Amazing Benefits of Eating Dried Fruits
Looking for ways to be healthy before the end of this year? There are a lot of ways to start, but our advice is to start replacing your snacks with dried fruits. But why dried fruits?
Learn why you need to eat dried fruits every day and what the benefits are.
Dried Fruits Helps Prevents and Manages Diabetes
People with diabetes have limited food options. But this doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy snack time anymore!
Antioxidants in dried fruits can promote the body’s response to insulin, preventing harmful spikes in blood sugar levels. These compounds also ease inflammation and reduce oxidative stress, which protects the pancreas. So, forget about junk food and try these dried fruits:
- Dried Apricots
Rich in pectin, a type of fiber that slows down sugar absorption, contributing to more stable blood sugar levels. Their low glycemic index further prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar. Additionally, apricots contain flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that enhance insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar. - Dried Figs
Helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is due to their high concentration of antioxidants, including carotenoids and polyphenols, which protect the body from oxidative stress. Figs have anti-inflammatory chemicals that help prevent chronic illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes. Their natural fiber content slows sugar absorption in the bloodstream, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
Dried Fruits For Immune System
Following the worldwide health crisis, we recognized the need to strengthen our immune systems. In addition to the most recent global pandemic in 2020, other diseases continue to arise. It’s not a joke that more individuals are putting their health first. While taking vitamins is a great idea, experts recommend adopting a healthy diet to enhance your health, with dry fruits being the ideal place to start.
Dried fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. Here is a list of dried fruit options to choose from to boost your immune system:
- Dried Apricots
High in vitamins C and A. Their antioxidant content is regarded for its immune system, skin and eye health benefits, and ability to combat oxidative stress. - Dried Prunes
Popular because of their digestive and bone health benefits. Prunes have both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion and regulates bowel movements. They’re also high in vitamin K, which helps to prevent bone loss. - Dates
A powerhouse of nutrients! These naturally sweet fruits are rich in essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and a range of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B5). In addition to boosting immunity, they provide vital minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for overall health.
Dried Fruits For Weight Loss and Digestive Health
Dried fruits are packed with dietary fiber, which plays a vital role in promoting healthy digestion, aiding in weight loss, and enhancing overall well-being. Fiber is known for facilitating regular bowel movements and helping to maintain a balanced gut environment. Additionally, research has consistently shown that a diet rich in fiber is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers.
Nutrition expert David Taylor from “Monkeyfoodz” emphasizes the benefits of integrating dried fruits into daily diets. He suggests that those looking to make healthier choices start by replacing processed snacks with dried fruits. According to Taylor, “Fiber naturally scrubs toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, flushing them out of the body. This process helps clear the colon, improves digestion, and promotes a feeling of lightness and well-being.”
Snack on these Dried Fruits to improve digestion and lose weight:
Dried Fruit | Serving Size | Fiber Content |
Dried Apricots | ½ cup | 4.7 grams |
Dried Prunes | ½ cup | 6.2 grams |
Dried Raisins | ½ cup | 3.3 grams |
Dried Cranberries | ½ cup | 5 grams |
Dried Fruits Improves Mood
Research shows that foods high in sugar can impair our ability to manage stress effectively. In contrast, dried fruits offer a more controlled release of sugars, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels that can overwhelm the brain. This steady absorption supports better mood regulation and helps maintain emotional balance.
Try this mood boosting dried fruits to lighten up your day:
- Dried Bananas
They contain “tryptophan”, a type of protein that the body can convert into serotonin. Keep in mind that serotonin is a hormone associated with relaxation, reward, and well-being. - Dried Berries
They contain “quercetin”, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Research suggests that quercetin helps manage depression by reducing oxidative stress, which is often linked to mental health disorders.
Are Dried Fruits Good For Skin?
Fast food, dairy products, sweetened beverages, and pastries made with refined white flour can accelerate skin aging and damage skin. These foods often lead to an increase in inflammation, which can exacerbate skin issues.
Nutrient-dense foods like dried fruits, on the other hand, are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential minerals that promote healthy skin. Adding dried fruits to your diet helps your skin stay hydrated, reduce inflammation, and improve overall texture, giving you healthier, more youthful skin.
Try These Antioxidant-Rich Dried Fruits for Healthier Skin
- Dates
Rich in vitamins A and B, dates improve skin elasticity and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also contain powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage, helping you maintain a smooth, youthful glow. - Dried Raisins
High in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals, raisins can help fade dark spots, blemishes, and pigmentation issues. Their antioxidant content works to combat free radicals, which helps in achieving a clearer, more even skin tone.
Get your supplies of organic dried fruits from Naked Foods! We have a wide selection of organic foods obtained through sustainable techniques and prepared following the highest standards possible.
About The Author: Kayla Cox
Kayla Cox is an experienced freelance writer. She is an avid yogini and enjoys writing about trends and developments in all areas related to health and wellbeing. In 2015, Kayla weighed 85kg and needed to lose 20 pounds or risk getting diabetes.
She lost the weight, not to be “fit’ but to be healthy. In order to understand the essence of health, she conducted extensive research and interviews with health practitioners. Writing about her journey, she helps other people who, like her are in need of a lifestyle change.