Dried Fruit - Nature's Candy

If you are craving something sweet, don't reach for the candy just yet. Consider trying dried fruit as a tasty (and more healthy) alternative.

There is a wide variety of dried fruit, coming from both vines and trees.

Dried Fruit

Examples of Dried Fruits:

-Raisin

-Currants

-Apple

-Pear

-Apricot

-Mango

-Dates

-Figs

-Peach

-Prune

-Blueberry

-Cherry

-Cranberry

-Strawberry

-Banana

-Kiwi

-Pineapple

-Tomato

Benefits of Dried Fruit:

-An antioxidant (especially prunes and blueberries)

-High in fibre

-High in Vitamin A, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium and sodium

-Slows progression of heart disease

-Contains heart-protecting Omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids

-A lightweight and portable snack

-They store well. Six months to a year in an airtight container

-They are neat. Not like eating a juicy peach on your lunch break!

-Dried cranberries have an acid that protects against urinary tract infections (UTIs)

-Orange and yellow fruits (apricot, mango and peaches) have high levels of beta-carotene

-Raisins lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, have lots of fiber and contain tartaric acid, which protects against colon cancer.

Disadvantages of Dried Fruit:

-The drying process results in a high concentration of sugar and calories. They should always be enjoyed in moderation.

-Sometimes sugar is added to balance the natural tarty taste.

-Sulphates are added to certain fruits to keep them from darkening.

-The drying process can deplete vitamin C content

-Promotes tooth decay

Dried fruits are great on their own, in cereals and in baked treats. They also make a typical meal more exciting and presentable. With any food, moderation is key. You would not want to give up your fresh, frozen and canned fruits altogether but adding more variety to your diet is the path to eating right and enjoying every healthy meal so much, you won't even miss the food that is bad for you.

Eat Up!

Dried Fruit - Nature's Candy

Kaleena Lawless is a personal trainer in Toronto, On http://www.kalisthenixfitnessblog.com

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