Dried Fruits: Benefit And Harm

Nutritional properties, unique composition and long shelf life have made dried fruits one of the popular products. But are they perfect?

Nutritional properties, unique composition and long shelf life have made dried fruits one of the popular products. But are they perfect?

Dried fruits (dried fruits and berries) are considered a natural source of vitamins and trace elements at any time of the year. They contain vitamins A and B, a high concentration of glucose, fructose, fiber, magnesium, calcium, potassium , phosphorus, iodine, iron, and sodium. This chemical composition makes them extremely useful for the health of the cardiovascular and central nervous system, helps to improve the condition of nails, hair and bones, and stimulates the work of the intestines. In addition, each of the dried fruits contains its own unique complex of useful substances.

To some extent, dried fruits can be called a "natural pill". But, like any product, and, even more so, a means of prevention and treatment, dried fruits and berries have their "pitfalls", side effects and contraindications. What do you need to know about dried fruits before making them a part of your regular diet?

Beware, chemical dried fruits!

In industrial conditions, dried fruits can be treated with chemicals to add the desired color and protect against mold. For this purpose, in particular, sulfur dioxide is used. Unprocessed dried fruits are usually darker.

Unscrupulous manufacturers often use substances incompatible with food to process dried fruits: insecticides, glycerin, poisonous detergents. They remain on the surface of the fruit and enter the human body.

Chemically treated dried fruits on the shelves look attractive. For example, raisins have a beautiful golden color, and dried apricots and prunes shine beautifully. The result of using such "beauty" for a person is pain in the stomach, disturbances in the work of the gall bladder, intestines. Therefore, before eating or cooking, dried fruits should be soaked in boiling water and rinsed thoroughly.

Dried fruits that are dried naturally (in the sun) are grayer and darker. In any case, do not buy dried fruit on which rot or mold has formed .

Dried fruits - "sweet bomb"

During the drying process, water is lost from fruits and berries, and the concentration of sugar increases significantly. As a result, eating, for example, one dried apricot, a person gets more calories than if he ate a fresh apricot. The calorie content of dried fruits is 230-300 kcal per 100 g. Thus, people with diabetes and those who are overweight should be very careful with these delicacies.

In addition, allergy sufferers should not lose their vigilance. For example, dried citrus fruits can cause an allergic reaction.

What are the benefits of dried fruit?

We offer to get acquainted with the useful properties of the most popular types of dried fruits.

• dried apricots The main value of dried apricots is that most of the vitamins and trace elements are preserved in them when dried. Dried apricots are rich in potassium, carotene, organic acids, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B5. Helps to strengthen the heart and increase hemoglobin. Due to its mild laxative effect, it improves intestinal peristalsis and promotes its cleansing. Prevents the leaching of potassium from the body. 3-5 fruits per day are enough to get the maximum benefit from dried apricots.
• uriuk (dried apricot with stones). Rich in beta-carotene. It is assumed that these substances help in the prevention of cancer. Uryuk contains a lot of potassium, which is necessary for heart health, and fiber, which is useful for the intestines.

raisins Rich in organic acids, fiber, vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 and B6, C. It contains iron, boron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, phosphorus. Contributes to the strengthening of the nervous system, helps to relieve tension, fatigue, and improve sleep. Useful for pregnant and lactating women: replenishes iron deficiency and improves lactation. The high content of potassium and magnesium in raisins strengthens the heart myocardium, contributes to the normalization of pressure.

Raisins are not recommended for people with ulcerative lesions of the gastroduodenal region.

• prunes. Contains soft laxatives, dietary fibers, organic acids, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, groups B, C, PP. A good remedy against constipation and effectively cleanses the body. Prunes have a choleretic and diuretic effect. Increases the production of gastric juice and increases appetite. Due to the content of potassium and magnesium, it is useful for cardiovascular diseases.

Nursing mothers should use prunes with caution - it can cause upset stomach and colic in the baby.

• dates Rich in vitamins A, E, group B, amino acids. They contain calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, selenium. Dates are useful for people with weakened immunity, with anemia. They help relieve fatigue and speed up recovery after an illness, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and activate the work of the liver and kidneys. It is believed that dates help in the prevention of cancer. Useful for pregnant women: they are used to prevent depression and help strengthen the muscles of the uterus.

People with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidney stones are advised to eat dates with caution.

• drying of apples and pears. Dried apples are rich in vitamins A, B, C, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and iodine. They improve the work of the digestive, nervous, blood systems, kidneys and liver. Useful for diseases of the thyroid gland.

Dried pears are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, E, P, C, pectin, iron, iodine, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, carotene. Useful for disorders of the pancreas and urinary tract. They help fight colds and reduce stress.