Fruits that are dried can boost a person’s intake of fiber and nutrients and can supply your entire body with huge amounts of antioxidants. But they also are high in sugar which means more calories and can cause challenges when eaten to the point of excess. This is the reason that dried fruits should only be eaten in tiny amounts and if possible, along with other foods that are nutritious.
Healthy to eat
Healthy dried fruits are popular for many reasons. Eating fruit is linked with improved health as well as providing most of the essentials needed daily. These include:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Fiber
- Phytonutrients
Dried fruit does not spoil quickly and is an easy snack for packing, especially when families are going on activities such as hiking.
Keep in mind
But it is essential to always remember, dried fruits have more calories since they are more concentrated due to the water being removed. When compared to weight for weight, fresh fruit has fewer calories than the version that is dehydrated. A hundred grams of fresh cranberries contains about 46 calories, where 100 grams of the same dried cranberries can contain well over 240 calories. It is also vital to remember that some vitamins will be lost due to the process of drying. For example, with100 grams of fresh plum you are eating 16% of your daily need for vitamin C, but when that same 100 gram is dried; you are only getting 1%.
Buying dried fruits
When you are shopping for the different types of dried fruits, be sure that you read the packaging label. You need to look not just at the proper portion size, but also what else has been added to these dried fruits. Often these fruits have more sugar added to better the flavor and draw the water from the microbial cells, which shields them from spoilage. Look for the labels saying “no sugar added” or the dried fruit might be a special treat rather than a snack that is healthy. If you cannot find what you want at your local grocery store, dried fruits are also sold online.
