Dried fruits: all their benefits for great health! : Current Woman Le MAG

Dried fruits are good for your health thanks to their high concentration of nutrients. Rich in fiber, they promote good digestion and help regulate intestinal transit. They are also a excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron, essential for the proper functioning of the body. Consumed in moderation, dried fruits can be a healthy and energetic snack, ideal for when you’re feeling hungry or as a nutritional supplement in a balanced diet.

Prune, a concentrate of benefits

We no longer present the virtues of this small dried plum, with its shiny black skin and sweet pulp. Rich in minerals, vitamins and fiber, prune helps fight against everyday ailments. It is eaten plain, as an accompaniment to sweet and savory dishes such as tagines, or in desserts such as far breton. In France, the reference is the “Agen pruneau”, produced in six departments of the South-West and with an IGP since 2002. It comes from the “Ente plum”, a variety created in the 12th century by Benedictine monks from Clairac Abbey, in Lot-et-Garonne.

Cranberries, a superfood

Originally from North America, this small red berry belongs to the lingonberry family. In the wild, it flourishes on the acidic soils of peat bogs. Long known to Native American peoples for its health benefits, it was taken to sea by sailors to avoid scurvy during long crossings. Across the Atlantic, it is very popular in juice and is eaten with Thanksgiving turkey. Dehydrated cranberries abound in antioxidants and vitamin C. Less sweet than raisins, it is appreciated for its tangy note.

The date, the fruit of savory dishes

For a long time, the fruit of the date palm formed the basis of the diet of the Bedouins, these nomadic peoples of the deserts of the Maghreb or the Middle East. Today, it delights Muslims on Ramadan evenings, lovers of oriental pastries and athletes, energized by its high level of carbohydrates without excess fat. Thanks to its melting flesh and honeyed taste, the date slips easily into savory dishes. It works wonders with white meats that it comes from its sweet flavor.

Hazelnut, a super energetic nut

At the end of summer, the squirrel is not the only one to gorge on small nuts that have fallen at the foot of the tree. Full of vitamins and very energetic, hazelnut has been mentioned in cookbooks since ancient times. In France, it is mainly consumed in winter. It is therefore one of the 13 Provençal Christmas desserts. Reduced to powder, it serves as the basis for all kinds of sweets such as Creuse cake, a Limousin specialty. It is also the key ingredient (after sugar…) of the most famous chocolate spread. The consecration !

Pistachio, the green pearl

The first to cultivate it were the Persians. The plant and its succulent green-fleshed seeds were then imported to the Mediterranean by the Romans. Pistachio, present again in Provence, is exquisite dried, then grilled and, often, salted. Crushed or powdered, it is also used in the composition of sweet preparations such as macaroons, financiers, ice creams and different kinds of creams or mousses.

The almond, a chewable snack

Since ancient times, it has been celebrated as a symbol of fertility. Even today, in Europe, the Christian tradition is to offer sugared almonds to young couples or baptized children to bring them luck. More prosaically, there’s nothing like a handful of almonds to fill those little hunger pangs. For several years, the seed, generous in lipids and proteinsis recommended as a replacement for snacks that are too fatty or too sweet. Shelled, shredded or crushedit lends itself to all sweet delights, especially oriental pastries.

Dried fruits, antioxidant powers at the service of our health

A study, published in April in the American scientific journal Antioxidantsconfirms the link between regular consumption of dried fruits, particularly peanuts, and reducing the risk of developing certain pathologies. The explanation? The high polyphenol content of these foods. These molecules, widespread in the plant world, play a protective role against cancers, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases or type 2 diabetes, thanks to their powerful antioxidant power. A good reason to always have a bag in your pocket, ready to enjoy!