9 best dry fruits to add to your festive and winter diet

Nothing beats the best dry fruits when it comes to maintaining your health and managing weight during the festive and winter season.
Best dry fruits for health
Add these dry fruits to your diet for good health. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Team Health Shots Published: 19 Oct 2023, 23:24 pm IST
  • 179

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. Along with it comes an abundance of sweet treats and decadent snacks. While these delights may be tempting, they often lead to weight gain and a feeling of sluggishness. By adding the best dry fruits to your diet, you get a healthier alternative to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep your waistline in check!

These dried wonders are not only soothing for your taste buds but also offer health benefits. So, let’s celebrate the festive season with a twist, by making the best dry fruits a part of your diet.

“Dry fruits are an easy and convenient way to add nutrition to your diet. You can add a mix of nuts and seeds to your daily diet to ensure that you get sufficient protein, fiber, vitamin and minerals,” nutrition expert Leema Mahajan tells Health Shots.

Best dry fruits for health

While dry fruits are a healthy addition to your fasting plate, they are equally helpful when it is feasting time! When they are eaten in moderation as a part of one’s daily routine, dry fruits offer plenty of goodness. As the expert cautions, “Mindless munching or overeating dry fruits can cause undesirable effects like weight gain and digestion issues.”

Let us check out the best dry fruits online in India that you can buy for yourself as a gift for your loved ones this festive season.

1. Almonds or Badam

Almonds are one of the most popular dry fruits, known for their exquisite taste and rich nutritional value. Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, they aid in weight management by keeping you full and satisfied. They are also a fantastic source of vitamin E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cells from damage.

2. Dates or Khajur

Dates, nature’s natural sweetener, are high in fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety. Their natural sugars provide an energy boost, making them a delightful alternative to sugary snacks. Additionally, dates are packed with essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which support heart health and muscle function.

3. Walnuts or Akhrot

Walnuts not only add a satisfying crunch to your diet but also offer a wealth of health benefits. These brain-shaped nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote brain health and help manage weight by reducing appetite. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall well-being.

Select Topics of your interest and let us customize your feed.

PERSONALISE NOW

4. Cashews or Kaju

Cashews are often overlooked, but they are a powerhouse of essential nutrients. They provide a good dose of protein, making them a satiating snack. Additionally, they are rich in magnesium, which aids in weight loss by regulating metabolism and reducing muscle cramps.

5. Pistachios or Pista

Pistachios are renowned for their delightful taste and vibrant green colour. They are an excellent choice for weight management as they are low in calories and high in fiber, promoting a feeling of fullness. These little green gems are also packed with antioxidants, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

6. Raisins or Kishmish

Raisins are essentially dried grapes, and they bring a burst of natural sweetness to your diet. They are high in iron, which can help prevent anemia, a common concern during the winter season. The fiber content in raisins also aids in digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied, reducing the temptation for unhealthy snacks. But mind the calories!

Also read: To soak or not to soak: What’s the best way to eat dry fruits and nuts?

7. Dried figs or Anjeer

Figs, also known as anjeer, are a sweet and nutritious addition to your diet. They are a great source of dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, aiding in weight management. Figs are also rich in calcium and potassium, supporting bone health and muscle function.

8. Prunes

Prunes are dried plums and have a reputation for promoting digestive health. They are a natural laxative, helping to prevent constipation, a common issue during the winter months. Prunes are also packed with antioxidants, which combat inflammation and contribute to overall well-being.

9. Dried Apricots or Khumani

Dried apricots offer a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite. They are a rich source of vitamins A and C, which boost your immune system, an essential factor during the onset of the winter season. These vitamins also support healthy skin and vision, making dried apricots an excellent addition to your diet.

Incorporating dry fruits into your diet during the festive season is a wise choice not only for your health but also for the overall enjoyment of this time of year. As the winter season approaches, the health benefits of dry fruits become even more significant. They provide a natural source of energy, which is especially important in the colder months when we need that extra boost. Additionally, they help combat common winter woes such as anemia and constipation, thanks to their iron and fiber content.

So, this festive season, make a conscious choice to indulge in the best dry fruits!

(Disclaimer: This article was collaboratively written by the editorial team along with a creative AI tool. At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)

  • 179
About the Author

We are a varied group of Health Shots writers, bringing you the healthiest scoop on wellness in town. ...Read More

Next Story