Dried Fruits

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Dried cranberries. Recent scientific research shows that cranberries contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACc) that can prevent the adhesion of certain bacteria, including E.coli, associated with urinary tract infections to the urinary tract wall. The anti-adhesion properties of cranberry may also inhibit the bacteria associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers.

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Dried cherries. Tart cherries are a healthy whole fruit that is high in fiber, potassium, beta carotene and antioxidants—critical to a reduced risk of certain cancers, diabetes, digestive disorders and heart disease. Cherries also contain potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins A, C, B6, E and folic acid. There is also a large body of anecdotal comments that eating dried cherries can help eliminate the effects of gout and arthritis. Tart cherries have virtually no fat and no sodium.

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Dried blueberries. From research labs all across the country and the world, there is growing evidence that blueberries are powerful disease fighters. Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center have found that blueberries rand #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanin, the pigment that makes the blueberries blue, is thought to be responsible for this major health benefit.

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Dried strawberries. This delicious tasting fruit has very high levels of heart-healthy nutrients including vitamin C, potassium, fiber and folate. In addition, strawberries contain antioxidant phytochemicals such as ellagic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and phenolic acid—members of a family of compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids appear to slow the clotting process, thereby decreasing the tendency to form thrombi and reducing the risk of stroke.