Freeze dried fruit is similar to dried fruit, being dehydrated and having a crunchy texture. However, it does not contain the same added sugar used as a preservative that regular dried fruit has, making it a healthier choice. Freeze drying dehydrates the fruit, removing its water content, helping to preserve the fruit.
TheLondonEconomic.com asked paradisefruits.co.uk to show us how healthy freeze dried fruit is, and if there are benefits to including it in a balanced diet.
Nutritional Benefits of Freeze Dried Fruit
Freeze dried fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth with the natural sugars contained within the fruit, but in as little as 40 calories per 10-gram serving. Being naturally high in fibre, freeze dried fruits can help control your appetite and prevent the urge to reach for unhealthy snacks. Fibre is important in helping to keep your cholesterol levels low, aiding digestion, and lowering your chance of developing certain cancers including colon cancer.
The process of freeze drying retains around 90% of antioxidants within the fruit, and maintains similar amounts of nutrients when compared to fresh fruit. In some instances, the freeze dried fruit may even be healthier than fresh alternatives, with fresh fruit losing nutritional value the longer they are stored.
Vitamins and minerals that protect your immunity, regulate blood pressure, and help your blood remain adequately oxygenated such as Vitamins A and C, iron and potassium make dried fruit a healthy dietary choice.
Other advantages of Freeze Dried Fruit
Although not as juicy as fresh fruit, freeze dried versions have several other benefits. They offer a quick and convenient way to consume many different vitamins and minerals, and can provide a quick energy boost when needed. Freeze drying fruit allows it to be stored for much longer than fresh fruit, and can be carried with you in your bag, car, or on long trips. Freeze dried fruit is lighter in weight than fresh fruit, making it more convenient to carry with you for healthy snacking. When compared to other methods of preserving fruit, freeze drying makes a healthy alternative. Nothing is added to the fruit in order to freeze dry, in comparison to other methods such as creating dried fruit using sugar to dry and preserve it, or canning it in syrup.
Freeze dried fruit can be eaten in portions on their own, or it can boost the nutritional content of food, such as when it is sprinkled over cereal, or mixed into yogurt.
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