Fruit is a key source of potassium, fiber, and bioactive nutrients, such as carotenoids, but unfortunately, many people do not meet daily fruit intake recommendation goals. New research suggests that dried fruit could be a great way to make up for those nutrient deficiencies and even protect from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Pennsylvania State University analyzed survey responses from 25,590 individuals and found that, when adjusting for other demographic and lifestyle factors, participants who ate significant amounts of dried fruit tended to have better diets, lower BMI, and lower systolic blood pressure.
Dried fruit has many of the same health benefits as fresh fruit, but it is longer-lasting, lighter, and more durable, making it a great choice for people who do not have readily accessible and affordable fresh produce.
The researchers did note that individuals with higher dried fruit consumption also had on average higher daily exercise rates, so it’s important to maintain an active lifestyle to compensate for dried fruit’s condensed caloric value.
If you’re looking to add more fruit into your diet, consider picking up some dried fruit to snack on. It is a convenient, tasty, and even health-boosting snack to bring into your daily routine. And thanks to the new technology we discussed last week, it is even becoming more sustainably made!
