Dried fruits are excellent for relieving constipation but have a higher glycemic index than fresh fruit. From the benefits of goji and goldenberries to managing allergies, learn the nutritional facts of no-sugar-added and freeze-dried varieties.
Goldenberries, also known as cape gooseberries, are considered a superfood due to their high concentration of nutrients. Goldenberries are native to Brazil, but are grown in many warm climates including Peru, South Africa, Australia and Hawaii. Goldenberries are harvested and dried before being packaged and sold.
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Eczema is a skin condition caused by hypersensitivity, which is similar to an allergy. It can lead to itching, redness and dry skin that scales anywhere on your skin.
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If you have an allergic reaction after eating dried fruit, it is most likely caused by mold or sulfites. Mold is present in many dried fruits, such as dates, figs, prunes and raisins. Sulfites are commonly used as a preservative in dried fruit, but you can develop a sensitivity to them.
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Eating both fresh and dried fruits can help promote regular bowel movements. However, since dried fruits typically contain more fiber than fresh fruits do, you might consider eating more dried fruit if you are suffering from constipation.
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Blueberries can be a refreshing, nutrient-rich snack, but they aren't ideal in all cases. In some situations -- such as hiking or camping, where refrigerators aren't accessible -- you may find that dried blueberries are more appropriate.
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Prunes are marketed as a fruit snack, but you can use them in a variety of recipes ranging from soufflés and puddings to cakes and muffins. This unique-tasting fruit is well known as being an excellent source of fiber; however, prunes also provide other essential nutrients.
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Guyabano and soursop are but two of the many names for the same fruit. Perhaps because the fruit from the Annona muricata tree flourishes in warm regions throughout the world – and is exported to countless countries – soursop has spawned more than two dozen common names.
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Eating a variety of dried fruit and nuts provides many healthy vitamins and minerals, fiber, carbohydrates and protein. Although it is possible to meet some of the dietary recommendations by eating only dried fruit and nuts, there are many essential nutrients that you would lack.
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Dried fruit is widely viewed as a healthy snack. While it is a better alternative to sugary candy and other junk food, dried fruit should still be consumed in moderation because it contains much higher amounts of sugar and calories than regular fruit.
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Most cakes start with the same basic ingredients, but flavorings set each recipe apart. Cake gets its flavor from different ingredients including powders like cocoa, liquids like flavored extracts or mix-in ingredients like dried fruit or pieces of chocolate.
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If you avoid eating dried fruit with added sugar, you're making a smart choice because you'll avoid the excess calories from all that fructose. Still, you may wonder whether dried fruit is really a healthy choice at all.
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Sweet, juicy kiwi may not always be practical for long-term storage or eating on the go, so consider dried kiwi fruit as an alternative with many benefits. This dehydrated fruit is low in fat, moderately low in calories and provides healthy minerals and fiber.
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If you're struggling to meet your daily fruit needs, consider including more dried fruit in your diet. A 1/2-cup serving of dried fruit equals 1 cup of fresh fruit. Dried fruit also provides the same nutritional qualities as its fresh fruit counterpart, including similarities in its glycemic index.
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Freeze-dried fruit is similar to dried fruit, because it has been dehydrated, but it has a crunchy texture. The nutrients that freeze-dried fruit contains offer several health benefits, making it a good addition to a well-balanced diet. Try it on cereal or oatmeal, in trail mix or on its own.
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The sweet-tart flavor of cranberries adds taste to a meal. This fruit's versatility and shelf life are extended by drying. You may opt to incorporate dried cranberries, also called craisins, into cookies, bread and other baked goods, or sprinkle them over salads for a hint of sweetness.
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Dried fruits -- fruit with a moisture content of less than 20 percent -- retain all the nutrients of fresh fruit, but contain more sugar and calories per ounce. However, dried fruits don't have to torpedo your weight-control strategy; they are diet-friendly if eaten in moderation.
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The next time you're in a specialty produce shop and see a small, pink-colored fruit with spiky hairs on the skin, pick it up: this is the rambutan fruit, an exotic fruit native to Malaysia and Indonesia.
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Dried banana chips are typically eaten as a snack or with nuts and chocolate. Because the chips are made from fruit, you might assume the chips are healthy. While they contain a few essential nutrients, banana chips can be packed with high amounts of sugar as well as saturated fat.
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Adult women are encouraged to one and one half cups of fruit everyday and males should have two cups. Dried fruits like apricots are a good source of fiber and can be included in a healthful diet as a fruit serving, with 1/2 cup of dried fruit equal to one cup of fresh fruits.
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Fruits contain fiber, phytochemicals and a variety of minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamins A, C, E and K, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Many fruits are also packed with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc.
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