Trimming Down Naturally: The Benefits Of Dry Fruits For Weight Loss!
The moment we start dieting, we become cautious about a lot of things. Primarily it deals with food items or things we have to consume. However, we cannot be blamed considering how important it is to watch what we eat. So many of us are quite inclined of munching on dry fruits. It is also often used to garnish shakes, cakes, and most of the desserts.
But since sugar has to be avoided, should dry fruits also be avoided? If not, how much can we eat or what kind are good to eat? To answer all that for you, we have compiled this blog that will address it. Keep on reading to know as we unravel it.
What Are Dry Fruits?
Dry fruits are just the dried forms of natural fruits. Now when we say dried it can be either through continuous exposure to the sun or maybe remove the water content mechanically. Several fruits are considered a delicacy especially after they are dried and are wanted all over the world. So what makes them so special?
Its ancient history is very appealing where it was consumed by royalties and was gifted by them. Additionally, unlike general fruits, they are known to live for a long period thanks to the loss of hydration. This is also a reason why many people consider it to be a good snack. Some examples of dry fruits include raisins, dried figs, dates, and prunes.
What Do Dry Fruits Contain?
We are well aware of the fact that each fruit has its nutritional value that might or might not affect your journey. Considering that we are to pick and chose some of them, what about when they are dried? Do the nutrition it gives change or would it be the same?
So basically dried fruits are different when it comes to the kind of fruit that is consumed. But they are filled with fiber, protein, a small number of carbs, and fat. Moreover, it is also known to contain catechins, phenols, Potassium, and Calcium in abundance.
Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits
Not just from the weight loss perspective, eating dry fruits along with nuts is considered to be very beneficial for the overall functioning of the body. Some of them include-
- Protecting You From Diseases– So dry fruits are known to be filled with antioxidants and all this makes it good for our immune system. A good immune system means no diseases.
- Making You Look Young– Certain dry fruits when consumed in the right quantity can increase collagen production in the skin that can do away with the signs of aging or stress.
- Helping Your Heart Function– It is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids that can check the production of excessive cholesterol helping our heart.
- Smoothening The Function Of Your Stomach– Anything with fiber is good for your digestive system. Though the quantity would vary, all of the dry fruits do contain huge amounts of fiber.
- Supporting Your Bones– As we grow older, our bones lose their strength to provide the scaffolding needed for our body weight, in such cases we can eat dry fruits to strengthen our bones.
Are Dry Fruits Good For Weight Loss?
Yes. Dry fruits can certainly be considered a good addition to your weight loss diet. So dry fruits are mostly preferred by weight watchers because it contains all the goodness of fresh fruits. However, the one major difference is while fresh fruits could be high in calories due to their size, dry fruits are low in calories yet equally good.
While on a diet we would want to consume minimal calories and in that case, dry fruits stood apart. Dry fruits have plenty of antioxidants in them. Anti-oxidants are great for us to lose weight making it very much effective on a short calorie diet. So we did discuss how it has a small amount of fat. Does that mean it can cause weight gain?
Scientists explain that fats in dry fruits do not affect us like the ones in oily foods. It cannot increase our weight and as it has a lot of fiber in it, our digestive system is totally worked up with all the right enzymes.
Fat loss occurs easily when your gut is fully functioning. The dietary fiber in dry fruits also has the potential to keep us fuller for longer periods which means no snacking. Prolonged hunger pangs also mean less calorie intake which is what is needed to create a calorie deficit. Not just calorie-wise, dry fruits are affordable as well.
Dry fruits are pretty cheap compared to fresh versions of some fruits. We might require to eat more fresh fruits to get the same nutrients as in 2-3 dry fruits. Consequently, you have to replenish fruits more frequently when compared to dry fruits which saves a lot of money, time, and energy.
Albeit nutritious, dry fruits should not be consumed in large quantities. One should be wary of their fat and sugar content and therefore consult with a dietitian to zero in on a quantity that aids to your aim.
Dry fruits are versatile in nature and can be eaten in various ways. It could be good for snacking or maybe better on your oatmeal or on your protein shakes. There are plenty of choices but please keep an eye on the number.