If you regard dried fruit as little
more than a convenient snack, it’s time for a rethink. Research suggests
certain dried fruits have surprising health benefits.
Apple
Good for: healthy cholesterol levels
Munching on a handful of dried apple could
help keep your cholesterol levels healthy and guard against heart disease. US
research shows eating 75g of dried apple a day lowers your LDL or 'bad'
cholesterol by 23 per cent and increases 'good' or HDL cholesterol by about
four per cent over six months. Dried apple may help you lose weight too. The
women in the study lost an average of 1.5kg, possibly due to the pectin - a
soluble fiber that makes you feel full - In the apples.
Munching
on a handful of dried apple could help keep your cholesterol levels healthy and
guard against heart disease.
Prunes
Good for: stronger bones
You know that prunes help keep you regular,
but did you know that six to 10 (or 10Og) prunes a day can also help protect
your bones from fractures? A US study found that post-menopausal women who ate
this number of prunes for a year had significantly higher bone density in their
arms and spine than women who ate other dried fruit.
A
US study found that post-menopausal women who ate this number of prunes for a year
had significantly higher bone density in their arms and spine than women who
ate other dried fruit.
Raisins
Good for: high blood pressure
If your blood pressure is a little high,
raisins could be your perfect snack. US research shows that nibbling on raisins
three times a day reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly
over three months. The reason? Raisins contain potassium, which is known to
lower blood pressure.
Raisins
contain potassium, which is known to lower blood pressure.
