Why should I eat dry fruits and nuts in winter?

The onset of winter is an exciting time as we get to experience the warm rays of the sun in chilly mornings and enjoy the end of the year with festive treats. However, winter brings along with it, its woes. The sudden change in weather, dryness of the atmosphere and a rise in cough and cold are common occurrences during this season. Stay wary of the cold weather and the diseases it brings along with the inclusion of healthy foods in your diet. Adding dry fruits to your winter diet can be especially beneficial.

What do dry fruits include?

As they name suggests, dry fruits are the dehydrated version of certain fruits like figs, apricots and grapes (raisins). Dry fruits also include all kinds of nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, etc.

Dry fruits are great sources of good fat and other nutrients in our body. They are great as snacking options. Dry fruits promote your health and they are some of the best foods to consume during the winter season.

Reasons why you should include dry fruits in your winter diet

1. Immunity Builder

The winter can be a difficult season since the affinity towards diseases like common cough and cold rises. It is very important to stay immune to the rising number of diseases especially during the season change into winter.

Dry fruits are some of the best immunity building foods for your body. They are filled with immunity building components like Vitamin C and antioxidants. Dry fruits like figs, raisins and apricots are great sources of Vitamin C, which helps boost the immunity level of your body. All dry fruits are packed with antioxidants, which help the body strengthen the immune system. Thus, adding dry fruits to your winter diet can be a sure-shot way of building your body’s resistance to diseases.

2. Keeps your skin nourished

Winter is a dry season and the dryness leads to dehydration of your body. One of the effects of this dryness is the excessive drying up of your skin. You might experience chapped lips, cracked heels and very dry skin on your hands and legs.

Dry fruits are packed with natural oils which help your skin naturally retain moisture. This leads to your skin staying supple. Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, prunes and raisins help your body flush toxins and let your skin glow naturally. One of the best dry fruits for your skin are walnuts as they not only contain healthy oils but they are also rich in Vitamin B and Omega-3. These elements help your skin counter wrinkles and also improve its texture.

3. Keeps your body warm - Vitamin E natural body warmer

Keep your body warm this winter with the help of dry fruits. Dry fruits generate heat within the body naturally since they are packed with fat. Dry fruits also help control the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. This natural body warmers are easy to add to your diet and help you reduce the layers of clothes on your body during the winter.

4. Helps control weight

We usually indulge in rich food during the winters which we are unable to enjoy during the hot summers. Decadent spreads during the end of the year can make your diet and weight loss plans go for a toss. Balance out your indulgences this winter through the consumption of dry fruits.

Dry fruits are a very healthy snacking option that helps you feel full and even lose weight. Dry fruits have very high fibre content and it keeps your digestive system functioning optimally, which is an important aspect of weight loss. Dry fruits also keep your hunger pangs at bay so that you do not end up overeating and bloating yourself.

5. Keeps energy levels high

Kickstarting your day on a chilly winter morning is one of the toughest winter experiences. Dry fruits can help you give yourself an energy boost for the day and beat the lethargy out of your system. Make sure to consume a small bowl of mixed dry fruits every morning to energise yourself throughout the day. Nuts are full of protein and antioxidants which help you stay energised. Daily consumption of dry fruits also aids your overall brain health and makes it easier for you to focus on your work.

6. Daily dose of nutrition

Dry fruits contain 3.5 times more fibre, minerals and nutrients than their fresh fruit counterparts and it is easier to consume on the go. Including a small quantity of dry fruits to your diet can be immensely beneficial to you during the winter. A mixture of dry fruits can provide you with a considerable amount of your daily nutrient requirements.

Conclusion:
Keep healthy this winter by including a lot of dry fruits in your diet. Dry fruits like almonds, raisins, cashews, figs, walnuts, etc. are packed with nutrients and help keep diseases at bay during the winter. They also keep your skin moisturised naturally. Enjoy the cool winter weather without any health problems with the help of dry fruits.

References:
www.pinkvilla.com/lifestyle/food-travel/5-best
www.aimsindia.com/blog/how-dry-fruits
www.timesnownews.com/health/article/