Dried fruits have got a bad rap due to their high sugar content. But as often said in Ayurveda, even the healthiest food becomes poisonous when taken in excess. In moderation, dried fruits can be incredibly healthy – especially during cold winters. They are packed with the goodness of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and more. So, here are the 5 best dried fruits to include in your diet.
The 5 Best Dried Fruits
1. Raisins
Raisins have a special place in the Ayurvedic diet. You’d find them in sweet, spicy as well as savoury Indian dishes. Raisins promote healthy weight gain, strengthen vision, elevate energy levels, stabilise moods, and also improve oral health! And did you know that raisins are also an aphrodisiac? They are stimulants and can help treat erectile dysfunction in men. Being high in fibre, raisins also aid digestion.
2. Cashews
Cashews are my personal favourite – I love sprinkling them on khichdi. If you need an energy boost during the day, grab a handful of cashews. You can also add them to smoothies for an added nutritional punch. There are many benefits of cashew nuts. They promote better cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol as well blood pressure. Cashews also prevent cancer, promote healthy vision, and provide plenty of antioxidants.
3. Prunes
The humble prune is among the best dried fruits on the planet. Made from plums, prunes are packed with vitamin C and hence, they boost immunity. They also help your skin look younger. Prunes are popular for easing constipation since they are filled with fibre. They also contain loads of vitamin K, which boosts bone health, regulates blood clotting, and balances blood pressure among other benefits. Here’s an entire article about the benefits of prunes.
4. Dates
Next on the list of best dried fruits is dates. This food is incredibly healthy and offers a host of health benefits. Dates boast a wide range of nutrients – iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, magnesium, vitamins B6, A, K…the list goes on! This makes them excellent for a variety of things. Dates can improve digestive health. They promote healthy weight fain. They improve skin health. Dates regulate blood pressure. And they also treat anaemia.
5. Dried Apricots
Last up is dried apricots. They have lower sugar levels than other dried fruits like dates and raisins. Ayurvedic experts often advise those with fatigue to eat this food, since it contains lots of energy-boosting iron. Women with heavy periods can also benefit from this, since they lose more iron. Another nutrient apricots have lots of is vitamin C. Apricots work as a mild laxative, which helps detoxify the body. This can help heal acne and improve the texture of skin as well as hair.
In Closing…
As you see, there are immense benefits of dried fruits that one simply cannot ignore. When added to your daily diet, they can give you a much-needed health boost. Which of these is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section!
Note: This article is solely for the purpose of sharing information. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So before using anything to treat yourself, always consult your doctor.
Leave a Reply