Top 5 health benefits of dried fruit

• 82Kcal / 348KJ
• 0.6g protein
• 20.8g carbs
• 20.8g sugars
• 306 mg potassium
• 0.8g fibre

A 30g portion of dried fruit counts as one of your five-a-day – this is roughly equivalent to 80g of fresh fruit. Discover more in our five-a-day infographic.

Top 5 health benefits of dried fruit

1. Source of protective antioxidants

Dried fruits are rich in plant compounds with protective antioxidant properties, these include anthocyanins, catechins and phenols. These compounds may be associated with health benefits such as improved blood flow and a lower risk of certain diseases, including heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

2. Rich source of micronutrients

As dried fruit contains less water they are a more concentrated source of vitamins and minerals when compared to their fresh counterparts. Dried fruit is shelf staple and their natural sweetness encourages consumption; these factors may help towards achieving the recommended 5 a day portions of fruit and vegetables and to an improved diet quality. However, it’s worth remembering that they are also significantly higher in calories per 100g.

3. Useful source of dietary fibre

Dried fruit contains roughly two to three times the amount of fibre than their fresh equivalent. Most of us don’t eat enough fibre which is important to support digestive function and to help slow down the rate of digestion and absorption. Greater fruit fibre intake is also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. May support bone health

Studies suggest dried plums may benefit bone health, including slowing the bone loss experienced during mid-life. The high levels of bone-healthy nutrients like vitamin K and boron in dried fruits, like prunes, may be one explanation for these benefits.

5. May help with labour during pregnancy

Eating dried fruit, in the form of dates, during the last few weeks of pregnancy may help cervical dilation and reduce the need for induced labour.

Is dried fruit safe for everyone?

As dried fruit contains less water, the calorie content is much higher than fresh fruit – it’s worth keeping an eye on portion sizes if you’re trying to lose or maintain your weight. However, for those who need to gain weight or who have smaller appetites (such as the elderly), dried fruit may make a useful inclusion. That said, because dried fruit is naturally high in potassium and sugar, it is less suitable for those with kidney disease.

It’s also worth remembering that although the sugar in dried fruit is natural, it may still contribute to tooth decay. It’s best to eat dried fruit with meals or with protein-rich foods, such as yogurt or nuts, rather than snacking on it throughout the day.

Sulphur dioxide (E220) and other sulphites are often added to dried fruits to preserve their colour, these can cause allergy symptoms in some people. Food labelling rules in the UK require pre-packed food to clearly label these additives.

If an allergic reaction is suspected, make an appointment with your GP or NHS allergy clinic to confirm diagnosis.

Now read...

Are frozen fruit & vegetables good for you?
Are tinned fruit & vegetables good for you?
The health benefits of prunes

This page was reviewed on 24 February 2022 by Kerry Torrens

Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a Registered Nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in personalised nutrition & nutritional therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food.

Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Find out more at urbanwellness.co.uk.

All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our terms and conditions for more information.