Dried fruit: all the benefits and why eat them all year round

“Protagonist of the Christmas table, the dried fruit it should be an integral part of our daily diet, not just at Christmas.” With these words, the nutritional biologist Maila Fiorentini explains for its nutrients and essential and countless benefits.

Dried fruit: benefits and contraindications

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There are numerous reasons why it is important to consume dried fruit daily. “It’s a good source of vegetable proteins and fibre, as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (for nerves and bones). Thanks to the content of omega 3 and phytosterols it protects the Heart and helps check blood levels of LDL cholesterol (especially walnuts). It also regulates intestinal motility (in particular prunes and dried figs)”. Dried fruit is an ally of the diet because it contributes to the sense of satiety by regulating hunger. “To avoid an increase in body weight – suggests the expert – we opt for the version without sugar, added flavorings and salt. The maximum recommended daily portion is 30 gramsto be included at breakfast or as an energizing or hunger-busting snack”. Among the contraindications, Maila Fiorentini includes allergies and intolerances. “Be careful, in particular with peanuts because they are highly allergenic. In case of diabetesprefer dried fruit with a lower sugar content (therefore give up prunes and dried figs). Avoid them in the presence of kidney diseases (such as gout, kidney stones), hepatic and gastrointestinal (such as colitis, gastritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis). But before completely eliminating dried fruit, the expert recommends “always consulting a specialist”.

Types of dried fruit

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Let’s review all the dried fruit and its benefits with the nutritionist biologist: