Dried fruit is a nutritious snack that is gaining more and more ground due to its fast pace of life.
They are essentially a concentrated form of fresh fruit, from which most of the water has been removed either by natural drying (sunlight) or by using special dryers.
But what if you eat dried fruit every day?
Improve the health of your gut
Dried fruits have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber content. It is estimated that 10-12 prunes provide 7 grams of fiber, corresponding to 30% of the recommended daily allowance.
Lowering blood pressure
Dried fruits are rich in fiber and potassium. Increased intake of potassium and fiber can lower blood pressure levels.
Cholesterol-lowering
Dried fruits, such as plums, contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Do dried fruits get fat?
If you calculate the portion you will consume each time; then you will get the same quantity of calories as if you were eating fresh fruit.
It is also important to calculate the amount you consume because dried fruits are characterized as “calorie-dense” due to their reduced water content. That is, they contain an increased number of calories in small quantities.
In addition, you should choose dried fruits without sugar-coating because they can increase your weight and negatively affect your health. And do not forget that the consumption of dried fruits should be combined with an increase in water consumption.
What is the right portion size?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the portion of dried fruit ranges from 30 to 40gr depending on the type of fruit. The quantity is considered equivalent to fresh fruit and corresponds to ¼ of the cup.
In conclusion, you should always be careful about the amount you consume daily and, of course, do not replace dried fruit with fresh.
