Indispensable healing sources of the winter months.
Dried fruits protect the nervous system, work miracles in energy production, are medicine for health with their rich vitamin and mineral content, prevent constipation without harming the intestinal flora, and have countless benefits. Here are some of them: the benefits of dried apricots, dried plums, dried apples, fruit leather, mulberries, dates, and figs.
Dried fruits are obtained by reducing the 80-95% water content of fresh fruit to 10-20%. After this drying process, dried fruits, which retain all minerals except vitamin C, primarily protect the body against free radicals with their high antioxidant potential.
Dried Plum
Contains abundant amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, A, C, and E. Eating just three dried plums a day has positive effects on intestinal system problems and low immunity in the winter. The laxative effect of prunes is well known. Due to the rich potassium and magnesium minerals it contains, it is recommended for patients with hypertension, liver, heart, kidney, and rheumatism, and for those on a salt-free diet. With its strong antioxidants, it has the effect of reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. All dried foods contain vitamin D, plums balance the hormonal system disrupted due to winter and help you cope with stress.
Dried Apple
Beyond its nutritional value, it is protective against shortness of breath and heart diseases. Helps eliminate toxins from the body. Being fibrous, it cleanses the intestines. Those with liver complaints, rheumatism sufferers, and even diabetics can benefit. Apple is calming, induces sleep, and is good for headaches. You can boil apples cut into small pieces with their skin, and if you wish, add lemon, orange, cinnamon, and consume it as tea.
Dried Apricot
It is nutritious and very rich in potassium. Good for digestive problems; prevents stress and anemia. The vitamin A it contains prevents skin disorders like acne. It aids growth, strengthens visual functions, prevents the development of diabetes, and protects the immune system. Potassium ensures the proper functioning of all muscles and nerves, especially the heart muscle. Apricot is a fibrous fruit. It has been determined that fibrous foods are beneficial in cancer prevention as they ensure a balanced rise in blood sugar and shorten the residence time of harmful substances in the intestines.
Fruit Leather (Pestil)
It is a foodstuff made from mulberry molasses, milk, honey, walnuts, hazelnuts, and flour, containing significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamins A and B and iron. It has an important effect in the renewal of body tissues and cells, maintaining water balance, hormone and enzyme production, and strengthening the immune system.
Dried Mulberry
Mulberry, rich in calcium, iron, B1, B2, and vitamin C, is known to be good for many diseases. White mulberry has fever-reducing and diuretic effects. Both dried and fresh white mulberry is healing for eczema itching and the liver. Its syrup and fruit are used during pregnancy, it expels accumulated water in the body. The syrup obtained from black mulberry is known to have a positive effect on mouth and throat diseases.
Dried Fig
Relieves constipation; when its seeds are chewed thoroughly, two per day meet the zinc requirement. Two figs soaked in water are more effective than laxative medicines. Although fig is sugary, it is harmless to diabetics. For the lungs, steep six figs in two cups of boiling water for two hours and drink on an empty stomach; it protects against pneumonia and speeds up the recovery process.
Sun-dried foods contain abundant lycopene and vitamin D. Since we cannot get it from the sun in winter, it is possible to get it through sun-dried foods. They have anti-aging effects.
Dried Date
When eaten with cream, it increases sexual potency. Eating it during pregnancy both prevents constipation and is beneficial for maternal and child health with its rich vitamin and mineral content. The reason for eating it when breaking a fast is its usefulness against dizziness caused by eating too quickly. Giving children one or two a day instead of chocolate is beneficial for obtaining vitamins and minerals.
Dried Grape (Raisin)
Raisins contain resveratrol. Resveratrol helps reduce the damaging effects of chemotherapy on the body, strengthens the immune system, and relieves itching caused by diseases like psoriasis and eczema. To ensure fractures heal and knit quickly, since ancient times, raisins have been pounded in a mortar with their seeds and wrapped around the fracture area to promote healing. It has the effect of strengthening bones, repairing tissues, and blood-building properties. It is also widely used as a postpartum sherbet in Anatolia.
In the past, people maintained their health throughout winter by benefiting from their compote (hoşaf) instead of fruit juices. I wrote in color knowledge that blue is renewing; we know raisins as purple foods, but raisins and plums are blue foods, meaning they are renewers. Skin care creams have recently favored grape seed and oil due to their zinc content.
