Fascinating facts about Dried Fruits

Since ancient times, drying has been used a technique for preservation of food material. Unlike their fresh counterparts, these can be easily stored, transported, and are also easier to eat. Here are some fascinating facts about dried fruits:

• Improve your “mango-bolism”

Dried mangoes are a good source of vitamin A, providing up to 20 percent of the daily requirement. Vitamin A is essential in regulating one’s metabolism. In addition, it also contains antioxidants that fight cancer-causing free radicals, iron that prevents anemia, vitamin E which is great for your hair, selenium to prevent heart disease, and calcium for stronger bones.

• The versatile papaya

An average 40 grams serving of dried papayas can provide about one percent of your daily calorie intake, 6.5 percent of average carbohydrates requirement, and around 10 percent of one’s daily fiber requirement. Additionally, it is also rich in vitamins C, B, A, E and K, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, essential for cellular function.

 

• Pine of the Indies

Pineapple, when first discovered was called the “Pine of the Indies.” The English later added the “apple” to associate it with juicy, delectable fruits. An 85-gram serving of dried pineapples can provide about 50 percent of one’s daily requirement of vitamin C. Dried pineapple is also rich in bromelain, used as treatment for inflammation and indigestion.

• Radioactive bananas

Did you know that bananas are radioactive? Well, so are you! For any of its negative effects to be felt, you would have to eat about 274 bananas every day for seven years. It has plentiful positive effects though. It is extremely rich in potassium and vitamin B, which can help lower your blood pressure. Each banana can provide about 12 percent of the recommended daily dose of potassium. It is also helpful in enhancing bowel function.

Dried fruits typically contain about three times more nutrients than fresh fruits, by weight. Also, with longer shelf lives, and easier means of storage, they can be consumed as healthy snacks. While it is easy to overeat, the benefits of eating the average serving size far outweigh the negatives, if any.