Dry fruits are among the most nutritional foods you can consume. Not only are they loaded with healthy vitamins and nutrients, but they also act as the best snacks one could have on a daily basis. Nuts and dry fruits like Kaju or cashews, Kishmish or raisins, fig, kiwi, HemaVeda or walnuts, macadamia, Kalaya or peanuts, hazelnuts, etc., are high in fatty acid profile which, unlike popular opinion, is very healthy for the human body. They help control body weight, tackle obesity, and keep your cholesterol, diabetes, anemia, and a couple of heart diseases in check.
Importance of eating dry fruits
Packed with vital nutrients, dry fruits are a valuable supplement to any diet. They are nature’s powerhouse. Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, these nutrient-dense delicacies have a host of health advantages. But it is very important to know when to eat dry fruits in a day or the best time to eat dry fruits. We’ll get into that!
Ayurvedic wisdom dictates that the best time to eat dry fruits is ideally in the morning, when you’re not hungry, however, it depends on the dry fruit, in order to optimize its health effects. Eating them with breakfast or before meals helps improve nutritional absorption and speeds up your metabolism.
Some Popular Dry Fruits and the Best Time to Eat Them
Although it is said that dry fruits are very nutritious, they are, however, quite filling and must be consumed at a proper time. There is a variety of nuts and dry fruits available around the world, which one cannot eat at whichever time they like. Professionals and experts have suggested what is the best time to eat dry fruits throughout the day; these specific timings, if followed, will bring plenty of positive effects on your body from the inside. Let us look at some of the dry fruits and the right time to eat them.
Vatada or almonds
The world’s most popular type of tree nuts, these edible Prunus dulcis seeds are the healthiest nuts available in the market.
Benefits of Almonds
- Most Ayurvedic preachers recommend Vatada/Almonds for its high content of vitamins and fibres, and essential oils.
- They have a high vitamin E level, which helps in manufacturing red blood cells and fighting cholesterol.
- They also have antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative damage.
Best time to eat Almonds The best time to eat almonds is in the morning because almonds have properties that will give you a lot of energy to work throughout the day. The best way to eat them is to soak them overnight and eat them the next morning. |
Nutritional Value of Almonds
Nutrient Value |
Amount (per 28g) |
Energies (calories) |
164 |
Carbohydrate (g) |
6.1 (incl. 1.2 g of sugar) |
Fat (g) |
14.2, of which 12.4 g is unsaturated |
Fiber (g) |
3.5 |
Protein (g) |
6.0 |
Calcium (mg) |
76.3 |
Iron (mg) |
1.0 |
Magnesium (mg) |
76.5 |
Phosphorus (mg) |
136 |
Zinc (mg) |
0.9 |
Copper (mg) |
300 |
Manganese (mg) |
0.6 |
Source : https://nuthealth.org/nut-facts/almonds/
HemaVada or walnuts
Walnuts fall into the category of dry fruits that are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Benefits of Walnuts
It consists of monounsaturated fats that help in fighting against bad cholesterol, known as LDL. They also help in reducing inflammation. Like almonds, walnuts are also rich in antioxidants that build a protective shield around the body and fight oxidative damage.
Best time to eat Walnuts The best time to eat walnuts is in the morning because they have a high level of Omega 3 fatty acids that prevents heart diseases. When mixed with your daily breakfast diet, these will improve your heart’s health and boost your energy for the entire day. |
Nutritional Value of Walnuts
Nutrient Value |
Amount (30g) |
Calories |
185 |
Water |
4% |
Protein |
4.3 grams |
Carbs |
3.9 grams |
Sugar |
0.7 grams |
Fiber |
1.9 grams |
Fat |
18.5 grams |
Source: https://nuthealth.org/nut-facts/walnuts/
Jardalu or Apricot
These orange-yellowish-coloured dry fruits are rich in fiber and beta-carotene (a unique, organic compound), vitamins and minerals (such as copper, iron, phosphorus and calcium) which increase the strength of bones.
Benefits of Apricots
- Apricots are rich in vitamin C, which maintains a healthy heart; potassium and sodium, which controls the body’s fluid content and distributes energy to your muscles and organs.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that are vital for people with arthritis.
Best time to eat Apricots The right time to eat dry fruits like apricots is in the evening because it gives you glowing and healthy skin and also keeps your vision in check. |
Nutritional Value
Nutrient Value |
Amount |
Calories |
17 |
Sodium |
0.4 mg |
Carbohydrates |
3.9 grams |
Fat |
0.1 grams |
Fiber |
0.7 grams |
Sucrose |
3.2 grams |
Protein |
0.5 grams |
Potassium |
90.6 mg |
Vitamin A |
33.6 mcg |
Anjeer or Figs
It is a form of natural candy with soft skin with multiple seeds inside. These are technically inverted flowers that come from the family of mulberries.
Benefits of Anjeer
- The bone-building, strengthening of bones, and defense against osteoporosis are made possible with their richness in calcium.
- Figs also have a high content of phenolic antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber that helps in improving digestion.
- These work great for people dieting as they help in the management of weight.
- If you have hypertension, then Anjeer or figs with its high potassium level balanced against the low level of sodium is the best for you.
Best time to eat Anjeer They are the best for consumption in the evening since they take time to get digested because of their high fiber content. This, in turn, eases out constipation and produces a smooth bowel movement. |
Nutritional Value of Anjeer
Nutrient Value |
Amount (per 100 g) |
Carbohydrate |
73.50% |
Protein |
4.67% |
Fat |
0.56% |
Dietary Fiber |
3.68% |
Energy |
317.78 kcal |
Munakka or Dried Raisin
This form of dried grapes is vital for the human body as it is filled with antioxidant properties and a high vitamin and mineral level.
Benefits of Dried Raisin
- Apart from this, dried raisin has several good properties that speak volumes about why it is considered one of the best dry fruits.
- It is vital in the life of an anemic patient as it has a high iron content;
- It has the nutritional properties from dietary fiber that improves digestion;
- Rich in potassium and magnesium that reduces acidity;
- Rich in glucose, carbohydrates, and fructose that packs your body with a lot of energy.
Best time to eat Dried Raisin The best time to eat dried raisins is in the morning after you soak them overnight. This helps dissolve all the vitamins and minerals present on the skin, thus providing you with a greater amount of essential foods to intake. |
Nutritional Value of Dried Raisin
Nutrient Value |
Amount (per 100 gms) |
Calories |
299 |
Total Fat |
0.3 grams |
Saturated Fat |
0.1 grams |
Polyunsaturated Fat |
0.1 grams |
Monounsaturated Fat |
0.1 grams |
Cholestrol |
0 milligrams |
Sodium |
26 milligrams |
Potassium |
744 milligrams |
Total Carbohydrates |
79 grams |
Dietary Fiber |
4.5 grams |
Sugar |
65 grams |
Protein |
3.3 grams |
Calcium |
62 milligrams |
Iron |
1.8 milligrams |
Magnesium |
24 milligrams |
Conclusion
Keep your habits of unhealthy snacking away and consume foods that are ideal for maintaining a proper body, from the inside and outside. Know what is the best time to eat dry fruits and live your best life!