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The Role of Dry Fruits in a Balanced Diet: RDA Comparison

by Rounik Saha on Feb 10, 2024

Dry fruits have long been celebrated for their delightful flavors and nutritional richness. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these dehydrated fruits offer a convenient and nutritious snack option. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the nutritional value of various dry fruits, providing a detailed comparison with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for a more informed and balanced approach to your diet.

Products Purchase Link Key Highlights:
Almonds Buy Almonds ย Excellent plant-based protein, high in vitamin E and magnesium.
Walnuts Buy Walnuts Omega-3 fatty acids for brain health, rich in antioxidants.
Dates Buy Dates Natural sweetener, good source of potassium.
Raisins Buy Raisins Quick energy source, high in iron and potassium.
Figs (Anjeer) Buy Anjeer Low-calorie natural sweetness, high in dietary fiber.
Cashews Buy Cashews Rich in monounsaturated fats, good source of iron and copper.
Pistachios Buy Pistachios Antioxidant-rich, high in vitamin B6 and phosphorus.

Almonds: Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients, providing a substantial amount of protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals such as magnesium. The high fiber content contributes to digestive health, while vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant.

Nutrient

Amount per 1 oz (28g)

Amount per 100g

RDA (Adults)

Calories

160

576

2000-2500 kcal

Protein

6g

21g

50g

Total Fat

14g

49g

70g

Fiber

3.5g

12.5g

25g

Vitamin E

7.3mg

26.2mg

15mg

Magnesium

76mg

268mg

310-420mg

Pistachios: ย Pistachios add a delightful crunch along with protein, fiber, and vitamin B6, contributing to energy metabolism and bone health.

Nutrient

Amount per 1 oz (28g)

Amount per 100g

RDA (Adults)

Calories

156

556

2000-2500 kcal

Protein

6g

20.6g

50g

Total Fat

13g

45.4g

70g

Fiber

3g

10.3g

25g

Vitamin B6

0.3mg

1.3mg

1.3-2mg

Phosphorus

139mg

485mg

700mg

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Cashews: Cashews bring a creamy texture and provide protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like copper and magnesium.

Nutrient

Amount per 1 oz (28g)

Amount per 100g

RDA (Adults)

Calories

157

553

2000-2500 kcal

Protein

5g

18.2g

50g

Total Fat

12.4g

43.9g

70g

Fiber

0.9g

3.3g

25g

Copper

0.6mg

2.2mg

900mcg

Magnesium

74mg

267mg

310-420mg

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Walnuts: Walnuts stand out for their omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health and brain function. They also provide manganese, a trace mineral crucial for various physiological processes.

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Nutrient

Amount per 1 oz (28g)

Amount per 100g

RDA (Adults)

Calories

185

654

2000-2500 kcal

Protein

4.3g

15.2g

50g

Total Fat

18.5g

65.2g

70g

Fiber

1.9g

6.7g

25g

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

2.6g

9.1g

Not established

Manganese

0.9mg

3.1mg

1.8mg (F), 2.3mg (M)

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Dates: Dates are a natural sweetener rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, contributing to energy production and heart health.

Nutrient

Amount per 1 oz (28g)

Amount per 100g

RDA (Adults)

Calories

85

282

2000-2500 kcal

Protein

0.8g

2.5g

50g

Total Fat

0.2g

0.4g

70g

Fiber

1.6g

8g

25g

Potassium

167mg

696mg

2,500-3,000mg

Vitamin B6

0.1mg

0.2mg

1.3-2mg

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Figs: Figs bring a burst of fiber, calcium, and potassium to the mix, supporting bone health and overall well-being.

Nutrient

Amount per 1 oz (28g)

Amount per 100g

RDA (Adults)

Calories

42

249

2000-2500 kcal

Protein

0.4g

3.3g

50g

Total Fat

0.2g

0.9g

70g

Fiber

1.4g

9.8g

25g

Calcium

33mg

162mg

1,000-1,200mg

Potassium

116mg

680mg

2,500-3,000mg

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Raisins: Raisins, rich in iron and potassium, offer a natural sweetness with added benefits for blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health.

