Dry Fruits Benefits From Heart Health to Thyroid Control

Highlights
Dry fruits are traditionally known to be a powerhouse of nutrients
Almonds have several health benefits for people across age-groups
Including walnuts in your diet everyday can boost brain health
Most of us, in our school days, were told to munch on a handful of soaked almonds to improve our memory or eat a few dates for breakfast. Mothers and grandmothers would religiously soak, grind and blend a combination of dry fruits to be added to milk and fed to toddlers. These would be based on recipes passed on to them through generations for achieving weight gain and immunity for young children. Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, dates, raisins etc. are traditionally known to be a powerhouse of nutrients. However, they should not be confused with the candied fruits that are less fruit and more of a sugar bomb. Here is a list of five commonly available and super-nutritious dry fruits that should be consumed every day for all the health benefits that they possess.

1. Almonds

An everyday dry fruit you should never skip. One of the most commonly consumed dry-fruits, almonds have several health benefits for people across age-groups. Here are a few reasons on why you should munch on a handful of almonds every single day -

. Almonds

An everyday dry fruit you should never skip. One of the most commonly consumed dry-fruits, almonds have several health benefits for people across age-groups. Here are a few reasons on why you should munch on a handful of almonds every single day -

Heart Health

Being naturally high in monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E, almonds help in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Presence of Magnesium and Potassium also help to maintain normal blood pressure and heart function

Blood Sugar Control

Experts believe that when almonds are had along with a meal, the monounsaturated fatty acids in almonds helps to slow down the release of glucose into the blood stream and thus prevents sudden spikes in the blood sugar levels.

Instead of consuming almond on its own, you could combine them with your meals as this would help lower the glycemic index of the accompanying food. Add sliced or chopped almonds to salads, pasta or a vegetable gravy.

(Also read: Why Diabetics Should Munch on Almonds for the Sake of Their Heart.)

Walnuts
A powerhouse of goodness. Including walnuts in your diet everyday can have several health benefits.

Brain Food
Walnuts have a number of neuroprotective compounds such as vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants which help to enhance cognitive function. They help to fight stress and promote a sense of calm. According to studies, vitamin E and flavanoids in walnuts also help to destroy harmful free radicals that can cause dementia.

Good for Skin and Hair
Walnuts are rich in B-vitamins and antioxidants that fight free radical damage thus delaying and helping prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Further, the presence of Biotin helps to strengthen hair and reduces hair fall.

About 4 – 7 pieces of walnuts is the recommended quantity that can be consumed on a daily basis. Grind them and mix it with chapatti dough or use it in thicken soups, gravies, sauces, and stew.

(Also read: 7 Health Benefits of Walnuts.)

1. Dates:

Don’t miss your date with this Iron-rich dried fruit

Iron Content:
Dates are an excellent source of Iron and hence extremely beneficial for people suffering from Anemia.

Energy Booster:
Being naturally high in sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose, dates can give an immediate boost of energy. It is often used for breaking fasts since it helps to revitalise the body instantly.

Eases Digestion:
The fibre content present in dates helps to promote digestion and also relieves constipation. Ripe dates are also rich in Potassium which has been shown to control diarrhea.

Have 2-3 dates in the afternoon or whenever you feel a little sluggish to get an instant energy boost.

(Also read: 10 Dates Benefits: From Improving Bone Health to Promoting Beautiful Skin​.)

1. Apricots:
   The dried version of the beautiful orange fruit is full of antioxidants and good for your skin too.

Good for Eyes:
Apricots, owing to their rich Pro-vitamin A and beta carotenoid content, are known to prevent age related loss of sight in older people. It also helps to strengthen the optic nerves.

Antioxidants and Iron Rich:
Apricots have a very high level of antioxidants which helps to fight the negative effects of free radicals. They also have anti-cancer properties and inhibit cancerous growths. Apricots are a good source of Iron so regular consumption helps to prevent the development of anemia.

Healthy Skin and Bones:
Apricots help in maintaining healthy bones due to their high calcium and potassium content. Calcium is required for bone formation and development while potassium is instrumental in the absorption, distribution and excretion of Calcium in the body. The presence of antioxidants and Vitamin C help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and gives the skin a smooth appearance. It also enables faster cell regeneration to replace the dead skin cells.

Include apricots in your daily meals by adding them to your morning breakfast cereal or a smoothie.