Dried fruits are food and medicine in winter
ArabiaWeather - Although dried fruits are available throughout the year in the markets, the winter season witnesses a noticeable increase in demand for them, as they are considered a source of energy that is ready and easy to eat anywhere. The most important dried fruits available in the markets include raisins, coconuts, apricots, dates, figs, pine nuts, almonds and walnuts. And other types.
Benefits of dried fruits in the winter
Dried fruits carry a large amount of calories and sugars. However, experts confirm that they have benefits similar to those found in fresh fruits. In this report published by the American newspaper The Washington Post, writer “Rachel Warren” quotes the statements of Dr. Valerie Sullivan, an epidemiologist researcher in School of Public Health in Baltimore, where she said:
“Many types of dried fruits are a good source of fiber and potassium, two nutrients people need to consume more of.”
Apricot
Nutritional value:
- 5-6 apricots contain 96 calories.
- 20 grams of carbohydrates.
- 3 grams of fiber.
- 21 grams of sugar.
Apricots provide the body with an important amount of fiber, which plays an important role in supporting the health of the digestive system. Apricots contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that contributes to protecting cells from damage. Apricots can be consumed fresh or dried, which provides options to enjoy their sweet taste at different times and should be People who suffer from allergies or asthma caused by sulfites should be careful when eating dried apricots, as they may contain these preservatives.
the banana
Nutritional values:
- 200 calories in a quarter cup of banana slices.
- 27 grams of carbohydrates.
- Rich amount of fiber.
- 12 grams of sugar.
- 8 grams of added sugars.
Fig
Nutritional values:
5 figs contain:
- 105 calories.
- 27 grams of carbohydrates.
- 4 grams of fiber.
- Two grams of sugar.
Mango
Nutritional values:
4 slices of dried mango contain:
- 130 calories.
- 29 grams of carbohydrates.
- 21 grams of sugar.
- Providing vitamin B and an important amount of potassium.
A study indicates the benefits of mango in lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.
Pineapple
Nutritional values:
Two Pineapple Rings contain:
- 140 calories.
- 35 grams of carbohydrates.
- 32 grams of sugar.
- 7 grams of added sugars.
Pineapple contains the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain.
Plum
Nutritional values:
4 plums contain:
- 91 calories.
- 24 grams of carbohydrates.
- 3 grams of fiber.
- 14 grams of sugar.
Also known as dried plums, they are beneficial for constipation, according to a 2019 study.
Pakistanis' demand for dried fruits increases in the winter
The owner of a store selling dried fruits, Suhail Khan, confirmed that people’s interest in his store’s offerings increased three times during the winter, as a result of the variety of types of these fruits, whether local or imported, which increases their attractiveness.
While many people in Pakistan rely on dried fruits as a source of energy and food during the winter, others consider consuming them as main meals at wedding parties, which are increasingly common in this season.
In addition, some resort to folk medicine and consider dried fruits a “medicine” for many winter ailments, as wise men promote their use with the aim of strengthening immunity.
Although dried fruits are available throughout the year in Pakistani markets, the winter season witnesses a significant increase in demand for them, especially in the northern regions and Kashmir, where they are considered a major source of food due to the extreme cold.
Read also:
Bananas are not considered the appropriate fruit for winter for these reasons!
Beat the winter blues with winter fruits that strengthen the immune system
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