Dry fruits are an excellent source of minerals and contain significant quantities of essential nutrients to give our body several vital benefits. Each nut is full of valuable medicinal properties that keep the body mechanism smooth and safe.
Nut consumption lowers the risk of diabetes and improves cell membrane structure and function. ‘‘It’s a misconception that consuming nuts leads to obesity. If we balance the intake of the nuts like cashew nuts, pistachios, raisins and almonds, the benefit is immense. Obesity and cholesterol problems crop up only if the quantity of consumption is more. The manner in which the nuts are consumed also creates an impact on our digestive system,’’ said Kavita Sen, a medical professional.
‘‘Peanuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats popularly known as healthy fats. Peanuts are also rich in vitamin E, vitamin B6, riboflavin, potassium and zinc. Eating a prescribed amount of almonds, cashew nuts, walnut, raisins and dried plums cleanse our system, strengthens our immunity and gives us a glowing skin,’’ shared Geetika Mohanty, a therapist.
Raisins are used for treatment of constipation. They are soaked in a glassful of drinking water for a day or two and eaten early in the morning after removing the stones and are a good source of iron, useful for anemics.
Almonds help in getting rid of constipation problems and cure skin diseases, especially eczema. Walnuts are the only nuts that have omega-3 fatty acids in high amounts that help in decreasing triglycerides. Pistachios decrease cholesterol levels and increase polyunsaturated fats in your bloodstream. ‘‘Dry fruits are a very important part of the diet, during early pregnancy. Normally in the first trimester most women experience morning sickness and it can be difficult to eat a healthy diet. Dry fruits can be used in a small, light meal or in a mixture of fruit and plain yogurt in an effective blend in between bouts of nausea. Today the young expecting mothers are figure conscious and refuse to eat nuts thus depriving the child of essential nutrients,’’ said Shantilata Parija, a grandmother of five.
Nuts are the best dietary source of amino acid that play an important role in healing wounds, detoxification, reaction immune function, and promoting the secretion of several hormones including insulin and hormonal growth. Dry fruits have special importance during long journeys because of high nutritive value. A variety of peanut items includes groundnut kernels, blanched peanuts and redskin blanched peanuts which are packed and can be readily used for consumption and do not cause stomach disorders during travel. ‘‘Children love the fruit and nut bars which are crisp and chewy in texture, full of protein rich dried fruits like cherries, dates, and apricots and nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios. These can be an ideal substitute for the regular chocolates as a healthy breakfast, a great snack to pack in lunchboxes or a take along at the picnic or hike and can be stored in the refrigerator,’’ said Sipra Patnaik, a mother.
So the next time you want to binge on something do not hesitate to try the good old nuts instead of fried snacks or aerated drinks.