Dried fruit is a convenient snack created from natural, healthy fruits. The drying process causes the nutrients in the fruit, like carbohydrates, fiber and protein to concentrate. Dried fruits are rich in vitamins like such as vitamin A, vitamin B’s and Pantothenic acid, it also provides the body with high levels of calcium, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. There is a great range of dried fruit available, such as goji berries, apple, apricots, bananas, cranberries, figs and ginger.
GOJI BERRIES – is a super food! It’s one of the highest antioxidant berries on the planet. These delicious sweet red berries derived from Tibet and have been used as a medicine for thousands of years as a natural means of treating kidney and liver problems and cleansing the blood. They have been used to help treat eye and skin problems, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and caner. It’s used as a general strengthening tonic and is believe to be excellent for virility and sexual health. Goji berries are powerhouses and contain so many nutrients. It has 18 amino acids making them high in protein, 6 important vitamins, contains essential fatty acids (important for many biological reactions), 5 powerful carotenoids (for antioxidant activity, eye health, protecting against macular degeneration and reducing risks of cancers), important pigments (phenols) with high antioxidant properties and a great source of digestible glucose for energy in the body.
Dried apples are a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C for the maintenance of healthy immune system. It’s also rich in dietary fiber for digestive health.
Dried apricots are rich in beta-carotene, which boost the immune system, help maintain good eye health and helps prevent heart attacks and heart disease. It’s a good source of calcium and magnesium.
Dried bananas are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It’s high in vitamin B, dietary fibre, vitamin C, potassium and manganese.
Dried cranberries contain antibacterial properties that help maintain the health of the urinary tract. Cranberries are proven to be effective against urinary tract disease.
Dried currants are rich in biotin, pantothenic acid (which helps stabilise blood sugar levels and defends against infection), niacin (helps maintain healthy skin and nerves), vitamin C and vitamin A.
Dried figs are a great source of calcium, which is important for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth and it’s a good source of dietary fiber for good digestive health.
Dried ginger is helpful in the prevention of nausea and it helps soothe the lining of mucous membranes (for smokers). Its high in vitamin C, copper, magnesium, potassium and manganese.
Dried paw paw (papaya) is high in vitamin A, helpful with night vision, skin health, wound healing and resistance of respiratory infections, it also contains vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber and potassium.
The difference between sultanas, raisins and currants is that: Sultanas are seedless, large-berried and light yellow (larger than currants and smaller than raisins). Currants are seedless, small-berried, purple/black colour. Raisins on the bunch are seeded, large-berried, generally with stalk.
Dried raisins are high in potassium which is needed for nerve impulses and muscle contraction and it helps regulate blood pressure. It’s also high in iron, which is an essential constituent for the storage and transportation of oxygen.
