9 Nutty Health Benefits of Dry Fruits

1. Immunity Boosters

Dry fruits are rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and various vitamins like vitamin A, D, B6, K1 and E. These nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. According to a study, dry fruits with high levels of polyphenols help improve immunity by showing anti-inflammatory effects. It is due to the antioxidant properties of several dry fruits. It also helps eliminate free radicals and relieve oxidative stress.

2. Weight Loss Properties

Dry fruits are rich in carbohydrates and dietary fibre. As a result, they are one of the best snacking options. The dietary fibre keeps you satiated for long and controls the urge to eat between meals. As a result, your calorie consumption reduces . At the same time, dietary fiber is good for a healthy gut and improves bowel movements.

Limited calorie intake and a healthy gut are two fundamentals of weight loss. Thus, dry fruits rich in dietary fibre help lose weight. As per studies, the fat content in some nuts takes time to absorb in your body. Hence, it prevents weight gain.

3. Dry Fruits for Gut Health

Gut health improvement is another benefit of the dietary fibres in dry fruits. Dry fruits are rich in dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble.these dietary fiber help in adding bulk to stool. As a result, dry fruits help maintain a healthy bowel movement. A recent study suggests that dry fruits like prunes contain bifidobacteria, which help improve digestive health.

4. Skincare Benefits

Free radicals are unstable molecules that tend to latch onto the oxygen inside the body. Due to this, the healthy cells are oxygen deprived, leading to oxidative stress. As per studies, oxidative stress can lead to several skin diseases and chronic inflammation.

Therefore, an antioxidant-rich diet can help you achieve and maintain healthy skin.

5. Heart Health

Many dry fruits like walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 helps reduce the triglyceride levels in the blood, which helps control cholesterol. As a result, it aids in preventing the arteries from clogging and, thus, decreases the chances of heart attacks. Omega-3 also helps prevent plaque build-up in the arteries.

A recent study proves that eating specific types of nuts like almonds, walnuts and pistachios may help reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. The study supports the recommendations of increasing the intake of various nuts as part of healthy dietary patterns.

6. Bone Health

Dry fruits are rich in healthy nutrients like magnesium, boron, vitamin K and calcium. These nutrients influence our bone health. For example, our skeletal structure is full of calcium, and several dry fruits like dried apricots, figs etc., help give adequate amounts of calcium. As a result, they help prevent bone-related issues and strengthen our bones.

Having calcium deficiency in the body can lead to diseases like osteoporosis. In this condition, the bones become fragile, which increases the chances of unexpected fractures. Therefore, having healthy servings of dry fruits can help decrease the chances of osteoporosis. Studies suggest that low boron intake may lead to bone impairment issues.

7. Beneficial for Type-2 Diabetes

A 2017 study demonstrates a positive correlation between dry fruits and type-2 diabetes. Nuts and dried fruits can efficiently counteract metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Their unique macronutrients, micronutrients and other bioactive compounds are responsible for a positive effect on diabetes.

Dry fruits contain fibre, fat, minerals and other bioactive molecules. These molecules help modulate several gene mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels. Some studies suggest that the dietary fibre in many dry fruits like cashews help to lower blood sugar spikes by controlling insulin levels.

8. Cancer Prevention

Several studies prove the effect of dry fruits in cancer prevention. For example, dry fruits like almonds are rich in phytonutrients because of vitamin A content. These nutrients show properties to help prevent certain kinds of cancer. The findings of a study establish an inverse relationship between dry fruits consumption and cancer.

As per the study, Increasing the intake of dried fruits like raisins, figs, prunes (dried plums) and dates to 3-5 or more servings per week may help reduce the risk of prostate, pancreatic, colon, stomach and bladder cancers.

9. Blood Pressure Management

Low magnesium levels in our bodies may result in high blood pressure. It can lead to many other disorders such as stroke, kidney failure and even heart attacks. One of the most popular dry fruits, almonds are naturally rich in magnesium and carry almost 76.5mg of magnesium per 28g of servings. So, including almonds in your diet can prove to be very beneficial.

A study shows that adding magnesium to dietary supplements can help lower blood pressure in diabetic hypertensive adults. Magnesium acts as a natural vasodilator and prevents the blood vessels from constricting. As a result, it helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

Summary

Dry fruits provide essential nutrients that boost immunity, relieve oxidative stress, aid in weight loss, improve gut health, promote healthy skin, support heart health, enhance bone health, assist in type-2 diabetes management, and help prevent cancer. Almonds, with their magnesium content, can help regulate blood pressure. Including dry fruits in your diet can have a positive impact on overall well-being.

Courtesy : https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/dry-fruits-benefits/

Maka Rava / மக்கா ரவை - 250g