Q……….How do dried fruits stack up nutritionally against fresh ones?
A……..Better in some ways, worse in others. Reducing the water content of fruit concentrates its fiber and minerals, certain vitamins (notably vitamin A), and many phytochemicals, potentially disease-fighting substance found in plants. But the sugar and calorie contents rise by comparable amounts. Moreover, drying destroys the water-soluble vitamins, including C and the B vitamin, as well as certain heat sensitive phytochemicals. So while dried fruit can supply a lot of certain nutrients, a daily balanced daily diet should include at least some fresh fruits plus few servings of vegetables. (Note that dried fruits treated with sulfates retain more of their color, vitamins, and phytochemicals than untreated fruits, but they can cause allergic reaction or asthma attacks in susceptible individuals).
