Dried fruits are a real panacea for most health problems. The content of vitamins and microelements in them is more than high, and often even much higher than in the same amount of fresh fruit.
Useful substances contained in dried fruits
Each type of dried fruit, be it dried apricots, dried cherries or prunes, raisins or dried mangoes, has its own unique chemical composition and, nevertheless, the high content in them is invariable:
- vitamin A;
- B vitamins;
- vitamin PP;
- vitamin C (with proper drying);
- potassium;
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- sodium;
- magnesium;
- iodine;
- calcium, as well as organic acids (malic, oxalic, citric, salicylic, etc.), glucose and fructose, fiber, pectins, mono- and disaccharides.
A small handful of fragrant dried fruits, eaten every day, is quite enough to replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body and significantly improve health in general. Dried fruits will help you get rid of vitamin deficiency, anemia, depression and bad mood.
Dried fruits and their medicinal properties
Raisins, rich in B vitamins, have the ability to strengthen the nervous system and are used as a sedative, relieve tension and fatigue. The high content of magnesium and potassium in this dried fruit makes it very beneficial for people with cardiovascular diseases. With the regular use of raisins in food, the conductivity of impulses improves, the myocardium is strengthened, and the contractile work of the heart muscle is improved.
Raisins contain 10 times more substances useful for the human body than fresh grapes.
The beneficial properties of raisins are used in folk medicine to treat diseases of the kidneys, eyes and heart, hair loss, digestive disorders, fevers, and hypertension.
Pregnant women with low hemoglobin and iron deficiency are shown to eat raisins. A mixture of raisins and dried apricots is a wonderful folk remedy for increasing milk flow and improving lactation in nursing mothers.
Dried apricots are extremely useful for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as they contain potassium salts, which normalize blood pressure and improve heart function. People who have suffered a heart attack are advised to mix dried apricots with honey and other dried fruits (prunes, figs, raisins) and consume this mixture daily in small quantities.
For pregnant women and people suffering from anemia, dried apricots are shown as a means of increasing the level of hemoglobin in the blood. In addition, having a mild laxative effect, dried apricots gently cleanses the intestines, normalizes its peristalsis. Dried apricots also help the human body to get rid of toxins, radionuclides, heavy metal compounds.
Prunes are used in folk medicine as a choleretic, diuretic and metabolic normalizing agent. It should be included in the diet of those who want to lose those extra pounds and restore their health.
It is useful for hypertensive patients to drink prune compote - it helps to lower blood pressure. A decoction of dried fruit is also useful for chronic constipation and many other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Prunes, rich in vitamins and microelements, are recommended for use in case of anemia and vitamin deficiency. Regular use of it improves complexion and accelerates hair growth.
Prunes are known as a natural immunomodulator that increases the body's resistance and slows down aging. Prune extract, which prevents the multiplication of E. coli, staphylococci and salmonella, is used as an antibacterial agent during epidemics of infectious diseases.
Before using prunes, they must be thoroughly washed: before being sold, dried fruits are often treated with special chemicals to extend their shelf life.
Dried figs have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility, help the body cleanse itself of toxins and toxins and get rid of constipation. The antioxidant substances contained in this dried fruit cleanse the blood from cholesterol plaques, cleanse and strengthen small vessels and capillaries, and help make them less permeable. A decoction of dried figs has a good antipyretic and diaphoretic effect for colds.
Dried figs boiled in milk are used in folk medicine to treat severe coughs, pneumonia and whooping cough.
The mineral salts of magnesium, potassium and iron, which are rich in dried figs, contribute to improving the quality of blood, increasing the level of hemoglobin and getting rid of anemia.
Highly nutritious dried figs can help you gain weight quickly for those looking to gain weight.
The benefits of figs are also significant for the nervous system: it perfectly normalizes its activity, increases efficiency, and improves mood.
Dried fruits in cooking
In cooking, dried fruits are used to prepare a wide variety of dishes: compotes and fruit soups are made from them, kvass, fruit drink and homemade wine are made. Housewives make delicious filling for baking from dried fruits, add to cereals, casseroles, muffins, cakes, cookies, ice cream and other desserts. Dried fruits go well with meat. Many peoples of the world have meat dishes with dried fruits, for example, Bukhara pilaf with raisins, chicken with dried apricots and prunes.
