Nutritional Benefits Of Dried Fruits

By Vijayalakshmi

We all have heard about the nutritional facts of dry fruits. It is recommended to consume dry fruits everyday and make it a part of our diet schedule to get a strong immune system.

However, many of us are unaware about the 'dried out fruits' and kind of nutritional value it gives to our body. At the same time, people who often crave for sweets can substitute candies and chocolates with these dried fruits. If you are caught up with work and don't have much time for lunch then dried fruits are the best option. Nibbling dried fruits satisfies your hunger, tastes delicious as well as have abundance of vitamins and minerals. They are also best when added as salad toppings.

Here are some of the nutritional benefits of dried fruits:

Apricot

Apricot

A good source of fibre, rich in iron, vitamin A and C, potassium as well as antioxidants. This fruit increases blood count and is good for anaemic patients. It also helps in easy bowel, thus helping people suffering from digestion and constipation. Daily consumption of dried apricots helps the body to fight infections, repair damaged tissues, build strong teeth & bones, and improves eyesight.

Fig

Fig

Contains good amount of vitamins such as vitamin K, B6, C, E, various minerals and phosphorous. Figs are also rich in copper that are essential in the production of blood vessels. It also protects us from cancer, diabetes, degenerative diseases and infections.

Tomato

Tomato

Also referred as sun dried tomatoes. It contains zero fat and cholesterol which means they have no calorie count! Tomatoes has an antioxidant compound and are rich in vitamin C, and iron. The abundance of vitamin C found in dried tomato helps in prevention of cancer, diabetes, heart and lung diseases.

Wolfberry

Wolfberry

This red-orange berry is a part of tomato and chili pepper family and is highly known for its medicinal benefits. They are highly used in China in preparation of rice dishes, soups and boiled as a tea. This fruit is high in antioxidants, calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins. It also helps in fighting diseases, reduce the risk of kidney & liver conditions, and helps with sexual hormone issues in men.

Cranberry

Cranberry

Cranberry juice is liked by many, but very few of them are aware of its health benefits. Dried cranberries are widely used for treating urinary tract issues. They also help in fighting bacterial infections, cardiovascular disease, strengthening immune system, and is said to have anti-cancer properties. Dried cranberries also help in fighting tooth decay.

Sultana

Sultana

Widely known as dried raisins, sultana are dense in minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, fluoride and zinc. The rich properties in sultana is said to be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and blood cholesterol lowering activities. They also protect against cancers like melanoma, colon & prostate and other diseases such as coronary heart disease, nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease and viral or fungal infections.

Longan

Longan

This little brother of lychee is said to have the best remedial properties for people suffering from stomach ailments, insomnia and amnesia. The fruit is said to have the calming effect on the nervous system and nourish the blood. This dried fruit can also be consumed by preparing decoction which helps in treating insomnia and neurasthenic neurosis.

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