Health

Health Benefits of Dried Fruit

Published

3 years ago

November 7, 2021

Fruit has long been seen as nature’s own candy. It’s tasty, delicious and good for us in so many ways. One issue with fresh fruit, however, is its shelf life. This is where dried fruit comes into play. A collection of organic dried fruit on the shelf can serve a source of daily snacks for much longer than fresh, while still packing great flavour and nutrients.

Dried fruit actually comes with a raft of its own health benefits. Whoever said that making food more convenient and lasting had to take away from the nutritional value?

1. More Nutrients Packed In

In terms of weight, dried fruit boasts as much as 3.5 times the vitamins, minerals and fiber that you get in fresh fruit. The nutrients get a lot more condensed when the fruit is dried. You do sometimes lose out on some select nutrients like vitamin C, the content of which is reduced during the drying process. However, other nutrients such as fiber, and antioxidants like polyphenols are in particular abundance, all of which bring positive benefits to you.

Polyphenol antioxidants can improve your blood flow and your digestion, and in doing so can help to lower the risk you might have of getting certain diseases. The additional fiber that you get can help to fight heart disease and obesity, as well as some types of cancer.

2. Sweet and Tasty with No Added Sugar

Dried fruit is a great way to indulge one’s sweet tooth without overdoing it in the sugar department. Some care is required on the part of the consumer to make sure that what they are purchasing is indeed free from added sugar. Dried fruit retains its own natural sugars for a sweet taste, but some manufacturers do add extra sugar, which negates some of the health benefits. When you get the pure fruit with no added extras, however, the sweet taste is often amplified in dried fruit, making it a more satisfying way to enjoy healthy food.

3. Can Boost the Immune System

There are some claims that certain dried fruits such as dried goji berries can boost one’s immune system thanks to their elevated content of iron, vitamin A, as well as vitamin C. They’re also lower in calories than other fruits, as well as in carbohydrate content. Those select dried fruits that don’t lose as much vitamin C during the drying process make them an easy source of vitamin C, with huge amounts loaded into one fruit packet.

4. Can Promote Weight Loss Through Boosted Metabolism

Some dried fruits out there can work wonders in boosting your metabolism, which in turn can deliver more energy and help the process of weight loss. It’s not to say that simply eating dried fruit makes you lose weight, but it can be a great ally in your dietary arsenal.

Snacking on dried fruits like apricots, dates, and raisins can reduce your cravings for unhealthy snack foods. Taking on vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from dried fruits while satisfying your hunger is much better than taking on the salt, sugar and fat of other snack foods.

5. Great for Skin Health

Another area of your body that loves your intake of dried fruits like mangos, raisins and others is your skin. Many dried fruits contain elevated levels of omega 3 and other fatty nutrients that provide a boost to your skin health. Raisins, for instance, even have resveratrol, which acts as an aging inhibitor on your skin.

Despite some claiming that dried fruit isn’t as healthy as you might think, the consensus among medical experts seems to be that while consumers have to be mindful about added sugar and preservatives, dried fruit on balance is a healthy food and a great source of many beneficial nutrients.

Health

How Telehealth Works for Addicts in Recovery

Published

5 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Technology has been shaping healthcare for decades, and these days, tech advancements for the health sector are happening faster than ever before. Telehealth has emerged as one advancement that has touched every healthcare discipline, from cancer care to pediatrics. The innovative approach of telehealth is breaking down barriers to care and even reaching those who are struggling with substance abuse.

By leveraging digital platforms, recovery specialists can offer better access to therapy sessions, support groups, and medical consultations. These breakthroughs in accessibility are significant for people in healthcare deserts who are languishing under increased addiction rates and a lack of reliable treatment options.

Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Florida, has seen the benefit of telehealth for recovering addicts firsthand. “Individuals struggling with addiction can now find support and guidance if they do not have access to a treatment center near their home,” he explains. “These virtual programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, similar to traditional in-person treatment, but with the added convenience of digital accessibility.”

Here, we explore the benefits of telehealth for recovery and how clinicians and other professionals in the field can best utilize it for better outcomes.

An increased need for comprehensive recovery

The United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023. This was a notable increase from previous numbers. The emergence of fentanyl as the drug of choice for many and the perpetuation of alcohol and other drug abuses have made access to comprehensive recovery even more important than ever.

“Understanding the options available can be the first step to recovery,” says Padlo. When people have easier access to help, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

The pandemic saw a marked increase in substance abuse, laying bare the need for digital access to recovery resources. During the COVID shutdown, the crucial need for an alternative to in-person treatment was evident, and the benefits of such treatment options allowed clinicians and other professionals to carry this digital access to recovery care through the pandemic and into the post-COVID world.

In addition, those living in rural areas or areas with a lack of access to comprehensive recovery care often have needs on par with those in larger urban areas. Telehealth allows people to access the same professionals that those in big cities rely upon.

Studies have shown that continuity of care is critical to the success of addiction recovery. Telehealth can facilitate ongoing engagement with those in recovery, securing continuity of care and leading to better recovery outcomes.

A modern approach

“Online addiction recovery typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups, all conducted via video conferencing or other online tools,” explains Padlo. The flexibility of these programs allows participants to schedule them around their availability and considering their other commitments.

“We aim to mirror the effectiveness of traditional methods,” says Padlo. “We are providing the same level of care and support through a virtual format.”

Padlo stresses that online recovery can also reduce stigmas that are associated with seeking help for one’s addictions. When those in recovery can participate from the comfort of their own home, they may be more apt to commit to the recovery process.

People will need to consider their personal circumstances when determining if telehealth for addiction recovery is right for them. They may want to evaluate how comfortable they are with technology and whether they have a stable internet connection. Also, it helps to have a strong support system to keep one accountable since it can sometimes be easier to ignore digital meeting commitments.

However, Padlo cautions that those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring addictions may fare better with in-person detox and recovery.

Telehealth can be a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. The option offers a range of benefits, including easier access, privacy, and even savings for some. According to a recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University, telehealth may be just the solution to overcoming the stigma of rehab and recovery and radically reducing barriers for people who need it the most.

While telehealth for addiction recovery may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and some people may require more intensive care and medical intervention, it has broken barriers for those in areas of limited access to recovery or seeking an option that offers more privacy.

As the field of virtual health delivery continues to evolve, the benefits of telehealth for addiction recovery will become clear. Telehealth provides comprehensive, discrete, and effective care for those starting or continuing their recovery journey.