Dry Fruits & Dried Fruits - What's the Difference?

Hardly anybody knows that there is a vast difference between dry fruits and dried fruits. Generally when we say dry fruits we consider the dried one also but it is not so. There is a thin line of difference between the two.

Difference between dry fruits & dried fruits:

Dry fruits are basically natural and are of hard texture. Dry fruits are again divided into dehiscent - that whose seeds are contained in a seapod and indehiscent- those which are not in seedpod e.G cashewnuts, almonds, walnut, pista etc.

Dried fruits on the other hand are natural fleshy fruits which are dried either naturally or through machines such as food dehydrator e.G raisins, figs, cherries, apricots etc.

Benefits of Dry Fruits

both the dry fruits and dried fruits are essential for good health. They help in improving mental and physical development of human body. They contain high nutritional and nourishing qualities. It also helps in:

- creation of new blood cells
- strengthening the muscles
- enhancing freshness on face
- preventing anemia
- reproduction and the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates
- recommended in case of chronic constipation problems
- cases of debility and wasting diseases
- reducing young age problems of pimple, acne, dry skin and above all delays wrinkles

Examples of dry fruits and dried fruits:

Dry fruits:

cashew nuts: 

the botanical name for cashew is 'anacardium occidentale' and is also known as the the 'nature vitamin pill'. It contains relatively high fat content which counts to 12 grams per ounce and 2 grams saturated fat. This fat content is considered good in medical terms. Its fat ratio is available in 1:2:1 for saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. Besides, it also has phytosterols, tocopherols, and sqaulene which are considered good for health and lowering the risk of heart diseases. Cashew nuts have zero percent cholesterol content. It contians 82.5 milligrams of magnessium and antioxidants high in cropper contents which helps in developing bone and connective tissue.

Almonds: 

the botanical name for almonds is prunus dulcis. Almonds are not truly nuts but drupe grown in deciduous trees. Almonds are of two kinds sweet and bitter. Almond which come out of white flowers are sweet and the ones out in pink flower are bitter. It is a rich source of vitamin e, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It contains 26% of carbohydrates, and 24 mg of vitamin e, rich in monounsaturated fat which is considered 'good' fat. It helps in improving memory and gives strength and improves eyesight.

Pista: 

the botanical name of pista is pistacia vera. It is known as pistachio and is said to be a great source of vitamins. Pista contains phytosterols which compete with the cholesterol in the intestinal lumen and helps in reducing the cholesterol levels and keeping heart healthy. It is said to be an excellent source of copper, manganese and vitamin b6, as well as a good source of a variety of other b vitamins. It contains fiber and hence beneficial for gastrointestinal health. It is wise to take unsalted pista than the salted one as salted tends to shoot the blood pressure level.

Dried fruits:

raisins: does any one know what actually raisins are? Well, raisins are the dried grapes. Eat as you want, raw or cooked, just garnish the way you like them. Raisins come from a french word 'rasin' which means 'grapes'. The sugar percentage in raisins ranges from 67% to 72%. It helps in cleaning the blood and helps in the free flow of the blood. Raisins also help to get rid of uncleaned blood. It also acts as an antioxidants making you healthier. The minerals present in raisins mixes with estrogen and thus make the bone stronger.

Figs: the botanical name for figs are ficus carica. Figs can be eaten both fresh and dry. These plants have the highest source of calcium and fiber. The dry figs are rich in fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin k. It is really good for those suffering from constipation as it has a laxative effect and contain antioxidants.

Dates: 

date palm commonly known as the phoenix dactylifera. These are sweet edible fruits. It is one of the most beneficial food product both in terms of a medicine and tonic. It can be easily digested and hence it useful for supplying energy and repairing waste. The presence of nicotinic content helps in intestinal disturbances. It is also an excellent remedy for intoxicating alcoholism.

I hope this small description on dry fruits and dried fruits has given you the basic idea about the difference. Whatever be the difference whether it is dates, figs or cashew nuts, it is beneficial for health and thus is important.

Read - Best Dry Fruits to Increase Sperm Count Fertility

By Naresh R