Dried fruit healthy alternative of fresh fruit

Drying will eliminate water from the fruit, reducing its weight and volume, while the product will retain all its nutrients. They will only be concentrated to a smaller volume. Dried fruit is full of vitamins A, B, B1, B2, B3, B6, pantothenic acid, vitamins C and E, minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron. It includes fiber and may cover up to 50% of the suggested daily consumption. With gentle drying, a substantial proportion of the phytochemicals (carotenoids, anthocyanins, folic acid, vitamin C and E) will remain in the fruit, which helps preventing the oncological and cardiovascular ilnesses. For example, in dried plums you can find high levels of antioxidants and in dried cranberries there are even more antioxidants than in fresh ones.

Dried fruit does not contain fats, is not a source of harmful trans-fatty acids and contains a minimum amount of sodium, so it is suitable for people with high blood pressure. It is a source of plant fiber, which is important in preventing cancer.

Dried fruit has an excellent taste and is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and fructose fruit sugar.

The main advantage of drying is to aid preventing decomposition by rotting bacteria.

Drying is the healthiest way to preserve fruits and vegetables. Our ancient ancestors have kept their harvest for the winter with this method. The most common were apples, pears, plums and apricots. Nowadays, exotic fruits such as bananas, papaya, pineapple and the like are also popular.

Dried fruit, thanks to its full taste, is also popular with children, so it is an ideal snack, which is not only tasty but also healthy.

Which dried fruit is the best?

• Raisins have a low glycemic index, are rich in fiber and potassium
• Plums promote peristalsis of the intestines and function as a natural laxative. They contain potassium, iron, fiber, vitamin A, B, and C.
• Dates should be consumed by pregnant women, because they are rich in fiber, potassium and iron and contain many antioxidants. The amino acid tryptophan has a calming effect on the body, helping to prevent depression and promoting good sleep.
• Pineapple is a source of vitamin C and contains bromelain.
• Apples are also popular in weight loss because they contain enzymes that help break down fat. They also help treat gall-bladder and lower blood cholesterol.
• Dried apricots are considered to be a superfood that is rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, fiber and beta-carotene. They are recommended for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
• Bananas are a very popular dried fruit that helps with digestive problems and also act as an antidepressant.
• Dried cranberries contain more antioxidants than fresh ones. They are a great help in fighting bladder diseases.
• Figs contain vitamin B, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system. They help in depression and in the treatment of cancer.

In order for the dried fruit to be the best, it is important that it is dried at the optimum temperature and then properly packaged and stored.