Expert QA

Is dried fruit as healthy as fresh fruit?

By Kim Schworm Acosta for Live Right Live Well

While dried fruit does contain the same nutrients -- such as fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and folate -- as fresh fruit, it can have up to three times more sugar and calories per ounce compared to fresh fruit. That’s because as fruit dries, water is lost and the sugar gets concentrated, explains Lila Ojeda, a registered dietitian in Portland, Ore., with LO Solutions. “Plus, without the water, you won’t feel as full,” she adds, “so you may consume a lot of calories but still not be satisfied.”

Despite its higher calorie and sugar count though, dried fruit in moderation can be a smart way to add variety and nutrients to your diet. When buying dried fruit, check the ingredient list for added sugar, oils, and sulfate (a preservative that can trigger allergic reactions in some people). Then add some pizzazz to salads, pancake batter or cereal with a handful of dried cherries or blueberries. Or “make your own trail mix with a variety of nuts, your favorite whole-grain cereal and chopped, dried fruit,” suggests Ojeda. And whether you’re out hiking or on a shopping marathon at the mall, dried apricots and bananas are tasty and convenient to tote along.

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	<h2>Expert QA</h2>
<h1>Is dried fruit as healthy as fresh fruit?</h1>
<p>

<p>By Kim Schworm Acosta for <em><a href="http://www.liverightlivewell.com">Live Right Live Well</a></em></p>
</p>

<img src="http://www.liverightlivewell.com/partner/content/worldnow-ftp/archive/2011-06-06/expertqa/dried_fresh/images/large.jpg" width="181" height="212" alt="Is dried fruit as healthy as fresh fruit?"/>
	<p>While dried fruit does contain the same nutrients -- such as
fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and folate -- as fresh fruit, it can
have up to three times more sugar and calories per ounce compared to
fresh fruit. That’s because as fruit dries, water is lost and the sugar
gets concentrated, explains Lila Ojeda, a registered dietitian in
Portland, Ore., with LO Solutions. “Plus, without the water, you won’t
feel as full,” she adds, “so you may consume a lot of calories but
still not be satisfied.”</p>
<p>Despite its higher calorie and sugar count though, dried fruit in
moderation can be a smart way to add variety and nutrients to your
diet. When buying dried fruit, check the ingredient list for added
sugar, oils, and sulfate (a preservative that can trigger allergic
reactions in some people). Then add some pizzazz to salads, pancake
batter or cereal with a handful of dried cherries or blueberries. Or
“make your own trail mix with a variety of nuts, your favorite
whole-grain cereal and chopped, dried fruit,” suggests Ojeda. And
whether you’re out hiking or on a shopping marathon at the mall, dried
apricots and bananas are tasty and convenient to tote along.</p>
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