Dates contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that provide health benefits. However, dates also have a high glycemic index of 103 and contain a lot of natural sugar, which can increase blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain if consumed in large portions. While dates can be a healthy substitute for sweets and help relieve stress, their high glycemic properties mean they are not recommended for weight loss or for those with diabetes or high blood sugar levels. Portion control is important when consuming dates due to their calorie and sugar content.