Who doesn’t love enjoying dried fruits and nuts? Not only do they taste delicious, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits. However, just like with any other food, consuming them at the right times can help you gain maximum nutritional value. In this article, based on "Times Now", we explore the best times to eat dried fruits and nuts.
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Dried fruits are a rich source of essential nutrients your body needs to function properly. They’re beneficial not only in winter but can also refresh you during the heat of summer due to their high content of fiber, healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins.
When is the best time to eat dried fruits?
According to experts, soaking almonds and walnuts overnight and consuming them in the morning is ideal. You can also have a small handful as a snack whenever you feel hungry or low on energy.
Some types of nuts are better in the morning, others make for a great midday snack before lunch, and some can even be consumed in the evening or at night to help satisfy hunger.
Doctors suggest that including nuts at specific times in your diet can help create a more effective nutritional plan.
If you’re active
If you lead an active lifestyle and exercise regularly, you need energy both before and after workouts. This way, you not only make better use of the natural sugars found in dried fruits throughout the day, but you also improve hormone balance, metabolism, digestion, and blood sugar levels.
Eat a handful of nuts like almonds or walnuts before cardio or weight training.
After your workout, consider a protein shake with nuts. However, if you have a sedentary lifestyle, it’s better to eat small amounts earlier in the day to avoid fat storage, as most dried fruits have a high glycemic index.
Nuts, on the other hand, have a low glycemic index and can be eaten at any time to help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce heart disease risk.
Menstrual issues
For women who experience heavy periods, nutritionists recommend eating soaked raisins in the morning, as they are rich in iron. They provide energy and help alleviate anemia symptoms, and they are also great for easing PMS symptoms. Alongside raisins, you can add pumpkin seeds, almonds, and walnuts — all rich in magnesium — to soups or salads.
For weight loss
If you're trying to lose weight, it’s best to eat soaked almonds, walnuts, and raisins first thing in the morning or earlier in the day. This gives them time to expand and make you feel full. Later on, you can snack on one or two nuts to curb cravings without overeating. However, don’t go overboard, as that could lead to bloating.
For digestion
For those who struggle with digestion, the morning is the ideal time to get fiber from prunes, figs, and raisins. These help with bowel movement and relieve constipation, bloating, and heartburn.
Since metabolism slows down at night, eating dried fruits and nuts late in the evening — especially if you have indigestion — may lead to bloating or worsen digestive issues. The natural sugars in dried fruits can ferment in the gut, causing gas and discomfort.
Looking for natural ways to improve sleep
Some foods, including nuts rich in magnesium, promote relaxation, melatonin production, and better sleep quality.
Eating a bit of ground pistachio or almonds with milk before bed can help boost tryptophan levels, which enhances melatonin production.
Another good option is pairing almonds and walnuts with bananas — high in vitamin B6 and potassium — to act as a natural muscle relaxant.
