Dates contain several vitamins and minerals, in addition to fiber and antioxidants. However, they are high in calories since they are a dried fruit. Dates are high in fiber, which may be beneficial for preventing constipation and controlling blood sugar control. Dates may promote and ease natural labor for pregnant women when consumed during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Dates contain several types of antioxidants that may help prevent the development of certain chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimerâ??s and diabetes. Dates may be helpful for lowering inflammation and preventing plaques from forming in the brain, which is important for preventing Alzheimerâ??s disease. Dates are a healthy substitute for white sugar in recipes due to their sweet taste, nutrients, fiber and antioxidants. There are many different ways to eat dates. They are commonly eaten plain but can also be incorporated into other popular dishes.