A study by American researchers suggests that dried fruits can serve as a healthy substitute for fresh fruits during the winter months without compromising health benefits. The research emphasizes that both dried and fresh fruits provide essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, potassium, and bioactive compounds that promote heart health.
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Previous studies have shown that consuming fruits reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, whereas a lack of fresh fruit intake increases this risk. To investigate if dried fruits could replace fresh ones, researchers from Pennsylvania State University analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2016), which included detailed dietary and health information on participants.
The study focused on 25,590 participants aged over 20 who consumed at least a quarter cup of dried fruits daily. They assessed participants’ dietary quality, nutrient intake, and cardiovascular risk factors using the Healthy Eating Index 2015. The findings revealed that individuals who regularly included dried fruits in their diet showed better health markers, such as lower BMI, reduced waist circumference, and improved blood pressure levels, compared to those who did not consume dried fruits.
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Researcher Valerie Sullivan highlighted that dried fruits could be a beneficial dietary addition when consumed in moderation, but she cautioned against added sugars and recommended smaller portion sizes than those for fresh fruits due to the lack of water content in dried options.
