Why dried fruits are a healthier snack choice.

Dried fruits are often overlooked as a snack option, but they offer a number of benefits over traditional snacking options and even their fresh counterparts. Apart from providing a great-tasting alternative to unhealthy snack choices, dried fruits are readily available online and in stores as well as having a very long shelf-life. These convenient, tasty, and low-calorie snacks make a great addition to any snacking occasion, whether at home, work, outdoors or traveling. 

Dried fruits provide a concentrated source of nutrients. Because the water is removed during the drying process, dried fruits contain a higher concentration of nutrients per serving when compared to fresh fruit. In fact the USDA indicates that ¼ cup of dried fruits is the nutritional equivalent to ½ cup of fresh. This means you can get more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a smaller serving size. 

The vitamins and nutrients present in dried fruit will vary based on the type of fruit and the drying process, but here are some examples.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is well known to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and supports the immune system. Dried apricots, cherries, and blueberries are particularly high in vitamin C.

Vitamin E

This antioxidant helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports the immune system. Dried peaches, pears, mangoes, and prunes are high in vitamin E.

Polyphenols

These are a type of antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Dried cherries, blueberries, and cranberries are high in polyphenols.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Dried apricots, peaches, and papayas are high in carotenoids.

Flavonoids

Help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and support the immune system. Dried berries, such as cranberries, cherries, and blueberries, are high in flavonoids.

Dried fruits have a much longer shelf life than fresh fruit and will not rot or decay at the same rate. They can last for 18 months without spoiling, making them a convenient snack option to have on hand. There are also minimal storage requirements for dried fruit which can be kept almost anywhere unlike their fresh fruit counterparts which require refrigeration to extend their life or keep them fresh.

As part of a healthy eating plan, calorie-controlled or low - carbohydrate diet, dried fruits are an excellent choice for a low-fat, sweet and fiber-filled snack. Dried fruits are naturally low in fat, making them a healthier choice for those trying to lower their intake of calories or reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet.  They can also help reduce to reduce sugar intake which is helpful for people who are trying to combat sugar cravings and reach a weight loss goal. Too much added sugar in the diet can lead to a number of health problems connected to heart function, diabetes, or obesity. Be careful not to consume too many  ‘suger-added’ fruits as their nutritionals can be very high in ‘added sugar’ or other sweeteners.  Most tart cherries, cranberries, and dried blueberries contain added sugars to make them palatable.  But all Sunrise Fresh Dried Fruits are unsweetened, no-sugar-added, and with no preservatives.  Sunrise fruits provide a great alternative to high-calorie, sugary snacks, as they are naturally sweet but contain far less sugar than protein bars and other seemingly  ‘healthy’ options.

Having dried fruits close to hand can also reduce the temptation to grab other unhealthy snack options. Sunrise Fresh Dried Fruits come in single-serve or re-sealable bags and are easy to take anywhere.  Try keeping some fruit in a gym bag or a rucksack to snack on after a workout or a gym class. For those who have busy lives and are always on the move, dried fruits are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a great snack for those who don’t have time to consider what to eat.

With our line of Cherries, Blueberries, Peaches, Pears, and Apples, you have a variety of tastes and handy portability.  Dried fruit is healthy, tasty, and convenient, and depending on your palette you will be able to find types and flavors of dried fruit that will satisfy your tastebuds, without piling on pounds. Reduce your sugar intake, increase vital nutrients, vitamins and increase your fiber intake - all with our healthy snacking option.   Sunrise Fresh - Just the Fruit …and Nothing Else!