Dry fruits are usually small nuts that are packed with high amounts of nutrients that are good for the body. A handful of dry fruits can give you more health benefits than three healthy meals a day can. Most dry fruits are rich in fiber, nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A single almond has nutrition that is equivalent to a 3 course vegetarian meal. They play several roles in the body like cleansing the blood, improving digestion, supplying protein, increasing heart rate, and also fighting deadly diseases. Here are some of the best dry fruits that are good for your health.
Almonds: Almonds is the king of healthy dry fruits. It has high levels of proteins and vitamins. Even though they have high protein content they are easily digestible. Almond is good brain food, good for heart, bones, liver, nerves and kidneys.
Tip
- Soak almonds overnight in water and have it early in the morning.
- You can also use blanched almonds as a topping for your breakfast cereal and salads.
Raisins: These tiny dried grapes provide high nourishment to the body. They have anti cancer properties and can also fight symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Raisins are rich in iron content and are good for the blood. Their high fiber content helps to digest food efficiently.
Tip
- Use raisins as salad dressing or cereal topping
- Keep a bowl of raisins for snacking
Cashews: Everyone loves to snack on cashew nuts. These crunchy dry fruits are not only tasty but extremely nutritious. Unlike the common belief that cashew nuts cause weight gain, these nuts have mono unsaturated fats that are good for the heart. They have potassium, Vitamin B, magnesium, phosphorous and selenium that are required by the body every day.
Tip
- Eat five cashew nuts every day
- Roast them to make a snack
Dates: Dates are the best kind of dry fruit that provide wholesome nutrition to the body. They are high in iron content and are considered extremely good for the heart. Dates improve the quality of blood and benefit all organs of the body.
Tip
- Add date syrup to your milk or salads
- Add dates to baked items like cakes and muffins
Apricots: Fresh apricots are rich in fiber content and are a kidney friendly dry fruit. They have vitamin C, A and minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium. Their powerful antioxidants strengthen the immune system. Apricots when dried also have the same health benefits.
Tip
- Eat dried apricots when fresh ones are not available
- Top up a bowl of ice cream with apricots
Prunes: When you have constipation think of prunes for immediate remedy. Prunes and prune juice are rich in fibers that improve digestion instantly. They are great for achieving weight loss quickly. Prunes have beta-carotene which kills the cancer causing free radicals in the body. They also control the blood sugar levels and are extremely beneficial for diabetic people.
Tip
- Drink a cup of prune juice early in the morning
- Keep prunes in a box for a snack
Dry fruits should be consumed in small quantities like a substitute for a snack for example.
