‘Raisins, figs, dates…’: Mountaineer cautions trekkers against eating too many nuts at high altitudes

Mountaineer Premlata Agrawal, the first Indian woman to conquer all Seven Summits, advised trekkers against consuming excessive nuts while at high altitudes. She clarified that nuts and dried fruits are distinct, with the latter being fruits that have been dried, and the former being seeds contained within a shell. Agrawal warned that nuts can be challenging to digest in mountainous terrain due to their high fat, protein, and fibre content.

However, she emphasized the importance of portion control, suggesting a small handful of nuts mixed with other foods for easier digestion. Dr Sarang Deshpande, an orthopedic surgeon, explained that nuts take longer to digest at high altitudes because of the reduced oxygen levels, altered routines, and dehydration, which can impact appetite and digestion.

He underscored the need to control portion size and not rely solely on nuts for energy. Instead, a balanced mix of nuts and dried fruits, along with adequate hydration, is recommended.