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Do you know the feeling of confusion in front of a counter with dried fruits, where there are 10-15 types of raisins? How not to be mistaken and choose a quality product that does not contain artificial additives and dyes? Now we especially lack vitamins and we want to keep our body as much as possible until stable heat and the appearance of a variety of fruits and berries.
Dried fruits are a source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamins A, E, PP, group B and others, besides vitamin C, alas. And the most ordinary-looking fruits are often the most useful and natural.
What is the use of dried fruits
Figs are your reliable protection for blood vessels and heart, since this fruit contains a large amount of potassium. Figs stimulate digestion, speed up metabolism and help with respiratory problems.
Raisins increase the body’s resistance to viruses and infections, soothes the nervous system, as it contains vitamin B and niacin, which regulate nervous activity in the brain.
Dried apricots contain potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium and pectins, which helps to improve digestion and gently cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. Apricot – an apricot with a stone – is dried in the sun and does not contain chemical additives, and therefore it is considered even healthier than dried apricots.
Prunes are considered an excellent means for digestion; it also contains such useful substances as sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins of group B, C, provitamin A.
Dates, despite their high carbohydrate content, are low in calories and more satiating. Dates are easy to replace for one meal, especially since the content of trace elements and vitamins in them is incredibly high.
Why is chemical treatment dangerous?
Ideally, dried fruits are dried in the sun or shade. But to speed up the process and better storage, they are often treated with chemicals.
So, treatment with sulfur vapor is popular – sulfur dioxide, which settles on fruits, retains their color and structure. Bright, shiny, whole dried fruits attract the attention of the buyer. Paradoxically, they cost much more.
Sulfur dioxide eats away at the walls of the stomach and provokes allergic reactions.
Another way to process dried fruit is caustic soda. This caustic alkali eats away at the skin of the fruit and the drying process is faster.
Lustrous dried fruits are often treated with oleic acid or glycerin, which won’t wash off even when soaked in boiling water.
Signs of pure dried fruit:
- dull matte color
- bright natural aroma of fruit, which is enhanced by heat treatment
- the fruits are shriveled and unattractive in appearance.
Such dried fruits will bring you maximum benefit without harming your health.