How do you get the extra dose of iron and potassium? Eat dried fruit
The most important thing to look for when buying dried fruit is whether the fruit has been preserved with sulfur. If they are, then place them back on the shelf. Sulfur-based preservatives cause various health problems and take away all the healthfulness from the fruit. However, if you find organic dried fruit, then that is ideal because the box in which they come will contain just the fruit, plain and simple. The label on the box should tell you as much. Ingredients: 100% raisins, for example. If that is the case, then you are looking at a powerhouse of nutrients. Here is the scoop on dried fruit and just why they are good for you.
Raisins: They are high in fiber and iron. They are also a rich source of iron. Very high in sugar, they are a high calorie snack. It is worth popping in a few every now and then if you want to keep the energy levels high. They are a safe snack for kids and help in easing constipation in kids and adults alike. Take a few raisins and boil in water for a few minutes. Strain and cool. Drink as a tonic (a couple of teaspoons may be given to children as well) for constipation. However, they may not be suitable to eat in case of diabetes.
Figs: Figs are simply packed with goodness too. You name it, they have it - Iron, potassium, calcium, fiber and even protein. They are high in calories and are a great food to snack on. It is a reliable source of energy and a fig a day might really keep exhaustion at bay.
Dates: High in iron and potassium, dates also come in the form of syrup. The syrup is a great way to pump up the calories, energy levels and iron levels. In fact, date syrup is so high in iron, it even has a metallic smell. They are particularly recommended for individuals suffering from anemia. Dates are very high in sugar and should be kept well away from diabetics. Date syrup can be used as topping on cereal, toast, oats or even pancakes. Add a dash of it to milk and a sprinkling of nutmeg and you have a delicious and nutritious drink ready.
Apricots: They are high in beta-carotene and fiber. They have decent quantities of folic acid, protein, vitamin K, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin A. They are amazing sweet treats in the middle of the day because they perk you up without making you feel like you ingested a ton of sugar into your blood stream. Figs can affect you similarly.
Prunes: Prunes are high in fiber and iron. Prune juice is not a favorite of many, but it has goodness you can’t ignore. However, it can be irritating to the stomach and has to consumed cautiously. They are high in potassium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E and protein, to say nothing of sugar. They may even contain beta-carotene, vitamin B3 (a vitamin essential for a number of bodily processes including cell repair) and zinc.
Dried fruit are extremely versatile. You can chop them into a salad, put them in cookies and cakes or simply eat them neat. They are considered foods that have a high level of prana otherwise understood as chi or vital energy.
Considering that they are jam packed with nutrition, a few of one or the other, a few times a week can make you feel energetic, lively and even satiated when that sweet craving creeps up on you.
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