The hot days of summer call for something light and easy for the tummy. Most people prefer cold salads, ice creams, fruit juices, fruit salads, yogurt-based drinks like lassi, etc. to refresh themselves from the heat. However, most people do not know the fact that eating dry fruits or dry fruit-based recipes can also do wonders during the summer months. Here you will find some vital information on the dry fruits you should consider eating during summer and their benefits on your body. 

Why Should You Eat Dry Fruits During Summer?

Who doesn't love the taste of dry fruits? They can be consumed just like that or by adding them to different dishes, desserts, juices, or smoothies. Adding dry fruits to smoothies, salads, and desserts gives them a crisp texture and distinctive flavour. As the days are becoming hotter, it is important to choose some cool and healthy snacks to keep your body running. Dry fruits offer instant energy and help you get going even during busy days. 

Staying hydrated and nourished becomes vital during scorching summer months. Although most of us love to munch on sugary treats and salty snacks on hot days, looking for healthier alternatives is very important. This is extremely important as most of us are marching towards extreme weather conditions in the coming years. Dry fruits can provide a myriad of health benefits, which makes them an ideal choice for summer snacking.  

When looking for dry fruits, you will find a huge variety in the market today. Some common varieties include almonds, pistachios, cashew nuts, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, Anjeer, etc. These dry fruits are commonly found in Indian households. There are numerous desserts, appetizers, dishes, and special food items prepared using these dry fruits. In fact, you can also consume them as it is as they do not require any type of additional preparation or flavouring for consumption. 

Eating dry fruits in moderation during summer will help you to get relief from high temperatures. Dry fruits like dates, raisins, almonds, figs and cashews are also high in their nutritional value. As most people prefer eating less during the summer months, they find it difficult to maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrition. As a result, they also feel tired and lethargic. Thus, the best remedy to get rid of these issues is to include different types of dry fruits in your diet. This will keep your body fit and active during the summer months. 

What are the Real Benefits of Eating Dry Fruits During the Summers?

Supply of Essential Nutrients: As mentioned above, most people eat less or rather prefer eating less during the hot summer days. People also eat light foods with basic ingredients. This may often lead to a lack of nutrients in the body. In such cases, dry fruits can do wonders. Despite their small size, most dry fruits are loaded with essential nutrients that can be vital for your health. From antioxidants to fibers, and vitamins to minerals, these nutrient powerhouses offer concentrated sources of nutrients in every bite. Therefore, including a handful of dry fruits in your day-to-day routine can do wonders. 

Natural Energy Booster: Hot summer days can drain out your energy pretty quickly. The high temperature will dehydrate your body and make you feel tired. On the other hand, most summer days are filled with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or other summer camp activities for kids. It does not matter what your age is or what type of activity you indulge in, to keep your energy levels up, reach for dry fruits like raisins, dates, and figs. These natural energy boosters are packed with carbohydrates, which can provide a quick source of energy to your body. This makes them a perfect snack when you are on the go. 

Hydration with Dry Fruits: While fresh fruits like watermelon and vegetables like cucumber are known for their high water content, there are also some dry fruits that can rehydrate your body. For instance, dried apricots retain much of their moisture even after drying. Snacking on these dry fruits will help you replenish the lost fluids and protect your body from dehydration during the hot summer months. However, it is important for you to consume them in moderation. 

Digestive Health: Summer is the time to indulge yourself in different types of foods. Sometimes, people try different types of new foods when they are out during summer vacations and outings. While it is ok to treat yourself occasionally, it is also important to take your digestive system into consideration. It does not matter what type of foods you eat, incorporating foods rich in fiber is also important. Consuming dry fruits like figs prunes and apricots will provide you with an excellent source of dietary fiber. This in turn helps with regularity and prevents issues like constipation. Adding these summer fiber-packed natural snacks to your diet will keep your digestive system happy and smooth. 

Convenient Natural Snack to Grab on the Go: Dry fruits are undoubtedly a convenient snacking option you can grab on the go. Their portability and convenience have made them an optimal choice for athletes and people busy in their day-to-day lives. All you have to do is to grab a handful of dry fruits and get going. They can be easily consumed whether you are hitting the trails for hiking or packing a picnic to the beach. All you have to do is toss a handful of dry fruits in your bag or container. 

Some of the top dry fruits you can consume on a daily basis include

Almonds: Commonly known as badam in India, almonds are one of the most famous and versatile dry fruits you can consume any time of the day or during any season. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. 

Cashews: Cashews are another amazing and well-praised dry fruit in Indian cuisine. They are used in numerous dishes for their creamy texture and flavour. They contain excellent sources of proteins as well as many essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. 

Pistachios: Pistachios are enjoyed all around the world for their distinctive flavour and vibrant green colour. They are also packed with proteins, antioxidants, and fiber, which makes them a nutritious and necessary addition to your diet. 

Walnuts: Walnuts or akhrot are prized for their brain-boosting properties and high omega-3 fatty acid content. They are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, making them an excellent choice for promoting overall health. Walnuts can be eaten raw as a snack, chopped and added to oatmeal or yogurt, or used to make delicious walnut chutney to accompany meals.

Dates: Dates, also known as khajoor in India are sweet, sticky fruits that are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium. They are often enjoyed as a natural sweetener in desserts and smoothies or eaten on their own as a quick energy boost. Dates can also be stuffed with nuts or coconut for a delicious and nutritious snack.

Raisins: You would have definitely heard about kishmish or raisins. Raisins are dried grapes that are naturally sweet and chewy, making them a popular choice for snacking and cooking. They are a good source of energy and contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Raisins can be added to breakfast cereals, baked goods, and trail mix, or enjoyed on their own as a quick and nutritious snack.

Apricots: Apricots or Khurmani are sweet and tangy fruits that are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They are known for their cooling properties and are often consumed during the summer months to stay hydrated and refreshed. Dried apricots can be eaten as a snack, added to salads and trail mix, or used to make delicious jams and chutneys.

Conclusion

Including dry fruits in your summer diet can be delicious, and also beneficial for your health. It does not matter whether you are looking for a natural energy booster or something to munch on without worrying about your health, there are different dry fruits and dry fruit snacks you can try. So, next time you are looking for a snack on a hot summer day, look for these ready-to-eat options.

If you are looking for premium quality dry fruits online, you can buy the best from Healthy Master. Apart from plain dry fruits, the brand is also offering different types of healthy snacks like baked chips, flavoured nuts, energy bars, millet-based snacks, and cookies. This will help you to choose the best for your needs and preferences. You will also find various discounts and offers provided by the brand from which you can choose the best.