Yes, dried mangoes can be a healthy snack option when consumed in moderation.
The Benefits of Dried Mangoes
Dried mangoes offer several health benefits, mainly stemming from their nutritional content and plant compounds. According to research, they are:
- A good source of vitamins.
- Rich in plant bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants.
- May help protect against anti-inflammatory diseases.
- May offer protection against cancer.
Moderation is Key
While dried mangoes provide health benefits, it’s important to consume them mindfully. This is because dried fruit tends to be higher in sugar and calories than its fresh counterpart. Thus, mindful serving sizes are crucial to maintaining a healthy diet.
Incorporating Dried Mangoes into Your Diet
Here are some practical ways to incorporate dried mangoes into your diet:
- As a snack: Enjoy a small handful as a convenient and nutritious snack.
- In trail mixes: Add them to your homemade trail mix for a sweet and chewy element.
- In baking: Incorporate chopped dried mangoes into muffins, breads, or cookies for added flavor and texture.
- In salads: Add a few slices to your salad for a unique sweet twist.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Benefits | Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, potentially helping to reduce inflammation and the risk of certain cancers. |
| Moderation | Important due to the higher sugar and calorie content compared to fresh mangoes. |
| Usage | Can be included in snacks, trail mixes, baking, and salads for a boost of flavour and nutrients. |
| Reference | As stated on 13-Sept-2021, "Dried mango is a healthy and convenient snack as long as you're mindful of the serving size or consume it in moderation. It's a good source of vitamins and plant bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, which may protect against anti-inflammatory diseases and even cancer ( 12 , 15 , 16 )". |
