Dry Fruits or Fresh Fruits???

http://westcoastskncare.blogspot.com/

We all read " An apple a day keeps doctor away". We all know way too much about fruits and their importance. 

So lets throw some light on dry fruits today

Dried fruits offers some advantages over fresh fruits, that is, they have a longer shelf life and portability. They have more calories per serving when compared to fresh fruits. Watch your weight while you have them on a daily basis. I am sure you do not want that extra fat in you. Do you?Some dried fruits contain sugars added in processing which increase its calorie content. However, dried fruits without additives offer numerous health benefits.

They contains more fiber than the same-sized serving of their fresh counterparts. This fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. Dried apricots, for example, contain 6.5 grams per cup, while fresh apricots contain just 3.1 grams. A cup of raisins contains 5.4 grams of fiber versus just 1.4 grams for seedless grapes. Fiber not only helps your digestive system it also helps prevent obesity, heart disease and some forms of cancer. 

Dried fruits like apricots, raisins, prunes and figs contain high amounts of beta carotene, vitamin E, niacin, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium.Research has also shown that daily consumption of dry fruits cuts the death risk by 20%. They are also known to control hypertension and hence help beat stress.

Now let's know some of the Dry Fruits & their benefits

Fitness freak?? Here is your muscle gainer - Cashew nuts
They have a wide range of health benefits including lowering hypertension and controlling diabetes due to their low glycaemic index. They are also rich in proteins and high in magnesium, which help in improving muscle strength. 
Usage Guide: Cashew nuts can be consumed raw or in roasted form and taste best when salted. They can also be made into a paste and used to make gravies for your vegetables and curries.

Want a break on your Cholestrol?? Here is your breaker - Almonds

Almonds not only aid in weight loss but also help in lowering cholesterol and lipids in the body. Their high fibre content and probiotic properties help maintain a healthy digestive system and are also known to rejuvenate the skin and promote hair growth. You may also like to read benefits of soaked almonds.
Usage Guide: Almonds can be soaked in some water overnight, peeled and consumed the next day. They also make a very attractive garnish for desserts anytime.

The Power Houses of Nutrition - Walnuts

They are known to induce sleep and are great to improve sleeping pattern. Walnuts are also good to help you lose weight as they contain essential nutrients and provide satiety. They are best suited for diabetics as well, they do not increase one's blood sugar drastically but still helps maintain overall health.

Usage Guide: Walnuts can be ground into a coarse powder and can be mixed with your breakfast cereal or oats as it imparts a very nutty taste. 

 Fight your ageing with - Pistachios

The health benefits of this dry fruit include maintaining hemoglobin levels and fighting the signs of ageing as it is high in vitamin E. Pistachios also help you maintain good eyesight and boost immunity. These vitamins impart anti-inflammatory properties to this dry fruit. So its a natural substitute for inflammations. Apart from all these they also help improve strength of hair. improve memory.

Usage Guide: Add them to your salads, desserts and use them while baking to add crunch to your dessert.

Our instant energy boosters - Raisins
The sugar content in raisins provides instant energy and helps lift your mood. Also, their high calcium content prevents osteoporosis and in general maintains good bone health. They also have anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting minor infections, prevent dental cavities and  bad breath. 
Usage Guide: These are handy snacks anytime as they are easy to use. You can add them to all your desserts and add flavour to your sweets.

Enhance those digestive enzymes with - Dates

They not only help in maintaining blood sugar levels but also aid in digestion. Their high iron content makes them an ideal supplement for combating anemia.
Usage Guide:  Dates are a very handy fruit and can be eaten directly. You can also puree them and use them as a sweetener instead of using sugar.

Why just fruits? Let's add some Dryness to them and have double benefits :)

Now, don't ask me if I make a salad of these dry fruits and eat everyday. A nutritive bar made of all the above is just a dream come true. Isn't it?

Stay Fit! Stay Healthy!