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The fresh vs. dried fruits debate has a common starting point. Fruits are essential to any healthy diet and come in many forms. From fresh to dried, fruit can be enjoyed in various ways. But which is better – fresh fruit or dried fruit? It depends on the occasion and what you’re looking for nutritionally.
Snacking on dried fruit is the ultimate combination of succulently sweet and healthy – almost like a scrumptious, guilt-free candy. But you may be wondering if those mouthwatering morsels hold as many benefits as natural fruit does.
The answer to this tantalizing question isn’t straightforward, but there are certainly some compelling reasons why it can make a nutritious addition to your diet! From being incredibly convenient for busy lives, providing fibre which helps with heart health and weight management; plus rich antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer – what’s not to love about this delicious snack idea?!
Nutrient Density When Comparing Fresh vs. Dried Fruits
Fresh and dried fruits are both nutritional powerhouses, with the difference between them being that drying out a fruit packs more nutrients into fewer calories. Great for gymgoers, hikers or athletes who need an energy boost on the go!
Even better if you’re managing your weight – just be sure to keep portions in check at ¼ cup of dried fruit per serving, no matter how tempting it may be.
Calorie and Sugar Content
Fancy dried fruits like apples may not be as dehydrated and calorically dense as you’d think. In fact, a serving of both fresh or dried is jam-packed with the same amount of calories and sugar!
The problem is that a serving of dried fruit is way less in volume than a serving of fresh fruit. But if you’re looking for an edge in managing your weight – go for some juicy crispness instead.
A regular helping of fruit offers more volume than its dry counterpart so it’ll help keep those hunger pangs at bay longer!
Vitamins
Dehydrating fruit may cause some heat-sensitive vitamins such as C, B and A to disappear – for example, 2 cups of fresh apples offer 6mgs Vitamin C but the same amount dried gives you just 0.8mg!
That said, don’t disregard your favourite jams or trail mixes: consumed in moderation they still deliver a healthy punch.
Advantages of eating fresh fruit vs. dried fruits
You will find that it is quite challenging to stick to the right portion size, and it is very easy to overindulge.
Rather than sticking to the regular helping of fresh fruit, it’s all too easy to go overboard when indulging in dried fruits — after all, with no water content included a mere quarter-sized portion equates to three times its normal size.
Just bear that fact in mind as you reach for your favourite sweet snacks!
Dried Fruit Dazzlers
When you compare fresh vs. dried fruits, some stand out purely because of the convenience and resounding health benefits they bring. Two of these are raisins and prunes.
Raisins May Reduce the Risk of Certain Diseases
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, raisins are one of nature’s sweet treats! Not only do they provide a tasty snack option when you’re craving something sweet – their low glycemic index value makes them an ideal choice for many diets.
Enjoy the natural sweetness without having to worry about major spikes in blood sugar or insulin levels after meals!
Studies show that eating raisins may
- Lower blood pressure.
- Improve blood sugar control.
- Decrease inflammatory markers and blood cholesterol.
- Lead to an increased feeling of fullness.
All of these factors should contribute to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Raisins are high in fibre, potassium and other plant compounds. Eating raisins may improve blood sugar control, lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol, as well as decrease inflammation.
Prunes are Natural Laxatives and May Help Fight Diseases
Prunes are a tasty, superfood that provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and beta-carotene (vitamin A). Furthermore, it can help you get relief from constipation too!
Rich in fibre along with the natural sugar alcohol sorbitol, prune consumption has been scientifically proven to help improve stool frequency and consistency. Plus it’s even more effective at relieving constipation than psyllium.
As a result, try adding some of these dried plums into your diet for an easy way to stay regular.
Prunes are a nutritional powerhouse that can help promote overall health! By providing antioxidants and boron, prunes protect against heart disease and cancer while helping to build strong bones.
And their low glycemic index makes them especially beneficial for those watching their blood sugar levels.
Final thoughts on the benefits of each type of fruit
Overall, fresh fruit and dried fruit both offer their own unique benefits. Fresh fruits are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help to promote overall health.
While dried fruits can provide a concentrated source of nutrients like fibre, potassium and other plant compounds.
However, it is important to keep in mind that due to the lack of water content in dried fruit they are more calorically dense than fresh varieties. Therefore it’s best to practice moderation when indulging in these sweet snacks!
Ultimately though, whether you opt for fresh or dried – your body will thank you for getting some delicious nutrition into its system!
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