Fresh fruits contain essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to your overall health and wellbeing. Doctors recommend consuming at least one-and-a-half to two cups of fruit each day. Dried fruits also carry a variety of health benefits and are often easier to eat on-the-go. Below, you'll learn more about the perks of incorporating dehydrated apples, cantaloupes, mangoes, bananas, and kiwis into your diet. 

4 Health Perks of Eating Dried Fruits

1. Antioxidant-Rich

Though fresh fruits, such as blueberries, red grapes, and cherries, are rich in antioxidants, their dried counterparts are also excellent sources of these compounds. Dehydrated fruits contain antioxidants that remove free radicals from the body and prevent cell damage associated with heart disease and cancer. 

2. High In Fiber 

Fiber is an indigestible plant matter that accelerates the elimination of waste through the lower GI system. Additionally, it controls blood sugar, since it slows the body’s absorption of sugar. It also reduces cholesterol by attaching to fats and removing them through the bowels. Dried fruits, especially prunes and plums, contain up to three grams of fiber per piece. Fiber is also helpful for weight management and preventing obesity. 

3. Get More Potassium

Dried fruit also contains potassium, which is a mineral and electrolyte that assists the nervous system and helps the body contract muscles. Proper nervous system function promotes brain processes and permits you to feel sensation throughout your body. Dried plums, raisins, apricots, bananas, and apples contain as much as 1,850 milligrams of potassium per serving, which amounts to over two-thirds of the recommended daily value. 

4. Reduce Risk of Disease 

Dried fruits contain plant phenols, which are chemical compounds that behave similarly to antioxidants. Since they remove free radicals from the body, they may lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and degenerative brain disease. Since dried fruits also contain so much fiber, they may prevent cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. 

When you’re ready to start eating more dried fruits and reaping their health benefits, make Cranberry Country Market your top destination. This country and grocery store market offers a huge selection of dried  fruits, seasonal vegetables, deli meat, cheese, and baked goods to Tomah, WI patrons. Call (608) 374-4944 to ask about current prices on fresh fruit and organic produce, or visit the website to browse through deals and specials.