Travel and Food

Published on February 29th, 2020 | by admin

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5 of the Best Dried Fruits (And 3 to Avoid)

Dried fruit provides a host of nutritional benefits, but not all dried fruit is the same. Different fruits offer different nutrients in varying amounts and sometimes the dietary advantages are cancelled out when the fruits are dried. Dried fruit can be delicious but it may not always be as healthy as its fresh counterpart. Here are some of the best dried fruits to eat, and three types to avoid when you want a healthy diet.

1. Sweetened With Fruit Juice

Some dried fruits are naturally bitter, which would reduce the appeal of the snack if left in an untreated form. Cranberries, for example, need a sweetener to balance their flavour. Choose a brand with added fruit juice or fruit puree and no high fructose corn syrup. Avoid brands that contain artificial sweeteners. Fruit juice is the only additive to choose when you are looking for a healthy dried fruit snack.

2. Organic Dried Fruit

Some fruits are grown with a lot of pesticides, including apples, peaches, strawberries, pears, grapes, and cherries. Look for a healthier Wholesale Dried Fruit by choosing organic versions of these berries and fruits.

3. Antioxidant Blueberries

Dried blueberries contain exceptional levels of antioxidants. These tiny berries, when shrunk during the drying process, pack a punch. They are often packaged using added sweeteners, so choose the most natural option using organic fruit juice.

4. Iron-Rich Fruits

Many people, particularly women of childbearing age, lack iron in their diets. Figs, prunes and mulberries are high in iron and it is easy to boost your levels by snacking on these dried fruits. Add more iron benefits by eating almonds, pumpkin seeds, or cashew nuts.

5. Figs for Fibre

Dried fruits like figs or apricots help your digestion and ease constipation since they contain high levels of fibre. This important nutrient also helps you manage your blood sugar and your weight. Snacking on figs and apricots is a good way to improve your overall health.

Dried Fruits to Avoid…

1. Added Sugar Fruits

Avoid dried fruits that are packed with added sugar to increase the sweetness quotient. You don’t need added refined sugar in dried fruits. It is the easiest way to change a healthy snack into an unhealthy one.

2. Added Preservatives

Artificial preservatives and additives lengthen the shelf life of dried fruits and enhance their appearance, but they also may have side effects. The fruits that look natural or dull in colour may be the better option over the brightly coloured artificial alternatives.

3. Yoghurt Coating

And steer clear of fruits drenched in yoghurt and then dried. Yoghurt may appear to be healthy but the stuff that coats fruit is made from a substance high in sugar and fat. It is much healthier to dip your dried fruit into real yoghurt, or even dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Eat dried fruit in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, for the best benefits. Fruit shrinks when it is dried and the calories are therefore condensed. You don’t need to eat much to get the nutritional advantages without the weight gain. And make sure you choose dried fruit without any added sugar or preservatives. These additions make your treat considerably less healthy.

 


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