Drying fruits is a process that has been around for a long time to help extend the life of a fruit. And while you might think that it is okay to eat dried fruit all the time – they’re still fruits after all – they may not be as healthy as you think. Yep dried fruits are high in sugar content. Now we’re not discouraging you from eating dried fruit. Indeed, munching on them comes with its benefits; it can boost your fibre and nutrient intake and supply your body with large amounts of antioxidants. Indeed, there is nothing wrong with eating dried fruit if consumed in moderation. With that said, here are 5 IDEAL things to bear in mind when eating dried fruit.
DRIED FRUITS LOOKS SMALLER THAN FRESH ONES
Yes we know we’re stating the obvious – fruits shrink in the drying process. However, one of the most significant risks when eating dried fruits is that you feel like you are not eating a lot. Indeed, since they look smaller than fresh fruits, it’s easy to think you’re eating a normal amount, when in actual fact, you could be eating an entire mango tree. As such, portion control is a must.
CHOOSE THE NO SUGAR-VERSION
Some people dry fruits outdoors to dehydrate them from natural heat. Others use devices that speed up the drying process. Regardless of the process involved, you need to look at what happens once the fruits are ready. Many manufactures add more sugar to sweeten the fruits – avoid these types of dried fruits as they are unnaturally high in sugar. Indeed some dried fruits are double, and sometimes even triple, the sugar content of fresh fruit.
THEY STILL COUNT AS SOME OF YOUR FIVE-A-DAY
Drying fruits does not remove the vitamin and fibre content in them. As long as they are organic and there was no added preservative, the only thing that is removed when drying fruits is the water content.The process does not remove the nutrients. Drying increases the vitamin and fibre content. And if you like fruits because they contain antioxidants that help cleanse the body, you will still get the same amount with dried fruits. Furthermore, you will still benefit regarding having better digestion, increased blood flow, and an immune system boost.
THEY FOOD CAN BE GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS
While dried fruit tends to be higher in calories than their fresh counterparts, according to Livestrong, if you control portion size, then dried fruit can supply nutrients that might actually help you lose weight. Great!
THEY LAST FOR AGES
Hands up if you’re guilty of buying fresh fruit, placing it in the fruit bowl only to find fruit flies flying around it a week later? The great thing about dried fruit is that it it lasts for a long time. Whether for personal use or for business, if you want to save some money, consider buying wholesale dried fruit which allows you to get the fruits you want at a low-cost. This way, it will be easy to have a portion of fruit everyday.