- Dried fruits are preferred as a snack because dried fruit is vastly superior to junk foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, candy bars, and other unhealthy indulgences people reach for when they are hungry between meals.
- Dried fruit contains no fat, cholesterol, or sodium. It also helps to sweeten bland food without adding refined sugars. Small bits of dried fruit can be added to plain yogurt, oatmeal, or wholegrain breakfast cereal, making it more palatable to young children – and others who would not be able to stomach such foods otherwise.
- Dried fruits are also a food of convenience. Because the fruit is much smaller when dehydrated, it can be taken in backpacks without adding a lot of extra weight. Dried fruit is perfect for long trips. Fresh fruits in the car tend to be messy and leave peels, pits, and cores to throw away. Dried fruit takes up less room, and will ensure the family is getting something good.
APRICOTS
- Apricots are those beautifully orange colored fruits full of beta-carotene and fiber that are one of the first signs of summer.
- Nutrients in apricots can help protect the heart and eyes, as well as provide the disease-fighting effects of fiber.
- The high beta-carotene content of apricots makes them important heart health foods. Beta-carotene helps protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which may help prevent heart disease.
- Apricots contain nutrients such as vitamin A that promote good vision. Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, quenches free radical damage to cells and tissues. Free radical damage can injure the eyes’ lenses.
BLUEBERRIES
- Antioxidants are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Fresh fruits, including blueberries, and vegetables contain many of these naturally occurring antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E.
- Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries.
- In addition, blueberries contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants.
- Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (Boston, MA), blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity.
PEACHES
- Although fresh, high-quality peaches are sweet tasting but actually they are low in calories, with one medium peach furnishing only about 37 calories.
- Yellow-fleshed varieties are a good source of Vitamin A.
- Remember, making peach jam or canning peaches in sugar syrup adds calories.
PLUMS
- Dried Plums are ready-to-eat right from the package as a healthful snack or can be used as a versatile cooking or baking ingredient.
- They provide potassium, soluble and insoluble fiber, phytochemicals that function as antioxidants as well as some iron and Vitamin A.
- Dried Plums/Prunes can play an important role in promoting good digestive health.