Everyone knows that dry fruits are one of the healthiest foods one can consume. Rich in nutrients and vitamins, they serve as the best snacks. Owing to their high nutrient profile, they also offer various health benefits to the body, such as preventing obesity, regulating cholesterol levels, treating anaemia, and boosting heart health.
However, did you know that they must be consumed at specific times of the day to avail of their benefits?
According to Ayurveda, every food, if taken at the proper time, can act as a medicine. Therefore, know the right time to eat each dry fruit and change the way you look at diet and health.
Some Popular Dry Fruits and the Best Time to Eat Them
Although it is said that dry fruits are very nutritional, 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. The best time to eat almonds is in the morning because these have properties that will give you a lot of energy to work throughout the day. Keep them soaked overnight and eat them the next morning. Most Ayurvedic preachers recommend Vatada 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.
HemaVada or walnuts
Walnuts fall into the category of dry fruits that are rich in healthy fats, fibre, and protein. 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. 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.
Jardalu or Apricot
These orange-yellowish-coloured dry fruits are rich in fibre and beta-carotene (a unique, organic compound), vitamins and minerals (such as copper, iron, phosphorus and calcium) which increase the strength of bones. 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. 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.
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. They are the best for consumption in the evening since they take time to get digested because of their high fibre content. This, in turn, eases out constipation and produces a smooth bowel movement. The bone-building, strengthening of bones, and defence against osteoporosis are made possible by their richness in calcium. Figs also have a high content of phenolic antioxidants, nutrients, and fibre that helps in improving digestion. They are also rich sources of antacids that help ease constipation. 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.
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. Thus, the best time to eat dried raisins 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. 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 anaemic patient as it has a high iron content; it has the nutritional properties from dietary fibre that improves digestion; it is rich in potassium and magnesium that reduces acidity; dried raisins are rich in glucose, carbohydrates, and fructose that packs your body with a lot of energy.
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!
This article is reviewed by Dr. Sunanda Ranade
