Going vegan can seem discouraging at first, especially when it comes to getting proper nutrition. While fresh fruits and vegetables are a big part of any healthy vegan diet, don't overlook the value of dried fruits as well! Dried fruits pack a powerful nutritional contribution and can be a great addition to any vegan's eating plan. Here's why dried fruits should be a part of your diet.
FIBER CONTENT
One of the biggest benefits of dried fruits are their high fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health, heart health, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and promoting feelings of fullness. Since fiber content becomes more concentrated as the fruit's water content is reduced during the drying process, dried fruits contain significantly more fiber ounce-for-ounce than fresh fruits. Just a quarter cup of dried apricots provides nearly 4 grams of fiber!
NUTRITION
Drying fruits allows their nutrients to become concentrated. Dried fruits, especially dried apricots, figs, dates, and raisins, contain high amounts of potassium, antioxidants, vitamin K, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Their concentrated sweet taste comes from natural fructose, which is a simple carbohydrate that can provide a quick energy boost.
EASY TO STORE & PORTABLE
Dried fruits require no refrigeration and can be kept in the pantry for months. Their lightweight portable nature also makes dried fruit a great vegan-friendly snack to bring on-the-go. A small baggie snack of dried fruit can tuck nicely into a purse, bag, or lunch box.
GREAT FOR RECIPES
Dried fruits are versatile kitchen additions. Dried fruits can be eaten raw for a quick snack or added to both sweet and savory recipes. Try using dried fruits like jackfruit, pineapple, banana, mangoes, cranberries in salads, raisins or dates in oatmeal or trail mixes, or dried figs in cereals and yogurt parfaits. Dates and apricots also work well in vegan baked goods, acting as natural sweeteners.
AFFORDABILITY
Pound for pound, dried fruits are typically more affordable than fresh fruits. Their concentrated nutrition provides more bang for your buck. Buying dried fruits in bulk quantities can increase the savings even further.
In a simple conclusive summary; While fresh fruits play a pivotal role in vegan diets, don't discount the value dried fruits can also provide. Keep your pantry stocked with an array of dried fruits to vary your snacks, boost recipes, and help you meet daily nutritional needs. With the fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural sweetness they add, dried fruits deserve to be regular additions in any plant-based eating diet plan.