In the arid regions of the old world dates always have been an essential in the dietry, and in some parts have been used even to a greater extent than bread and potatoes here.

Owing to its compact form and almost total availability as food the date is a natural tabloid form of nourishment, and some kinds even outstrip the much vaunted pre-digested foods These latter dates contain sugar in a form immediately available by the body through simple absorption without being subjected to the digestion that ordinary sugar undergoes.

Dates are at once an enjoyable confection and a substantial energy producer. They really contain all the elements that a balanced diet calls for, protein, fats, salts and carbohydrates and all in available form for the human system

One pound of dates has a calorie value of 1,275, a calorie being the physiological heat unit or unit of potential.

Charles Bennett, M. D.