Dry fruits and nuts are considered delicacies, and most of us love snacking on them. As we enter the winter season, the demand for dry fruits will increase because it is the best time to enjoy them. There is no doubt that these tiny dried fruits are loaded with amazing nutrients that have multiple health benefits. While these natural vitamins and minerals found in dry fruits improve our immune system and energies the body, they are incredibly beneficial for our skin as well.
Dry fruits for skin are like a wonderful face cream that does everything from preventing wrinkles and fine lines to brightening the skin. It means you can either apply them to your skin directly or have them as a treat. Many popular skincare brands use dry fruits in their products to boost the effects. So, without waiting any longer, let’s find out the excellent benefits of dry fruits for the skin. Different dry fruits with names and their benefits have been listed below:
1. Figs (Injeer) to Prevent Wrinkles
Dry figs, also known as Injeer, are packed with beneficial vitamins like Vitamin C, B6, and K. These nutrients aid in regulating sebum production and preventing skin moisture loss. According to studies, figs increase moisture content and prevent wrinkles and premature signs of ageing like fine lines on the face and neck. Dry figs also promote collagen production, which also reduces wrinkles. The vitamin C and antioxidants in figs also help remove dark spots and help even the skin tone resulting in bright and glowing skin. You can eat dry figs as a snack or make a face mask by blending them with honey and applying for 15 minutes to lock moisture and get an instant glow.
2. Dates (Kajoor) for Youthful Skin
Dates or Kajoor are a very popular dry fruit, especially in Muslim countries like Pakistan. Their benefits are countless and have been proven through many kinds of research. So, you won’t be surprised to know that dates are incredibly healthy for your skin as well. The free radicals present in the body are the main reason for the early ageing of the skin. Regular consumption of dates, particularly black and red dates, can help prevent these undesirable lines and wrinkles, leaving you with youthful skin.
Dates contain many vitamins B and A, which remedy many skin problems like dry and itchy skin. It is also recommended to apply mashed dates with honey to your acne scars and stretch marks to get rid of them. Moreover, dates improve skin elasticity and skin texture which keeps the skin fair, smooth, and tender.
3. Dried Apricots (Kubani) for Pigmentation
You must have heard about or used apricot scrub before. It is commonly used in face creams, exfoliators and scrubs due to its skin brightening and pore-clearing properties. You can also get the same benefits from eating them. Dry apricots contain beta-carotene. It is converted into Vitamin A in the body after eating and can provide UV protection from the sun to prevent photoaging and skin pigmentation. Beta-carotenes avoid skin damage and help in the removal of dark spots or pigmentation. Dried apricots in powder form are mainly used to make face packs by adding natural ingredients like milk or yoghurt.
4. Raisins (Kishmish) for Dull Skin
According to studies and research, raisins might slow down the ageing process and work wonders on dark spots, blemishes, and other issues that make your face look dull and aged. Aside from that, this incredible dried grapes aid in the reduction of hyperpigmentation on the skin. Raisins contain various essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which can help you achieve a healthy glow on your skin.
Black Raisins also make your skin smooth and supple and brighter and more even by removing toxins from the blood. So, next time when you eat oatmeal or any dessert, just sprinkle some raisins on top to restore the glow on your skin. Read the benefits of black raisins for pregnancy.
5. Prunes (khushk alobukhara) for Healthy Glow
We all want a healthy glow on our skin, and the best way to get it is by adding prunes to your diet. Along with being great for damaged hair, prunes are a superfood for your skin as well. They are dried plums that have more antioxidants than any other dry fruit. These agents help to delay the appearance of premature ageing signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, skin sagging, etc. Furthermore, minerals found in prunes such as manganese, iron, Vitamin K, and beta-carotene can help your skin look healthy and glowing. Other benefits of eating prunes include relief from constipation, protection for bones, lower risk of heart disease, and improvement in vision.
