Dried Fruits: Why You Should Eat Them
Simply put Dried Fruit is fruit that has had almost all of its water content removed through drying methods, leaving a small energy-dense dried fruit. Common examples of dried fruits are figs, raisins, dates, and prunes. One of the benefits of dried fruits is that they can be preserved for much longer than fresh fruits. The can be a handy snack to bring along on trips or be used as an extra addition to your morning yogurt and granola.
Loaded with Nutrients
Dried fruit is highly nutritious. One piece of dried fruit contains about the same amount of nutrients of fresh fruits but in a smaller package. Based on weight dried fruit contains up to 3.5 times the fiber, vitamins, and minerals of fresh fruit. As a result, one serving can provide a large percentage of the daily recommended intake of many vitamins and minerals.
Natural Laxative
Dried fruits have an incredibly high fiber count in comparison to fresh fruits. Eating prunes, for example, has been shown to help improve both stool frequency and consistency, which is beneficial to your natural metabolism.
Prevents diseases
Many dried fruits are high in fiber, potassium and other plant compounds, which helps in preventing various diseases. Raisins, for example, helps improve blood sugar control and helps lower blood pressure as well as blood cholesterol. All of these different factors contribute to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Energizes
Dried fruits are filled with natural sugars, which your body can convert to glucose in order to create energy. Natural sugars provide essential nutrients that keep the body healthy and help prevent diseases. When eating processed sugars the body breaks down the sugar very quickly, causing insulin and blood sugar levels to skyrocket. The fiber in dried fruit slows down metabolism, as fruit in the gut expands to make you feel full. This way the sugar is processed properly, without over-eating, which could lead to unhealthy weight gain.