WHAT IS A DRIED FRUIT ?
When water content of a fruit is removed it is called a dried fruit.
The fruit shrinks during this process, leaving a small, energy-dense dried fruit.
Ex- Raisins, dates, prunes, figs and apricots.
Candied form are sugar coated, example- mangoes, pineapples, cranberries, bananas and apples.
Dried fruit is a great snack and can be preserved for longer!
Dried fruit generally contains fiber and is a great source of antioxidants, especially polyphenols.
Link to study-(3Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
Vitamin C content is significantly reduced when the fruit is dried.
Link to study(2Trusted Source)
Dried fruit with added sugar- “candied” fruit.
Added sugar has repeatedly been shown to have harmful effects on health, increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease and even cancer
Link to study (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).
Read the ingredients and nutrition information found on the package, avoid sugar added dried fruits
SULFITES(a preservative) are added by some producers.
It can cause- stomach cramps, skin rashes and asthma attacks after ingesting them Choose dried fruit that is brown or grayish rather than brightly colored.
Link to study (30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source)
Improperly stored dried fruit may also be contaminated with fungi, aflatoxins and other toxic compounds
Link to study (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source).
Dried fruit - Rich in fiber and nutrient intake and antioxidants.
High in sugar, calories, and high in carbs! This can cause problems when eaten in excess.
Thus, eat in small amounts.
They should not be eaten by the handful, because you may end up consuming a lot of calories!