It’s not just fruits that are healthy. Dry fruits also make for a great snack, especially if you’re trying to get more fiber and minerals in your diet. Here are some of the healthiest ones out there:
Almonds
Almonds are one of the healthiest nuts and are packed with nutrients. They are high in vitamin E, magnesium and potassium which help to lower cholesterol levels. Almonds also contain good amounts of protein and healthy fats that can decrease inflammation in the body while promoting heart health.
Almonds are also beneficial for your skin because they contain antioxidants that help protect against sun damage, making them an excellent snack choice for summertime picnics!
Apricots
Apricots are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for good eyesight and skin health. They’re also high in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and keep your body healthy.
Apricots provide you with potassium as well as calcium and phosphorus–two minerals that help maintain bone health. They can even help lower blood pressure levels!
Dates
Dates are a good source of fiber, potassium and calcium. They also provide iron, copper and vitamin A.
Figs
Figs are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A. They’re also a good source of calcium and iron. Figs contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals and promote healthy skin. Their high fiber content helps you feel full for longer periods of time so you can avoid snacking on unhealthy foods during the day.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are rich in protein, vitamin E and minerals. They are also a good source of dietary fiber. Hazelnuts are high in monounsaturated fats which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition to these health benefits hazelnuts contain antioxidants that can help prevent cancer as well as aid in digestion and weight loss.
Pistachio nuts
Pistachios are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nuts are high in fiber, protein, vitamin B6, copper and manganese. Pistachios contain monounsaturated fats which can lower LDL cholesterol levels. The natural oils found in pistachio nuts may also help reduce inflammation throughout the body by inhibiting the production of certain enzymes that trigger it.
Pistachio nuts have many health benefits including:
- Reduced risk for heart disease
- Lowering blood pressure levels
- Helping with weight loss because they are low-calorie foods
Pomegranate seeds (arils)
Pomegranate arils are those edible seeds that you see in the middle of a pomegranate. They are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help promote healthy skin and prevent diseases like cancer. The seeds can be used as garnish on salads or desserts, but be sure not to eat them whole because they’re pretty hard!
Prunes (dried plums)
Prunes are rich in antioxidants, and they’re also a good source of dietary fiber. They’re high in iron, potassium, vitamin A and C as well as calcium.
In addition to the health benefits listed above prunes help prevent constipation because they contain sorbitol which acts like a laxative by drawing water into the intestines making stools softer so they pass more easily through the colon (bowel).
Raisins (currants) and sultanas
Although raisins are often thought of as dried grapes, they’re actually dried grape clusters. Their name comes from the French word for grape, raisin.
Raisins are high in vitamin C and fibre, as well as iron and potassium–all nutrients that offer health benefits for you! They also have a low glycemic index (GI), which means that they won’t increase your blood sugar level too much when consumed.
Walnuts, especially black walnuts which are more nutritious than the others.
Walnuts are one of the healthiest nuts you can eat. They’re high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids–both important for heart health and brain function.
Black walnuts have more antioxidants than other varieties of walnuts, so if you’re looking for a superfood that’s also delicious and easy to find, black walnut is it!
The best place to find these is in the supermarket or local grocery store. You can also order them online if you can’t find them locally.
