The best way to boost the nutritional content of your snacks, eat healthier and trim your waste is with dried superfoods.
Dried superfoods are highly nutritious, contain about the same amount of nutrients as fresh fruit, are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, and can provide a large percentage of the daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals.
What’s nice about dried foods is they can be preserved for a much longer period of time as compared to fresh foods.
Dried superfoods are merely going to have the water removed and the process is most commonly seen in raisins, prunes, apricots and figs with the majority of the nutritional benefits remaining.
One study showed that dried fruit consumption is associated with improved diet quality and reduced obesity in adults.
A list of the 5 Best Dried Superfoods include:
#1 Blueberries
Blueberries are one of my favorite dried superfoods. You can eat them as a daily snack, throw them in smoothies, salads, cereals, shakes, muffins, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal or use them as a yogurt or parfait topping. They are loaded with nutrients and minerals including fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, are low in calories and high in antioxidants. They also protect against aging, cancer, heart disease, and improve brain function and memory.
One study showed that blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants in fruits.
Grab yourself a bag of Kirkland Signature Whole Dried Blueberries in a resealable bag.
#2 Walnuts
Another nutritionally dense and naturally dried superfood is the walnut. Walnuts are packed with omega-3’s and antioxidants. Walnuts may lower your risk of diabetes and cancer, improve gut health, and aid in weight loss through appetite reduction.
According to one study, higher α-linolenic acid (ALA) exposure, the acid found in walnuts, was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Get a large bag of nuts because you can portion them out for yourself throughout the week for meals and snacking.
Try FISHER Chef’s Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces in a 32 oz. bag. This bag actually has no preservatives and comes in a resealable bag.
#3 Cherries
Dried cherries are an easy and delicious way to get their health benefits into your body. Cherries are packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, copper and manganese. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, improve sleep and heart health, reduce the affects of arthritis, and can boost exercise recovery.
One study showed that in 29 published human studies, 8/10 studies showed decreased markers of oxidative stress, 11/16 for inflammation, 8/9 for exercised induced muscle soreness and strength loss, 5/7 in blood pressure, 5/5 in arthritis, and 4/4 in improved sleep.
Try your hand at some Dried Dark Sweet Cherries by the Sunrise Fresh Dried Fruit Co. This delicious snack comes with no sugar added, non GMO, gluten-free, and all home grown.
#4 Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a quote that still holds true today. Apples already do a good job of self-preserving, but dried apple slices are going to last that much longer. Apples are full of fiber, vitamin C and K, potassium and are a rich source of polyphenols. Dried apple slices may also help you lose weight, lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, improve gut bacteria, help prevent cancer, and are good for your bones and brain.
One study showed that apple intake is inversely associated with lower risk of all-cause and disease specific mortality.
The Brothers-ALL-Natural Fuji Apple Crisps are great for adults and kids alike. They come in 24 bags per case, are non-GMO, vegan, Kosher, gluten free, and peanut and tree nut free. They have no dyes, additives or preservatives.
#5 Mangos
Mangoes are one of the best tasting dried superfoods. They also provide your body with many nutritional and health benefits. They are high in vitamin A, B5, B6, C, E, K, niacin, potassium, copper and folate among others. Mangoes are high in antioxidants, improve heart, digestive, hair, skin, and eye health, and may lower your risk of certain types of cancers.
One study indicates various mechanisms through which mangos or their associated compounds reduce risk or reverse metabolic- and inflammation-associated diseases.
Give the Made In Nature Organic Dried Mangoes a try. A great non GMO, vegan dried superfood snack, these mangoes go above and beyond the rest.
Summary: The 5 Best Dried Superfoods
An easy way to add superfoods to your diet is through dried fruits and nuts. This way you get all the nutritional value that superfoods have to offer, with the convenience of a mid-day snack. Superfoods are some of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet and adding them to your daily diet is one of the smartest things you can do for your body. Grab these and other dried superfoods for a healthy body that can be maintained over the long term.
If you want to learn about some of the other superfoods you can add to your diet, check out my article: A List of 15 Super Healthy Superfoods
Did my suggestions give you some great ideas for dried superfoods? Let me know in the comments!
