Product Description
Dried fruit is fruit from which most of the water content has been removed naturally, through solar drying, or using special dryers and dehydrators. Dried fruit has a long tradition of use, dating back to the fourth millennium BC in Mesopotamia, and is valued for its sweet taste, nutrients, and long shelf life.
Today, the consumption of dried fruit is very widespread. Almost half of the dried fruit sold—raisins, then dates, prunes, figs, apricots, peaches, apples, and pears—is so-called conventional or "traditional" dried fruit: fruit that has been dried in the sun or in a turbulent air dryer. Many types of fruit, such as cranberries, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and mangoes, are mixed with a sweetener (e.g., syrup, sucrose) before drying. Some products are sold as dried fruit, such as papaya, kiwi, and pineapple—most often candied fruit.
Traditional dried fruits such as raisins, figs, dates, apricots, and apples have been one of the main products of the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years. This is partly due to their early cultivation in the Middle East region known as the Fertile Crescent, pieced together bit by bit from modern-day Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, to southwestern Turkey and northern Egypt. Drying or dehydration has also shown to be the first form of food preservation: grapes, dates, and figs, which were dried on wood or wicker in the hot sun. Ancient hunters and gatherers discovered that these fallen fruits were edible and appreciated their stability as well as their concentrated sweetness.
Benefits of Dried Fruit
1. Almonds
A daily dried fruit that you must try. One of the most commonly consumed dried fruits, almonds have several health benefits for people of all ages. Here are a few reasons why you should eat a handful of almonds every day:
Heart Health
High in monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, almonds help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The availability of magnesium and potassium also helps maintain normal blood pressure and heart function
. Weight Management
Dietary fiber, protein, and healthy fats are present in almonds, making you feel full and therefore helping you avoid overeating. Studies have shown that those who ate almonds as part of their diet had greater reductions in weight, waist circumference, and body fat content.
Blood Sugar Control
Experts believe that the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids in almonds helps slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream, thereby preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
2. Walnuts
are a powerhouse of goodness. Including walnuts in your daily diet can have several health benefits.
Food for the brain
Walnuts contain a number of nootropic compounds, such as vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which help improve cognitive function. They help combat stress and promote a sense of calm. According to research, the vitamin E and flavonoids in walnuts also help destroy harmful free radicals that can lead to dementia.
Against Cancer
Regular consumption of walnuts can help reduce the risk of pancreatic and breast cancer, as well as limit the spread of cancer cells. Studies have shown that ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
