10 Healthy Dry Fruits For Snacking

Dry fruits are healthy because they have the nutrients of a fruit in the concentrated form. The best part about dry fruits is that they give you a boost of energy but are not very fattening. One of the main health benefits of dry fruits is that they are great snacks. You can easily snack on some healthy dry fruits without putting on weight. Moreover, dry fruits are nutritious but not filling. A handful of healthy dry fruits will give you lots of energy but will not kill your appetite for lunch.

Both fresh fruit and dry fruits have their own health benefits. Fresh fruits have more moisture and water content. They also have higher levels of natural sugars that are very healthy. However fresh fruits get spoiled easily and do not have a very long shelf life. Moreover, fresh fruits are seasonal. You won't find mangoes in winter because it is a summer fruit.

These constraints of fresh fruits can be made up for by dry fruits. If you sun dry mangoes and store them, they will last for all of winter until the next crop of mangoes arrive. And most of the health benefits of dry fruits are restored from the original fresh fruits. That is dry fruits are nutritious and also easy to preserve.

Here are some of the healthiest dry fruits that make great snacks, especially for office. Stock up your drawers with these energy rich foods.

Raisins

Raisins are sweet but not fattening. You will be surprised to know that dried grapes are low in sodium content, high on fibre and fat-free sources of sweetness.

Figs

Figs are healthy dry fruits for women because they are rich in iron and Folic acid. They give women a boost of blood building minerals.

Tomato

For all practical purposes we use tomato as a vegetable but it is actually a fruit. Dried tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C and retain their tangy taste. They are also rich in cancer fighting lycopene.

Plum

Dried plums or prunes as they are called can be treated as a natural multi-vitamin tablet. They are rich in vital nutrients are also improve the digestive system.

Apple

Dry apples are rich in iron just like fresh ones. Additionally they contain a store house of photo-nutrients that help to fight cancer.

Blueberry

Dried blueberries are rich in Vitamin B, C and A. They are very essential for the healthy functioning of the central nervous system.

Mangoes

Mangoes are summer fruits that have a very limited season. But dried mangoes ensure that you get a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, C and E throughout the year. Plus, dried mangoes are also rich in antioxidants.

Apricot

Apricots in the dried form too are a very rich source of iron. Additionally, they provide you loads of dietary fibres.

Cherry

Cherries in the dry form are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. And they make excellent topping for almost all desserts.

Cranberry

Cranberries are immunity boosting and infection fighting fruits. Dried cranberries can also be eaten if you have urinary infections or cough and cold.