(RxWiki News) Health professionals from all over the world are fighting to enhance the reputation of dried fruits. They want these healthy foods to take their rightful place.
Many countries’ dietary guidelines do not group dried fruits alongside fresh fruits and vegetables in terms of nutritive value. Now the International Nuts and Dried Fruit (INC) is fighting for the parity of these dried delicacies.
"Dried fruits are as nutritious as fresh fruits."
INC organized an international dried fruit round table where 13 scientists from all around the world gathered to showcase the benefits of dried fruits. The meeting was designed to convince policy makers that dried fruits should be included in dietary recommendations everywhere.
Dried fruit is thought to contain more sugar than fresh fruits, but this is not the case. After taking into account portion size and water content, dried and fresh fruits have the same amount of sugars and calories.
Health professionals are always advising the population to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. Well, dried fruits can provide the same benefits and more.
In fact, dried fruits may be the solution we’ve been looking for to increase overall consumption of fruits worldwide. They’re long lasting, low in cost, available all year long and easy to transport.
Benefits of Dried Fruits:
- High in soluble fiber – needed to prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes
- Low glycemic index value
- Good source of potassium
- Contain bioactive phenolic compounds – needed to protect from heart disease
- Contain antioxidants
- May inhibit some forms of cancer
Traditional Dried Fruits:
- Apricots
- Apples
- Dates
- Figs
- Raisins
- Sultanas
- Prunes
Pick up some dried fruits to increase your fruit and vegetable intake.
