Dried fruit has long been a staple in the diet of many triathletes, specifically cyclists. When on the go throughout the work day, it is easy to dip your paws into a bag of dried mango right? So what nutrients and benefits are triathletes receiving or losing by consuming all these shriveled up fruits? Did you know dried fruits are darker when they haven’t been treated with additives such as sulfur dioxide? Simply,how healthy are dried fruits?

First, let’s learn and study how dried fruit is made and then we will discuss the pros/cons.

Most dried fruits are sun-dried. Farmers pick the fruit and give them a full-on sun tan. Another process is dehydration, by use of a machine.

PROS:Dried fruits are easy to digest, full of antioxidants, and high in fiber. They are a great source of energy for endurance athletes. Sun-dried fruits are the best way to dry fruit as the sugars and enzymes are mainly withheld in the fruits (vitamins such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and digestive minerals). Dried fruits are a cheap alternative to fresh fruit. Easy to travel and pack in a bag.

CONS:Most dried fruits are topped with sulfur dioxide and coloring. This is unnatural - added to protect color and taste from oxidation. Some people who consume it suffer from bouts of asthma. Adding sulfur dioxide provides the fruit a longer shelf life, a process which is the choice of manufacturers and supermarket owners. Also,drying fruit destroys Vitamin C in the food. Unfortunately, the majority of dried fruits lose their healthy vitamins when dried.

The whole premise behind drying fruits is to preserve them. However, without water, fruit cannot properly age. Aging naturally is truly the supreme way to go.

Doctors find the following fruits healthiest to eat (in no particular order).

1. Banana (highest glycemic index of all fruits)
2. Mango
3. Pineapple

The best decision is to find delicious whole natural foods - untouched by additives and preservatives. If you are intending on buying dried fruits in the Philadelphia area, be sure to visit Nuts To You , a gourmet shop selling rare all natural dried fruits including cantaloupe and pears.

Happyhealthytraining!