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Delicacies are considered the healthiest snack in the world. They give us many vitamins and valuable nutrients that make the mind work efficiently. Their effect on the body is so beneficial that we can eat them almost without limits. We usually buy them before Christmas, but nothing prevents us from consuming them throughout the year. To get the best quality, we must adhere to several rules. Then we will be sure that they are nutritious and will not harm us. How not to be deceived by the purchase of dried fruits and nuts? Which one to choose?
Delicacies are not just for holiday
Delicacies, or dried fruits, and nuts reign on our tables. Without them, it is difficult to imagine such popular treats as cakes and desserts. In addition, they are a healthy snack that we can eat between meals and with a sudden feeling of hunger. In the midst of shopping, we often forget which delicacies to choose. A mistake can cost us dearly because sellers use various tricks to increase sales.
How to choose delicacies: Raisins
Raisins are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants that protect us from the diseases of civilization. When buying them in a store, you should carefully look at them. Hard and dry are the best. The solid raisins are filled with crystallized sugar, which indicates that it lies for a long time on a store shelf or in a warehouse. Before eating or using them for baking, it is worth rinsing or soaking them in water. Then we will get rid of the potential preservatives and oils with which they are coated.
How to choose delicacies: Nuts
Peanuts, pistachios and almonds are just part of the nuts we buy and eat. We can find them ground, packed in flakes and in shells and peels. Which one to choose? The best are the ones that are least processed. Then we are sure that they are devoid of preservatives and contain the greatest nutritional value and vitamins. In addition, in shell nuts have a better taste and retain freshness longer. Remember not to buy those that are enriched with spices, because they provide us with the most harmful compounds.
How to choose delicacies: Dried fruits
The most common dried plums, dates and apricots. How to choose the best? It is worth checking the country of origin. Let’s always check their color. Drying loses its original color, so they should be darker than fresh fruit. It is also a guarantee that they do not contain dyes or preservatives.
How to choose delicacies: Worth reading labels
It would seem that dried fruits and nuts – like dried foods – do not contain preservatives. Nothing could be unhealthier. Therefore, you should always read the labels and choose products that, in addition to the main raw materials, do not contain additives of sugars and harmful substances. And what can we find in popular dried fruits and nuts?
How to choose delicacies: Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is designated E-220 and is a preservative for various food products. Most often we find it in coconut, dates, raisins and apricots. This compound leads to the fact that dried fruits and nuts are stable, resistant to bacteria and fungi, and their color is preserved. In small amounts, sulfur dioxide is not harmful, but people with hypersensitivity should avoid it. It causes nausea, headache, breathing problems and weakens the immune system.
How to choose delicacies: Harmful E-211 and E-202
These encrypted names contain preservatives: potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. In excess, they can irritate the gastric mucous and lead to digestive disorders. They cause nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes, eating can cause an allergic reaction. Asthmatics, the elderly and children are at greatest risk.
How to choose delicacies: In or without packaging?
Some stores sell dried fruits and nuts in bulk. Most often they are stored in large bags or plastic containers. Unfortunately, they are not protected from moisture and air. In this case, dried fruits and nuts undergo the development of fungi, and the most dangerous are antitoxins, which are very dangerous for the liver. They can lead to cirrhosis and cause jaundice. For your safety, it is better to buy dried fruits and nuts in sealed packaging with limited air access.