Benefits of Nuts for Skin:
Dry fruits and nuts are often eaten together on cold winter nights to get warm and cosy. They are even kept together and decorated in trays to enjoy at family gatherings. Apart from being a winter staple, nuts are highly beneficial for our skin, just like dry fruits. So, why not learn about their amazing benefits as well? Some of the most helpful nuts which are available in Pakistan include:
6. Almonds (Badaam)
No other dry fruit can match the benefits of almonds when we talk about healthy and youthful skin. Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage and ageing. Vitamin E also nourishes and moisturises your skin, making it soft and smooth. In addition to eating a handful of soaked almonds every day for good health, applying almond paste or oil to the skin can help with pimples, dullness, and pigmentation.
7. Walnuts (Akhrot)
Walnuts are another famous ingredient used in body and face scrubs due to their exfoliating properties. According to dietitians and nutritionists, walnuts make your skin plump and glowing by keeping away toxins that cause skin damage. They also strengthen skin cell membranes and help retain moisture. Moreover, they reduce redness and inflammation and also protect against skin damage. Walnuts are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is excellent for skin and hair.
8. Cashews (Kaju)
Cashews are high in zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, and phosphorus. These nuts are also high in proteins and vitamins, which can help to improve the complexion of the skin and prevent wrinkles. Even though there is no proof of eating cashew for skin whitening, it does help in clearing scars and pigmentation, which clears the skin.
9. Pistachios (Pista)
Pistachios are great for dry and flaky skin because they have loads of healthy fat content that moisturizes the skin and keeps signs of ageing at bay. It also contains Vitamin E, an essential nutrient for our skin cells and reduces the risk of sun damage to the skin. So, eating pistachios can help you in achieving radiant and healthy skin.
10. Pine Nuts (Chilgoza)
The high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in pine nuts makes them incredibly beneficial for your skin. Vitamin E and antioxidants work to slow down the ageing process. The anti-inflammatory properties of pine nuts make them ideal for sensitive skin types. It nourishes the skin and protects it from various conditions. It also has excellent moisturizing effects on the skin.
When is the Best Time to Eat Dry Fruits and Nuts?
According to USDA, a 1/2 cup of dry fruit is equal to 1 serving of fresh fruit, and it is recommended to take at least two servings of fruits daily. While, the serving sizes for nuts are ½ ounce of nuts (12 almonds, 24 pistachios, seven half walnut). Now, let’s find out when to eat dry fruits for maximum benefit:
What are the Benefits of Eating Dry Fruits in the Morning:
There is no good or bad time for having dry fruits. However, to gain the most health benefits from dry fruits, one should eat them first thing in the morning. Consuming nuts like soaked almonds with breakfast can help you avoid fatigue and maintain a healthy blood pressure level in your body. They play an essential role in removing bad cholesterol from the blood and improving your heart function. They can also be eaten as pre-lunch snacks or as post-lunch evening snacks to keep the stomach full.
What are the Benefits of Eating Dry Fruits at Night:
Eating dry fruits as a mid-night snack is the best way to satisfy your hunger because they will keep you full throughout the night without spiking your sugar levels, unlike sweets or chocolate. However, figs, raisins, cashews, and dates are high in fat and should be avoided during the night.
The Bottom Line
Dry fruits and nuts are rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, protein, vitamins A, B, E and K. These are essential nutrients for healthy skin. Eating dry fruits can have numerous benefits for the skin. Therefore, it’s time you start including them in your diet daily. You can eat a handful as a snack or add them to salads, soups, and other dishes. If you can’t eat them, numerous beauty recipes use these dry fruits and nuts to treat various skin conditions, which are worth trying. You can also consult a nutritionist to understand which dry fruits and nuts will be best for your health.
FAQs
1. Can dry fruits cause acne on the skin?
Although dry fruits are pretty healthy, they should not be taken in excess because they have more sugar than fresh fruits. A high sugar intake has been linked to acne production on the skin, so people with acne should avoid sugar.
2. Is eating cashews beneficial for skin whitening?
Cashews are rich in antioxidants that help flush out toxins from the body, making the skin bright and glowing.
3. How much dry fruits to eat in a day?
The amount of fruits you need to consume depends on your age and gender. However, according to the serving sizes provided by USDA, half a cup of dried fruits is equal to one cup of fresh fruits. Adults should take at least two fruits daily.
4. What are the common dry fruit names?
Some common dry fruits include raisins, dates, dry apricots, prunes and figs.
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