Summer Diet in Focus – Food Marketing Technology

Nuts and dry fruits are healthy and nutritious snack options that can be enjoyed in moderation during the summer season. By including them in your diet in the right way, you can boost your health and energy levels this summer. Soaking and sprouting dry fruits is a concept that is very widely followed in Indian households. However, it has not been taken up by the organized dry fruits industry in India and has not been leveraged for its benefits in the worldwide industry. Soaking softens nuts and dried fruits, making them easier to digest. It also helps to release nutrients and makes them more bio-available. Shaleen Khanna, CMO, Provi Foods, shares her insight on how “Sprouting Dry Fruits & Nuts” is a great way to consume dry fruits and seeds in the extremely hot and humid Indian summer months.

Choosing dry fruits and nuts as snacks is a healthy option that can provide a variety of health benefits. They’re nutritious, satisfying, versatile and convenient, making them a great option for anyone looking to improve their diet and overall health. Dried fruits and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, raisins, dates and figs are rich in potassium and other minerals that can help you stay hydrated. They contain natural sugars that can help replenish your energy levels during the hot summer months. They are a good source of essential nutrients such as protein, omega-3 fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and are also rich in antioxidants that can protect your cells from free radical damage. They have a high-calorie density and are a great way to satisfy your hunger and meet your energy needs without resorting to unhealthy snacks.

With the scorching summer sun dwindling, it becomes necessary to focus on a diet that keeps us cool, hydrated and energized. In Indian households, the practice of soaking and sprouting dry fruits has been passed down for generations. This tradition involves soaking almonds, walnuts, raisins and other varieties overnight for consumption the next morning. This method not only enhances their flavor and texture, but it also unlocks myriad health benefits.

This practice of sprouting nuts has gained popularity among health conscious individuals and food enthusiasts alike. Sprouting nuts involves soaking raw nuts in water to start the germination process, which unlocks a plethora of nutritional benefits and increases their digestibility. Soaking helps soften dried fruits, making them easier to digest. It also helps to release nutrients and makes them more bio-available. When nuts are sprouted, the sprouting process activates enzymes that break down complex compounds into simpler forms, making the nutrients more accessible to our bodies. Additionally, the process of soaking and sprouting dried fruits helps reduce the levels of phytic acid present in these foods. Phytic acid is an anti-nutrient that binds to minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc, preventing their absorption in the body. Soaking nuts and dried fruits significantly reduces the amount of phytic acid, which improves the bioavailability of these essential minerals. This reduction in phytic acid levels by soaking and sprouting further increases the overall nutritional value of these foods and ensures that the body can better utilize the beneficial minerals they contain.

Hence soaking and sprouting increases the bioavailability of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as vitamin C, B vitamins, iron and zinc present in nuts. It stimulates the production of enzymes in the nuts, which aid in digestion. Enzymes help break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats, making them easier for our bodies to absorb and use. This enzymatic activity also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors present in raw nuts, increasing their digestibility. By including soaked and sprouted nuts and dried fruits in your summer diet, you not only enjoy their delicious taste and numerous health benefits, such as increased nutrient density, increased digestibility, increased antioxidants, but also rich in antioxidants like phytic acid. Also reducing the potential negative effects of nutrients. ,

Remember though, dried fruits and nuts are high in calories and can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. Hence, limit your intake of dry fruits to a handful per day. Great ways to include soaked and sprouted nuts and dry fruits in your summer diet would include: