IS DRIED FRUIT HEALTHY?

IS DRIED FRUIT HEALTHY?

By theheartysoul.com

Information about dried fruit can be a little conflicting, since some sources claim that it’s just as healthy as fresh fruit, while others say that it’s no better then candy. Dried fruit is made by removing almost all of the water content from the fruit, which leaves behind a small nutrient-dense snack, so in theory, it should be just as health as the fruit that it’s made from. It also has great snacking potential because it can be preserved for so long without refrigeration, and can be made with almost any kind of fruit. However, do the health benefits that dried fruit pack outweigh the dangers posed by additives that some companies slip into their product? You be the judge!

BENEFITS OF DRIED FRUIT

High in Micronutrients, Fiber and Antioxidants

Since dried fruit is a compressed version of it’s fresh counterpart, it contains the same amount of nutrients as a normal fruit, but packed into a much smaller space. Although the vitamin C intake is reduced slightly when fruit is dried, dried fruit contains up to 3.5 times the fibre, vitamins and minerals of fresh fruit by weight.

Prunes Are A Natural Laxative

Prunes are dried plumes, and they are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin K. Because of the high content of sugar and anti-oxidants, prunes are great for the digestive system. They are also very filling, but don’t cause any spikes in blood sugar levels.

Raisins Help Reduce Risk of Certain Diseases

Raisins are often used as a substitute for candy as a snack or in baked products. Because they’re dried grapes, they’re high in fiber and potassium, and have a very low insulin index. Raisins have been found to:

• Lower blood pressure.
• Improve blood sugar control.
• Decrease inflammatory markers and blood cholesterol.
• Lead to increased feeling of fullness.

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