Recently, one thing that has become a norm worldwide, as far as food is concerned, is fast food. With this article, we’re hoping the introduction of dried fruits as a healthy alternative can help stem this tide. 

With our busy lifestyle today, we have to juggle multiple jobs, school, family, and travelling. And junk foods serve as an easy medium to fill our stomachs in a short time. The best part? They’re super fast to prepare, pocket-friendly, and can be tasty. However, most of the junk food out there is not good for your body. Junk snacks do more harm to your body than you could imagine. 

Most junk foods are loaded with carbs, with little to no fibre. Frequently eating high amounts of carbs can lead to spikes in your blood sugar. This increases your risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain. This article tells you more about the adverse effects of junk foods. 

In today’s post, we would be telling you how junk snacks could be replaced by dried fruits. We will also share the health benefits of dried fruits and why dried fruits are a healthier snack choice. 

What are Dried Fruits? 

Dried fruits are fruits that have had most of their water content removed through a process of dehydration. This can be done naturally, by sun-drying the fruits They can also be gotten through the use of specialized machines that remove the water through forced air circulation.

The most commonly dried fruits include raisins, dates, apricots, figs, prunes, cranberries, and almonds. Nevertheless, virtually any fruit can be dried. Dried fruits can be enjoyed as a healthy snack on their own or used in a variety of dishes. They are also often used as a natural sweetener in recipes since their concentrated sweetness can replace sugar.

The truth about dried fruits is that apart from adding delightful bursts of flavour into whatever food items we choose, dried fruits also contain loads more nutrients than fresh versions due to the dehydration process drawing away moisture content; meaning fewer calories but richer sources of vitamins A & C while preserving plenty dietary fibre too.

6 Health Benefits of Dried Fruits

Packed with nutrients, vitamins, and essential minerals, the health benefits of dried fruits are just too profound to be ignored. So, here are the 6 potential benefits you stand to gain by consuming dried fruits.

1. Rich in fibre 

Fibre is an important component of a healthy diet and has many health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing the risk of heart disease, and helping to maintain a healthy weight. Dried fruits such as apricots, figs, prunes, and raisins are particularly high in fibre, with some varieties containing up to 6 grams of fibre per serving.

It’s important to note that dried fruits can also be high in calories and natural sugars, so it’s best to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The dietary fibre in dried fruits is important for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing constipation.

2. High in antioxidants 

Dried fruits are generally considered to be high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that protect your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Dried fruits are particularly rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which are believed to have several health benefits. These include reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

3. Packed with nutrients 

Dried fruit is highly nutritious. One piece of dried fruit contains about the same amount of nutrients as the fresh fruit. However, it is condensed into a much smaller space. By weight, dried fruit contains up to 3.5 times the fibre, vitamins and minerals of fresh fruit. Therefore, one serving can provide a large percentage of the daily recommended intake of many vitamins and minerals, such as folate.

4. Helps control blood sugar 

Research suggests that eating dried fruits in moderation as part of a healthy diet may have beneficial effects on blood sugar control. For instance, a study published in the journal Nutrients found that consuming dried fruits as a snack reduced postprandial blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals.

The natural sugars in dried fruits are absorbed more slowly than refined sugars, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

5. Good for heart health 

Dried fruits can be beneficial for cardiovascular health because they are a rich source of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Research has shown that eating dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, prunes, figs, and dates can help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

The high fibre content in dried fruits can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which are both risk factors for heart disease.

6. Weight management 

Dried fruits can be a nutritious addition to a well-balanced diet.

Is dried fruit good for weight loss? It is. Dried fruits are a nutrient-dense snack that can help you feel full for longer periods, which may help you manage your weight.

In terms of weight management, incorporating small portions of dried fruits into a balanced diet and keeping track of daily calorie intake can be helpful.

Are Dried Fruits The Perfect Snack Substitutes?  

Dried fruits as a snack substitute are becoming increasingly popular for people who want healthy alternatives and are tired of the junk and processed foods being advertised by popular fast food chains.

Dried fruits make for the perfect snack substitute and have a range of benefits for anyone looking for healthy alternatives to processed snacks.  Not only are dried fruits nutritionally well-rounded, but they’re easily available. They contain natural sugars like fructose which curb sugar cravings while providing carbohydrates with long-lasting energy. Research shows that vitamins such as A & C flourish in many kinds of dry fruits plus they come packed with antioxidants protecting our bodies from free radical damage.

When reaching for a nutritious alternative snacking option there is no better choice than dried fruit; available in abundance both online (Fruits Garden has got you covered in this aspect) and offline, making purchasing easier than ever, plus proving itself healthier each time around we reach into our pantry.

Conclusion on Dried Fruits as a Snack Substitute 

In summary, swapping sugary treats or junk food for dietary do-gooders like dried fruit is always going to be worth it. Dried Fruits provide us all, from kids to adults, plenty of health benefits. One of the best places to use your dried fruits it is in your fruit basket. It brings more flavour, texture and spice to things. we have a 7-day fruit basket plan and you can learn more by clicking the link.

It’s time to get your daily dose of vitamins through nature’s nutritional powerhouse – dried fruits. For centuries, people all over the world have been reaping the benefits of consuming these nutrient-packed treats. From health and immune system support, lower cholesterol levels, protection against certain diseases, and even healthy skincare; some may wonder why more people aren’t partaking in this superfood craze.

Well, it’s time for you to dive into this delicious ocean that is dried fruits by making your order from Fruits Garden – your one-stop shop for anything fruits and vegetables.