Hardly anyone knows that there is a big difference between nuts and dried fruit. Generally when we say dried fruit we also consider the dried fruit but it is not like that. There is a fine line of difference between the two.
Difference Between Nuts and Dried Fruit:
Nuts are basically natural and hard in texture. Dried fruits are again divided into dehiscent, those whose seeds are contained in a sea pod, and indehiscent, those that are not in the pod, eg cashews, almonds, walnuts, pista, etc.
Dried fruits, on the other hand, are natural fleshy fruits that are dried naturally or by machines such as food dehydrators, for example, raisins, figs, cherries, apricots, etc.
Benefits: Both nuts and dried fruit are essential for good health. They help improve the mental and physical development of the human body. They contain high nutritional and nourishing qualities. It also helps in:
– creation of new blood cells
– Strengthen muscles
– improves freshness on the face
– prevent anemia
– reproduction and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
– recommended in case of chronic constipation problems
– cases of weakness and debilitating diseases
– reduces the problems of young age of pimples, acne, dry skin and, above all, delays wrinkles
Examples of nuts and dried fruit:
Dry fruits:
Cashew Nuts: The botanical name for the cashew nut is “western cashew” and it is also known as “nature’s vitamin pill.” It contains a relatively high fat content with 12 grams per ounce and 2 grams of saturated fat. This fat content is considered good in medical terms. Its fat ratio is available in 1:2:1 for saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. In addition, it also has phytosterols, tocopherols, and squalene, which are considered good for health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Cashews have zero percent cholesterol content. It contains 82.5 milligrams of magnesium and antioxidants with a high content of extracts that help build bones and connective tissue.
Almonds: The botanical name for almonds is prunus dulcis. Almonds are not really nuts, but drupes that grow on deciduous trees. Almonds are of two kinds sweet and bitter. The almonds that come out of white flowers are sweet and those that come out of pink flowers are bitter. It is a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. It contains 26% carbohydrates and 24mg of vitamin E, which is rich in monounsaturated fats that are considered ‘good’ fats. It helps improve memory and gives strength and improves eyesight.
Hint: The botanical name for the hint is pistacia vera. It is known as pistachio and is said to be a great source of vitamins. Pista contains phytosterols that compete with cholesterol in the intestinal lumen and help reduce cholesterol levels and keep the heart healthy. It is said to be an excellent source of copper, manganese, and vitamin B6, as well as a good source of a variety of other B vitamins. It contains fiber and is therefore beneficial for gastrointestinal health. It is advisable to drink pista without salt than the salty one, since the salty one tends to shoot up the blood pressure level.
Dried fruit:
grapes – does anyone know what grapes actually are? Well, grapes are raisins. Eat them as you like, raw or cooked, simply decorate them as you like. Raisins come from a French word ‘rasin’ which means ‘grapes’. The percentage of sugar in the grape ranges between 67% and 72%. It helps in cleansing the blood and helps in the free flow of blood. Grapes also help get rid of dirty blood. It also acts as an antioxidant making you healthier. The minerals present in raisins mix with estrogen and thus strengthen the bones.
Figs: The botanical name for figs is ficus carica. Figs can be eaten both fresh and dried. These plants have the highest source of calcium and fiber. Dried figs are rich in fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin K. It is very good for those who suffer from constipation as it has a laxative effect and contains antioxidants.
Dates: date palm commonly known as phoenix dactylifera. These are sweet edible fruits. It is one of the most beneficial food products both in terms of medicine and tonic. It can be digested easily and is therefore useful for supplying energy and repairing waste. The presence of nicotinic content helps in intestinal disorders. It is also an excellent remedy for intoxicating alcoholism.
I hope this little description about dried fruit and dried fruit has given you the basic idea about the difference. Whatever the difference, whether it is dates, figs or cashews, it is beneficial to health and therefore important.