3 Dried Fruit Options That are Healthy and Delicious
By Genevieve Cunningham
Dried fruit has gone through quite the transformation. At one time, all dried fruit was considered to be incredibly healthy for the body, and people were encouraged to eat it as a snack. Then all of a sudden, dried fruit jumped to the unhealthy list because of the added sugars. Now? It depends on who you ask. The truth is likely somewhere in the middle. Some dried fruit is healthy, and some might be a little sugar packed. But how are you supposed to know which is which? To get in on the healthiest dried fruit around, take a look at these three healthy options.
Apricot
Apricot is a fruit that doesn’t get enough attention. Unless you’re lucky enough to find apricots in season or at a local farmer’s market, you’re more likely to find this fruit dried. But that’s OK because dried apricots bring big benefits. By eating this as a snack, you’ll get blasts of fiber, Vitamins A and E, and potassium. Apricots have a very distinct flavor, so you may have to get used to the stout taste. But learn to love the flavor, and you’ll be enjoying health benefits as well.
Cranberries
Cranberries generally come to mind around Thanksgiving, but this is a fruit that is good at any time of year. Dried cranberries make an excellent on-the-go snack to bring a healthy boost. Cranberries are low in calories, high in fiber, and they also help clean the body of toxins. They aid the kidney in the detoxification process, which leaves you healthier overall. The downside is that cranberries are very tart in flavor. If you can’t get used to the tartness (you may like it!), you can try the sweetened kind, but you’ll need to make the portion sizes a bit smaller.
Raisins
Most people don’t really think of raisins as a dried fruit, but they are! Raisins are nothing more than dried grapes. So what makes raisins so healthy? Raisins are low calorie, high in fiber, and incredibly high in potassium. This means they may help with muscle cramps as well as digestion. They’ll also give you a blast of natural sugars, which for some people means a little extra energy. If you want an easy, healthy snack to take with you, grab a box of raisins and enjoy.
Dried fruit can be a delicious and healthy snack. It’s easy, nutritious, and often hits the sweet spot. Add these dried fruit options to your diet to improve your menu and boost your health. You’ll have healthy snacks, plenty of nutrients, and a food that keeps the taste buds satisfied all year long.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aliso Viejo, Calif.