How should dry fruits be eaten in summer?
Cashews, almonds, walnuts and many other dry fruits are considered a boon for health. But due to mistake made in eating them, they can prove to be harmful. Dry fruits are generally eaten in winter because most of them have a warming nature. Dry fruits contain healthy fat, protein, vitamins and many minerals. It is best to eat them in limit. These contain high amount of calories, hence some people may complain of weight gain. On the other hand, raisins, dates and figs contain more natural sugar and can worsen the sugar level of diabetic patients.
However, we should take special care of how to eat them in summer. If you are fond of dry fruits then do not worry, let us know how to consume them properly according to Ayurveda?
What do experts say
Dr. Chanchal Sharma from Asha Ayurveda believes that consuming dry fruits in summer can spoil your bile, hence try not to consume dry fruits or whenever you eat, eat them after soaking them. By soaking and eating them, their phytic acid is removed, heat production is reduced and the nutrients are easily absorbed.
Do not eat more than 20-30 grams daily because excessive consumption can cause acne or stomach upset during summer season. When consumed as prescribed, they will act as a cooling agent in your body and will also protect you from heat problems.
Which are the dry fruits with the hottest effect?
Chuara: This is the dried form of dates, its nature is so warming that it is used in milk in winter to avoid cold, cough, joint pain and to give strength to the lungs. Its direct consumption in summer can increase excessive heat in the body.
Walnut: Walnuts are as good for the brain as they are hot in nature. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids and heavy elements, which require more energy to be digested by the body, which increases the body temperature.
Almonds (without soaking): The taste of dried or roasted almonds is very hot. If they are eaten in summer without soaking, they can cause stomach irritation or acne.
Pistachios: Pistachios are also very hot and astringent in nature. It protects the body from cough and cold in winter, but its consumption should be very limited in summer.
This does not mean that you will have to wait for winter to eat these dry fruits, the mentioned dry fruits may be hot in nature but if eaten properly, they can be healthy.
Right way to eat dry fruits
In summer, instead of consuming dry fruits dry, if you soak them overnight and eat them in the morning, it will strengthen your digestion.
Eat these dry fruits in summer
Soaked Almonds: Soak almonds overnight and peel them and eat them in the morning. It contains Vitamin E which fights oxidative stress caused by the hot summer sun.
Raisin: It must be eaten in summer because it has a cooling effect. It immediately brings back the energy lost due to fatigue during this season.
Cashews and Dates: Instead of eating them dry, soak them overnight and eat them, this will reduce the heat inside your body.
Fox Nut: The nature of Makhana is naturally cooling. It calms the increased ‘pitta’ of the body in summer and prevents stomach irritation.
