Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits

Dried fruits have been a delicacy since the time of empires and kings. They are a powerhouse of energy packed in a tiny form. A handful of dried fruits will provide your body with its daily requirement of vitamins and minerals. They are the healthiest of snacks which will satisfy your hunger and health requirements.

Dried fruits are simply ordinary fruits with their water content removed. So naturally, it will take more than one fresh fruit to make one equivalent of dried fruit. The nutritional content in a dried fruit will depend upon the nutritional value of its fresh fruit and the processing methods adopted to dry it. This shows that the calorie level of a dried fruit is much higher than that of a fresh fruit. Also, note that many dried fruits in the market have added sugar in them, which is not good for health.

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But, this does not negate the health benefits of dry fruits. The nutritional content in dry fruits is more concentrated than in fresh fruits. Healthy dry fruits are expensive compared to their fresh fruit counterparts. But, the benefits are worth the price. Also, dry fruits have a long shelf life making them available throughout the year even when their fresh fruit counterparts are out of season.

Here are some of the important benefits of healthy dry fruits:

Energy food

Energy food

In this fast paced world with high demands and higher deadlines, people often find themselves in need of an energy boost. Healthy dry fruits are a quick, easy and healthy option to meet this need.

Haemoglobin

Haemoglobin

Healthy dry fruits help in producing blood cells and also provide greater flexibility to the blood vessels. This has a great role in improving the haemoglobin concentration in our body.

Healthy digestion

Healthy digestion

Health benefits of dry fruits include improving digestion and countering digestion problems like constipation. Dry fruits contain a lot of fibre to aid in digestion and promote the growth of friendly bacteria.

Cholesterol balance

Cholesterol balance

This may be hard to believe, but the health benefits of dry fruits include balancing the cholesterol levels in our body. Dry fruits contain fats and fatty acids, which help in maintaining cholesterol levels.

Strong hair

Strong hair

There is no need to try different cosmetic products for hair loss, weak hair or other hair related problems. The health benefits of dry fruits include preventing hair loss, helping it grow long and strong.

Prevents cancer

Prevents cancer

The flavonoids and antioxidants present in most dry fruits help in suppressing tumour growth. It removes cancer causing free radicals from the body. This is one of the major health benefits of dry fruits.

Anti-aging

Anti-aging

Again another reason to stop resorting to chemical cosmetics for beauty enhancement is the health benefits of dry fruits, which include anti-aging properties. They also help us get a clear glowing skin.

Improves vision

Improves vision

Health benefits of dry fruits also include their ability to improve eyesight. Healthy dry fruits contain carotenoids and vitamin A, which play a vital role in protecting the eye from weak vision and cataract.

Bone health

Bone health

Healthy dry fruits contain a good dose of calcium, which is very essential for strong and healthy bones and teeth. Health benefits of dry fruits include protection against cavity and tooth decay and bone formation.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure

The health benefits of dry fruits include their ability to neutralise acids from the blood and thereby preventing acidosis. Some dry fruits also help in balancing blood pressure and blood sugar levels in our body.

Story first published: Friday, March 28, 2014, 16:24 [IST]
Read more about: nutrition