Home News Dehydrated fruit: are they healthy?

Dehydrated fruit: are they healthy?

La dehydrated fruit It is one of the snacks that has increased its success the most in a short time. Some appetizers that a priori are considered healthy. But are they really as healthy as we think? We tell you all the details about this curious food.

Dehydration since ancient times

La dehydrated fruit It is not the only food in which the dehydration method is used. There is evidence of the use of this conservation technique since centuries For all types of products. The reason it has lasted so long in history is that it has multiple advantages. This way of treating food consists of remove most of the water that owns the same taking advantage of the climatic conditions.

These conditions are dry air, high temperature, and sunlight. Currently there are special machines to dehydrate food quickly and easily at home. Its about food desiccator. Its operation is easy, very similar to the air fryer. The food is put into the appliance and the hot air does the rest. A safe way to prepare your dehydrated fruit if you do not want to buy it in any store.

dehydrated fruit
Jars with dehydrated fruit inside. / Source: Pixabay

The benefits of dried fruit

The first thing that comes to mind when we see dehydrated fruit It just doesn't look healthy. Nothing is further from reality. This appetizer has a huge amount of properties. The main one is that as its name indicates, it is fruit. Although sugar is added to many of these snacks, most do not. It is, along with Nuts, one of our body's allied foods.

Among the most characteristic benefits is the supply of B vitamins, especially thiamine, essential for the maintenance of cells. Unlike fresh fruit, this snack has low levels of vitamin C. Likewise, they are rich in magnesium and calcium, what makes it an ally of our bones. They offer a high percentage of fiber, which makes it essential in diets, thanks to its satiating power.

dehydrated fruit
Strawberries before and after the dehydration process. / Source: Pixabay

The disadvantages of its consumption

La dehydrated fruit It contains high caloric levels, so it is recommended to eat it in moderation. As we have already mentioned, some of these appetizers that we buy may contain sugar. Therefore, it is recommended that we first find out what we are acquiring, especially if we suffer from diseases such as diabetes. As we have already mentioned, to avoid this, we can do them in our houses.

Although it has not been scientifically proven, there are specialists who advise against the consumption of these snacks by the damage it can do to our teeth. And it is that, by losing the water it contains, our teeth, which are very sensitive, can suffer more than expected. Another of the dangers of industrially dehydrated fruit is that, in order to make them shine, chemicals, preservatives and colorings are added that can affect our body.

dehydrated fruit
Roscón de Reyes with candied fruit crowning it. / Font:

dried fruit vs. frosty

Not all fruits are prone to the dehydration process. And it is that each fruit has its characteristics individuals. The dehydrated fruit that we can see the most in the market are kiwi, orange, or pineapple, that is, the ones that have the most water. Others, such as cherries or red fruits, are difficult to dry, so large amounts of sugar or syrups are added before drying. This is how candied fruit is created or candied

This type of product is one lower nutritional quality than dehydrated, so we must pay attention to what we take before consuming it. The candied fruit is especially used for confectionery, especially in the famous Roscón de Reyes. Although many people set aside the "jelly" characteristics that rest on it, the truth is that its flavor is sweet and appetizing.

As we have already commented, the dehydrated fruit It is a food rich in taste and nutrients, easy to eat and transport anywhere. A product with its pros and cons, but sure we will know how to take advantage of it. Are you going to look at them with other eyes?

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