Curly Girly Gourmet's Super Ingredients!
Fruits and nuts have amazing health benefits. Here are fun facts and personality traits for some of our trail mix favorites.
Almond
Almonds are rich in vitamins and are even easier to digest then milk. The unsaturated fats in almonds have good curative values as they are rich in iron, copper, phosphorus and vitamin B1. Just a quarter cup of almonds contain nearly 25 percent of your needed daily value of the important nutrient magnesium, plus they are rich in potassium, manganese, copper, the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, and calcium. They're also great for the colon. Almonds are one of the best nuts for lowering cholesterol because 70 percent of the fat they contain is the healthy monounsaturated variety, which has been shown to help clear arteries.
Apricot
Apricots are among the best dry fruits and are rich in dietary fiber and beta-carotene. You get a rich supply of vitamin A, C, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, silicon, and potassium. A powerful antioxidant Lycopene is found in apricots .
Blueberry
Dried blueberries are known to contain anthocyanin, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps in preventing free radical damage in the body; therefore enabling it to fight away many health issues, such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, glaucoma, peptic ulcers, cataracts, heart disease also as cancer. The high amount of flavanoids in blueberries are believed to promote healthier and sharper brain activity.
Cashew
Cashews provide protein and fiber to the body and are rich in mono-unsaturated fat which is helpful for heart problems. They are also a good source of potassium, B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium and copper. Cashews are lower in fat than most nuts, and 65 percent of the fat is unsaturated fatty acid. Of this, 90 percent is oleic acid, the heart-healthy fat found in olive oil. Additionally, cashews are rich in copper, magnesium, zinc, iron and biotin.
Cherry
Cherries have been called the "new antioxidant superfruit." Compared to other fruits, they have significantly higher levels of antioxidants, as well as important nutrients like beta-carotene, folic acid, and fiber.
Cranberry
Dried cranberries can fight infections and combat the aging process.
Fig
While some fruits can lose a portion of their nutrition when dried, figs lose none of their potency. They are high in iron, folic acid and potassium.
Macadamia Nut
Macadamia Nuts are high in protein, fiber, healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and magnesium.
Mango
Mango is rich in a variety of phytonutrients, vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are necessary for healthy skin and the immune health.
Pecan
Pecans are an excellent source of over 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamins E and A, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, several B vitamins, and zinc. Eating 3/4 cup of pecans a day may significantly lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and help to clear the arteries.
Pistachio
Pistachios are a good source of copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and B6. The nuts deliver 30 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, so they pack a considerable wallop from a nutritional standpoint. Pistachios contain higher amounts of fiber than many high-fiber foods. Pistachio nuts are an excellent source of vegetable protein. Pistachios contain phenolic compounds, which are believed to account for the antioxidant capability of certain foods. The pistachio nut is placed in the highest group for antioxidants.
Raisin
Often called "nature's candy," raisins are cholesterol-free, low in sodium, high in fiber and totally fat-free.
Walnut
Walnuts are a great source of healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids, which have been found to protect the heart, promote better cognitive function, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. Walnuts also contain the antioxidant compound ellaic acid which is known to fight cancer and support the immune system. Researchers have identified 16 polyphenols in walnuts, including three new tannins, with antioxidant activity so powerful they described it as "remarkable." Walnuts are incredibly healthy for the heart.
