What are dried foods?
According to Dr. Geetika Chopra, Comprehensive Nutritionist (India), dried foods are foods that have had most of their water removed by heating, steaming or using a specialized dryer. Reducing moisture helps food to store longer, limits bacteria and does not require much preservatives.
Some common types of dried foods include:
Dried fruits
Dried vegetables
Algae and vegetable flour
Beans and grains
Some packaged dried meals for tourism or storage
Is dried food good for your health?
Dr Geetika Chopra says that dried foods still retain many natural nutrients such as fiber, minerals and antioxidants. Thanks to that, they can be a good choice for energy when needed, especially in cases where it is not convenient to use fresh food.
However, during the drying process, some heat- sensitive vitamins may be reduced. The nutritional value of dried foods also depends on how they are prepared and added.
Risks of dried food
Although convenient, dried food still has some limitations that users need to pay attention to:
Too much to eat easily: Due to the small volume, you can eat more calories without realizing it, especially with dried fruits containing a lot of natural sugar.
Many types contain added sugar and salt: read-ordered products often contain preservatives, sugar or salt, making them less healthy.
Can cause bloating: Foods that are dehydrated need your body to supplement water for digestion, so if you eat a lot but drink less water, you may experience bloating or constipation.
Risk of damage if stored incorrectly: Re- moisturized food can be affected by mold or quality changes.
Notable benefits of dried foods
Despite the risks, dried food still has many advantages:
Long-term storage, suitable for storage or long-term travel.
Light and compact, easy to carry.
Maintain many important nutrients.
Reduce food waste by preserving excess agricultural products.
Some forms such as vegetable or herbal flour can increase nutrition for daily meals.
How long does dried food last?
Depending on the type of food and storage method, the shelf life can last from several months to several years. Usually:
Dried fruits and vegetables: 612 months
Wood and wood waste, drying flour: 12 years
Industrial packaged dried meals: longer
To keep it for a long time, store in a sealed container, in a dry and cool place.
Is it harmful to eat too much dried food?
If you consume too much, you may experience:
Excess calories
Increased blood sugar
Bloating, indigestion
Reduce fresh food intake
Therefore, dried foods should only be eaten in moderation, not completely replacing fresh vegetables and fruits.
