We all want to stay healthy. In the quest of health we are looking for miraculous supplements beautifully packaged lining in the stores. But did you know that nature has offered us wonderful small packaging of minerals and vitamins along with their disease fighting ability in the form of nuts.
Let’s discover more about this wonder food.

Health Benefits of Eating Nuts and Dry Fruits

Nuts and dry fruits are cholesterol-free and contain healthy, unsaturated fats, which help lower the risk of heart disease. Nuts also provide magnesium, which helps maintain bone structure and chromium, which helps to ensure proper insulin function. They contain zinc for growth and wound healing, and manganese, which protects against free radicals. All nuts are a good source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

ALMONDS

Almonds are rich source of Vitamin E .They are also rich in monounsaturated fats.

Health Benefits

• Lower LDL-cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease
• Provide protection against diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Contain manganese, copper & riboflavin which help in energy production

Role in Treating Diseases

Almond decreases postprandial glycemia, insulinemia, and oxidative damage. Almond milk contributes to its beneficial effect observed in infants having milk intolerance. It recovers sore throat also.

CASHEW

Cashew nuts are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Cashew nuts are also a good source of potassium, B vitamins and folate.

Health Benefits

• Contains heart protective monounsaturated fats
• Contains copper which plays role in  antioxidant defenses and energy production
• Help prevent gallstones
• Contains magnesium that helps regulate nerve and muscle tone

Role in Treating Diseases

Cashew nuts help in recovering colon cancer and heart diseases.

WALNUTS

Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as vitamin E.

Health Benefits

• Excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a special type of protective fat the body cannot manufacture.
• Help in  cardiovascular protection
• Promotion of better cognitive function
• Helpful in asthma and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

Role in Treating Diseases

Walnuts help in recovering diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis and gastrointestinal problems.

FIGS

Figs contain large amounts of fiber, natural sugars, and minerals.  They are an excellent source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. Figs are good source of vitamin B6.

Health Benefits

• Well known for their mild laxative effect
• Very good in case of tachycardia, bronchial asthma, cough, and breast ache.
• Have a high content of fiber and are often recommended to nourish and tone the intestines.
• Effective in helping to control blood pressure.

Role in Treating Diseases

Figs help in recovering anemia, constipation and osteoporosis and reduce fever.

PISTACHIO

Pistachios are rich in potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, and are also a good source of vitamin B6.

Health Benefits

• Cut heart disease risk, the high monounsaturated fat content lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Contain antioxidants in the form of phytochemicals which have been associated with a decreased risk for developing chronic diseases, like cancer.

Role in Treating Diseases

Pistachio helps in recovering anorexia, constipation and nausea.

RAISIN

Raisins are fat free, cholesterol free, and low in sodium.

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants, thus help keep blood clean and flowing
• Promote good oral health
• Contain Calcium which in known for causing bone health
• Contain fiber which softens and cleans  the stomach

Role in Treating Diseases

Raisins help in curing constipation, osteoporosis and macular degeneration.

As with food generally, ‘variety is the spice of life’. So, it is better to eat a variety of nuts and thus obtain a wide range of nutrients.

Dr. Deepika Malik

Wellness Consultant