Medical professionals lay out the health benefits of dried fruits and vegetables
For years, parents have been in search of ways how to push their kids to consume fruits and vegetables on their own volition. Some hid them in their saucy meals and some took tabs of the presentation. Others opted to give their kids dried fruits and vegetables instead.
Drying is one of the many ways how to effectively store and preserve food and was introduced in 12,000 B.C. in the Middle East. From fruits and vegetables to fish, drying or sun drying is one of the most effective ways to extend the shelf life of food.
Dr. Ryan Moralde, RND., a nutritionist and dietitian, explains, “Consuming dried vegetables is the best alternative lalo na sa mga taong ayaw mag-consume ng fresh vegetables kasi nga dried fruits and vegetables ay nag-undergo na ng process na wala ng moisture. So mas palatable na sya sa mga taong ayaw na mag-consume ng vegetable lalo na 'yung okra na slimy.”
According to the Ohio State University, dried fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and carbohydrates as well as low in fat which makes them a healthier option. Online, there are numerous shops that sell them for a range of P200 to P400 but Dr. Ryan reminds everyone to check the facts first.
“When consuming dried fruits and vegetables dapat i-check natin 'yung nutrition facts niya, kung FDA-approved po ba siya para alam natin kung safe to consume ba 'to,” he said.
When it comes to the health benefits of dried fruits and vegetables, Dr. Ryan explains, “'Yung ating katawan ay may sarili namang pamamaraan para ilabas ang lahat ng toxins na ating na-intake sa pamamagitan ng pagpupu, pag-ihi. Ang pagkonsumo ng dried fruits at vegetables ay nakatutulong sa ating gut health since mataas ang fiber content nito, nakatutulong ito sa magandang bowel movement ng ating katawan.”
Apart from this Dr. Ryan also mentions that dried fruits and vegetables can help those who are trying to lose weight. He says, “Ito rin ay maganda sa mga nagpapapayat or nagbabawas ng timbang. 'Yung satiety level natin kapag nag-consume tayo ng dried fruit and vegetables ay mababa so ibig sabihin nu'n ay hindi tayo mabilis magugutom.”
Check out the video below to learn more about dried fruits and vegetables.
For more features like this, watch Pinoy MD every Saturday, 6 a.m. on GMA.
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