With all the talk about the need to improve our diet and be more careful about what we eat and what we give to our families, it is beneficial to learn a little more about eating dried fruit. Dried fruits keep longer, are easier to store, are convenient to carry as snacks, and are more economical.
What exactly are dried fruits? It is fruit from which most of the water has been removed. The fruit retains its high nutritional value. They can be dried naturally in the sun or artificially in high-temperature dryers or food dryers. In addition to a range of quality cooking equipment, many people invest in a high-quality stainless steel dehydrator to process fruits and nuts themselves.
In this article, we present five typical and popular dried fruits. Take a look at these five fruits and incorporate them into your weekly menus so you and your family can enjoy their nutritional value.
1. Dried apricots
Dried apricots simply have more nutrients than fresh apricots. Also, dried apricots contain more carotene, which helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. This dried fruit also contains vitamin C, silicon, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.
Dried apricots are rich in iron, which is useful in fighting anemia. They can also act as a mild laxative and help prevent constipation. In addition, they promote digestion.
2. Dried dates
Dried dates are rich in nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. They can relieve constipation by promoting the presence of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and acting as a mild laxative.
Dates are an excellent source of energy and, due to their high natural sugar content, provide a quick energy boost. Dried dates contain fewer calories than fresh dates, making them a healthy snack for those who want to maintain a healthy weight.
3. Dried figs
Dried figs are rich in potassium, which helps control blood pressure. They are also an excellent source of fiber and can be used for weight control.
Other minerals in dried figs are manganese, iron, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Copper and iron are important for the formation of red blood cells in the body.
4. Dried plums (prunes)
Prunes contain vitamins A, C, chromium, potassium, iron, lutein, and fiber. They help improve gut health, maintain healthy hair and skin, maintain normal blood sugar levels and provide energy, and lutein helps prevent vision problems.
And there are some interesting facts for those who want to lose weight. Plums have an appetite suppressant effect why? Prunes slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and provide a feeling of fullness. This can help prevent overeating.
5. Dried Grapes – Raisins
Raisins are rich in natural sugar, which accounts for 72% of their weight. It is rich in antioxidants, an important factor in the fight against cancer and heart disease. It can also contribute to the health of teeth and gums by fighting cavities and gum disease.
Raisins also prevent constipation and are rich in iron, which helps fight anemia.
Motivation – why should I make an effort?
If snacking on chips and candy bars is common in the family, it takes a lot of effort and a change of heart to break bad eating habits. However, realizing the end result can be a powerful motivator. Dried fruit is very nutritious and, combined with dried nuts, makes a very healthy snack.
As with anything, it can take some getting used to. If you used to add sugar to your tea or coffee, giving it up will seem unpleasant at first. But if they don’t stop doing it, their taste buds will change in a few weeks and they will get used to sugar-free drinks. After a while, if the same person receives a sweet tea or coffee by mistake, they will almost reflexively spit it out because it is so sweet!
So take some time for yourself and your family to get your taste buds used to your new healthy eating habits. This will pay off in terms of improved health, energy, and well-being. Find out how to eat dried fruit and improve your diet today.
About Author:
Sara has completed her education in marketing and started her career as a digital marketer. She is a content writer by profession. And she would love to add multiple things to her knowledge that she can add to her writing style. She writes about Ajwa dates at a grocery store in Canada.