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Dry Fruits: Source of EnergyFruits are broadly classified into two categories

namely fleshy fruits and dry fruits. If the exocarp and mesocarp of a fruit is succulent when fully

grown, the fruit is classified as fleshy. A dry fruit is signified by a waterless exocarp and mesocarp, which is often thin and compressed. Dry fruits

show strong medicinal properties and have no side effects. Dry fruits are nutritious and provide

necessary energy to the body. They are natural health capsule.

Importance of dry fruits in our lifeEvery individual must take care of his health. To

attain good health it is essential to follow the rules of good nutrition, regular exercise and regulation in sexual activity. In Ayurveda, it is believed that all living beings are a composite of the five basic elements i.e. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Sky. In

order to keep life going, it is important to replenish these elements through natural foods

which are the sources of these elements. To achieve this we must have foods which are

naturally available just as nuts, fruits, vegetables, cereals etc.

Dry fruit contain substantial quantities of essential nutrients in a rational proportion. They are excellent source of minerals, vitamins and

enzymes. They are easy to digest and clean the blood and the digestive area. Persons who have this natural diet will always enjoy good health.

Also the illness caused by the intake of unnatural foods can be successfully treated by fruits. Though

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nuts and raisins are small in size, amount of power they provide us when consumed make them very big. Fresh and dry fruits are very essential since besides being food for us they also have strong

medicinal properties.

Following are some of the main dry fruits:

RaisinsWhen grapes are dried properly they turn into raisins. They have high nourishing qualities.

Raisins have enough sugar content and hence increased food value. Raisins are an excellent food in all cases of debility and wasting diseases. They

are also valuable during period of recovery.

Raisins prove very helpful during the treatment of constipation. When soaked in a glassful of drinking water for 24 to 48 hours should be eaten early in

the morning, after discarding the stones. This water in which raisins were soaked can also be

drunk. If it is followed every morning then it does help to great extent in case of chronic

constipation.

Raisins can be regularly given even to babies as an extract in water to help regular bowel action. Six

to ten raisins, depending on the child's age, can be soaked in boiling water and kept aside for a while. When cool, the raisins should be powdered to get their juice into the water. Care should be taken to see that the skin of the raisins does not upset the stomach. Raisins enrich blood as it is a rich source

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of easily iron. They prove helpful in anemia. Raisins also help to gain weight. According to

Ayurveda, black raisins are used for re-establishment of sexual vigor.

Cashew NutsCashew nuts have the kidney-shaped seeds that

grow at the bottom of the cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree, which is native to the coastal areas of northeastern Brazil. Cashew nuts provide protein and fiber to body. They are rich in mono-unsaturated fat that prove helpful to prevent the heart problems. They are also a good source of

potassium, B vitamins and folate. Also they possess useful amounts of magnesium,

phosphorous, selenium and copper.

DateThe date is a nutritious food. It has natural sugar in the form of glucose and fructose. Grind dates in the same water in which they have been soaked

overnight after removing the seeds and have it at least twice a week. This will build up the heart. Dates also help in removing hangover. In such

cases, drinking water in which fresh dates have been flooded brings quick relief. The nicotine

content in dates is helful for intestinal disturbances and is a good laxative.

AlmondThe almond is also very nutritious food. Almond

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milk is the most useful preparation of almonds. It is rich in vitamins. It is more advantages as

compared to ordinary milk. It is easy to digest than the cow's milk and is helpful for the babies with

whom the cow's milk does not agree.

Unsaturated fats found in almonds have good medicinal values. The medicinal qualities of

almonds occur from dynamic action of iron, copper, phosphorus and vitamin B1. These provide

increased energy due to chemical interaction and help in the creation of new blood cells, hemoglobin

and help in proper functioning of brain, heart, nerves, bones and liver. They help in

strengthening the muscles and in long life.

Almonds paste with milk cream and fresh paste of rose bud applied regularly over the face increases face beauty. It makes the skin soft and bleaches

the skin. If applied from young age it helps avoiding early wrinkles, black heads, dry skin,

pimples and enhances freshness on face.

Small amount of almond oil applied over scalp helps to cure the problem of falling hair, thinness

of hair, dandruff and early graying of hair. Almonds should be chewed properly and they should be

taken after some time interval from meals. They have high calorific value. They help to prevent

anemia.

They are also recommended in case of chronic constipation problems. It is also useful in case of

loss of sexual energy that happens due to nervous

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breakdown and brain weakness. Wild almonds also help to cure skin diseases, especially eczema. To achieve this, a few leaves of the wild almond are powdered with water and the cream. It is then

applied to the affected parts.

The blend of almonds is helpful in bronchial diseases, hoarseness and cough. Regular intake of the dry fruits results in both mental and physical

development of human body.