Dried fruit is one of the most popular snacks today. In addition to its delicious taste, dried fruit also brings many health benefits. Let’s learn more about the nutritional value of this snack in the article below.
Dried fruit is a popular dish and is loved by many people today. Not only is it an attractive snack, dried fruit also appears in the breakfast of those who like to eat cakes and vegetarians. We can easily find dried fruit products at supermarkets and convenience stores with a variety of designs and types. Among them, plums, mangoes, strawberries, pineapples, bananas, oranges, longans, … are the most popular types of dried fruit.
What is dried fruit? Distinguishing between dried fruit and dried fruit
In addition to eating fresh fruit directly, we can choose dried fruit instead, which is both convenient and still ensures enough necessary nutrition. Because dried fruit is processed directly from fresh fruit through modern drying methods such as soft drying, freeze drying, freeze drying, freeze drying, etc., helping the fruit to be preserved for a long time and easy to transport. Among them, soft dried fruit is loved by many people.
Dried fruit is very diverse, easy to eat and convenient.
Fresh fruit after preliminary processing will be dried at low temperature to reduce water to a certain humidity level and then taken out to cool. The finished dried fruit will have a very characteristic softness, aroma and chewiness. This is also the highlight that creates a delicious and strange feeling when eaten. Unlike dried fruit, dried fruit is often almost completely removed from the water content, causing the fruit to shrink and become harder and crispier after drying. Fruits that are often dried include figs, plums, grapes, jackfruit, bananas, etc.
Dried fruit has a flavor similar to fresh fruit. In addition, this product also has many other advantages such as:
- No need to fry in oil, so it retains its fresh flavor;
- Dried fruit has a milky color similar to fresh fruit, preserving nutritional value;
- The amount of natural sugar in dried fruit is at an average level, can be used for everyone;
- The softness is similar to real fruit;
- No need to worry about water leakage for a long time;
- Long-term preservation ability;
- Easy to use anywhere; Convenient to carry when going out.
Dried fruit retains the same color and flavor as when fresh.
Is dried fruit good? Nutritional value and health benefits of dried fruit
Dried fruit has completely removed water after the drying process but the amount of nutrients is still retained. Therefore, dried fruit has nutritional value equivalent to fresh fruit. Dried fruit even contains up to 3.5 times more fiber. Dried fruit contains a large amount of calories and essential nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, sugar, fiber, potassium, sodium, etc. In addition, dried fruit also contains high levels of polyphenol antioxidants that help improve the health of the digestive system effectively. Below are some health benefits of dried fruit.
Provide energy for the body
After drying, the nutrients and sugar in fresh fruit will be concentrated. Therefore, just a small amount of dried fruit can help provide abundant energy for the body. Dried fruit is great as a snack or a quick energy-boosting snack.
Dried fruit can be used as a snack to supplement energy.
Support the prevention of some dangerous diseases
Many studies have shown that dried fruit contains many antioxidant compounds such as phytonutrients, quercetin, isoquercitrin, fisetin, astragalin, methyl gallate, … which have the effect of protecting the body from cancer cells formed by free radicals. Eating dried fruit properly will help reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, …
Improve the digestive system
As mentioned above, the fiber content in dried fruit is much higher than that of fresh fruit. Therefore, supplementing dried fruit will help improve the digestive system, effectively preventing constipation.
Support weight loss
Although the sugar content in dried fruit is not small, this sugar is completely natural, so it has a slightly sweet taste, creating a feeling of fullness when eaten. Therefore, eating dried fruit will help you reduce your appetite, thereby controlling the amount of food intake more easily.
Strengthening resistance
Similar to fresh fruit, dried fruit contains abundant vitamin C. Therefore, eating dried fruit also helps to strengthen the body’s immunity very effectively.
Improving blood circulation
Dried fruit contains polyphenol, an antioxidant that improves blood circulation. Therefore, dried fruit is very suitable for people with arterial stenosis.
Dried fruit contains many antioxidants that are very good for the body.
Some notes when eating dried fruit
The health benefits of dried fruit cannot be denied, however, when using it, you still need to pay attention to the following:
- Eat dried fruit in moderation: Dried fruit contains a lot of calories, so eating too much of this food can cause you to gain weight uncontrollably. We should only eat a sufficient amount each day with a recommended level of about 28 grams.
- Do not use dried fruit to completely replace fresh fruit: Although the nutritional value of dried fruit is similar to fresh fruit, we should only use it as a snack or when we need to quickly replenish energy. If possible, fresh fruit is still the top priority choice.
- Drink plenty of water when eating dried fruit: When the body does not have enough water, fiber will automatically absorb the liquid, leading to constipation. Therefore, drink water when eating dried fruit to limit dehydration and make it easier to digest.
- Divide your dried fruit portions into smaller portions: Instead of eating too much dried fruit at once, divide it into several small meals and consider it a snack.
- Choose natural dried fruits, not soaked in bleaching chemicals, deodorants and sugar.
- Eat a variety of dried fruits instead of just eating one type. Because each type of dried fruit will provide different nutrients and benefits.
- Dried fruits need to be purchased from reputable suppliers, ensuring quality and food hygiene and safety.
- When using, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to preserve them, as well as the expiration date to ensure safety when eating.
In short, dried fruits can be used as a substitute for snacks that are both delicious and nutritious for the body. Hopefully, this article will help you better understand this dish, and know how to use dried fruits properly to maximize health benefits.