prevent constipation and control blood sugar), magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, vitamin B6 and antioxidants. They can even help act as a natural energy booster and more.

So what are dates anyways? They’re a type of fruit derived from the date palm, a tree of the palm family originating from places such as northern Africa, the Canary Islands, the Middle East, Pakistan, India and California. They can vary in terms of shape, color, size, color and quality.

I don’t know about you but I’ve become slightly obsessed with medjool dates, and how versatile and delicious they are. You can blend them up into a date like paste to use as a sweetener in place of conventional refined white sugar, you can blend them up into your favorite lattes or wellness elixirs, and you can stuff them and enjoy as a healthy snack or dessert. I’ve even started blending them up into a paste along with lemon juice, lemon zest, and chia seeds to make my own energy gel for long runs.

Today I’m sharing 4 of my favorite stuffed date combos:

1. Almond butter dipped in melted dark chocolate, topped with sea salt

2. Walnut and coconut chips

3. Peanut butter and cacao nibs

4. Walnut, crushed pistachios, cardamom, and rose petals

Source: Healthline