Nutrient

Amount per 1 oz (28g)

Amount per 100g

RDA (Adults)

Calories

85

299

2000-2500 kcal

Protein

1g

3.1g

50g

Total Fat

0.2g

0.5g

70g

Fiber

1.6g

3.7g

25g

Iron

0.8mg

3.5mg

8-18mg (F), 8mg (M)

Potassium

322mg

1133mg

2,500-3,000mg

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Nutrient Comparison in 100g Serving:

Nutrient

Almonds

Cashews

Pistachios

Raisins

Walnuts

Figs

Dates

Calories (kcal)

576

553

557

299

654

74

282

Protein (g)

21.1

18.2

20.3

3.1

15.2

3.3

2.5

Fat (g)

49.9

43.9

44.4

0.5

65.2

0.3

0.4

Carbohydrates (g)

21.7

30.2

27.1

79.2

13.7

19.2

75

Dietary Fiber (g)

12.2

3.3

10.3

3.7

6.7

2.9

8

Sugars (g)

4.4

5.6

7.3

59.2

1.6

16.3

63.4

Calcium (mg)

76

37

105

50

98

35

64

Iron (mg)

3.7

6.7

3.9

1.9

2.9

0.4

1

Magnesium (mg)

268

292

121

32

158

68

43

Phosphorus (mg)

481

593

376

101

346

67

62

Potassium (mg)

733

660

1007

749

441

232

656

Vitamin E (mg)

25.6

5.8

2.3

0.1

0.7

0.1

0.1

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RDA (% Recommended Daily Allowance) in 100g Serving:

Nutrient

Almonds

Cashews

Pistachios

Raisins

Walnuts

Figs

Dates

Protein

42%

36%

41%

6%

30%

7%

5%

Fat

77%

67%

68%

1%

100%

0%

1%

Carbohydrates

7%

10%

9%

26%

4%

6%

25%

Dietary Fiber

49%

13%

41%

15%

27%

12%

32%

Calcium

8%

4%

11%

5%

10%

4%

6%

Iron

21%

37%

22%

10%

15%

2%

6%

Magnesium

64%

73%

29%

8%

40%

17%

10%

Phosphorus

69%

84%

54%

14%

50%

10%

9%

Potassium

16%

15%

29%

16%

9%

5%

14%

Vitamin E

128%

29%

12%

1%

4%

1%

1%

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RDA in a 28g Serving:

Nutrient

Almonds

Cashews

Pistachios

Raisins

Walnuts

Figs

Dates

Protein

9.40%

8.10%

9.10%

1.40%

6%

1.40%

1%

Fat

22.50%

19.70%

20%

0.20%

30%

0%

0.30%

Carbohydrates

2%

2.90%

2.60%

7.30%

1.20%

1.70%

6.80%

Dietary Fiber

17.30%

4.50%

14.60%

5.30%

9.40%

4%

10.10%

Calcium

2.30%

1.10%

3.10%

1.50%

2.90%

1%

1.90%

Iron

9.20%

16.70%

9.70%

4.70%

7.10%

1%

2.20%

Magnesium

18.90%

21%

8.70%

2.30%

11%

4.70%

3.10%

Phosphorus

24.70%

30%

19.20%

5.10%

17.60%

3.40%

3.10%

Potassium

4.60%

4.10%

7.90%

4.70%

2.80%

1.50%

4.20%

Vitamin E

37%

8.40%

3.40%

0.20%

0.70%

0.10%

0.10%

Conclusion:

Incorporating a variety of dry fruits into your diet can be a flavorful and nutrient-dense way to enhance your overall health. Each dry fruit offers a unique set of benefits, from the heart-healthy almonds to the brain-boosting walnuts, the energy-packed dates and raisins, and the mineral-rich figs, pistachios, and cashews. By comparing the nutritional values with Recommended Dietary Allowances, you can tailor your snack choices to meet your specific nutritional needs. Make informed decisions, and enjoy the delicious and healthful benefits that these dry fruits have to offer.

While all of these dry fruits offer a variety of health benefits, it's crucial to note that moderation is key. Including a mix of these dry fruits in your diet can contribute to overall well-being, providing essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind your individual dietary needs and preferences when incorporating these nutritious snacks into your daily routine.

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Note: The RDA values are general recommendations for adults and may vary based on individual health conditions and lifestyle factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

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