YES, dried fruits — including dried apricots, dried cranberries, raisins, dried dates, dried figs and prunes — pack a big punch of nutrients for their shrunken size.

Nutrients and fiber are more concentrated when water is removed from fruit. For comparison, a half cup of dried apricot halves has 4.7 grams of fiber, but the same amount of fresh apricot slices has 1.6 grams of fiber. Dried fruit is also a rich source of antioxidants and the B vitamin folate.

One large epidemiological study involving more than 13,000 individuals found that dried fruit eaters have better nutrient intakes — and weigh less — compared with those who don’t consume it.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the natural sugars in dried fruit are also more concentrated, which isn’t necessarily cause for concern for the general population and may even be helpful for athletes needing quick fuel. But it can be an issue for those carefully watching their sugars, carbs or calories. For example, a cup of grapes has 23 grams of sugar and 104 calories, but a cup of raisins has 116 grams of sugar. And it has 520 calories — five times the amount.

Overall, dried fruit can be a nutritious, convenient and portable snack, especially when mixed with nuts and eaten as trail mix. But if sugars, carbs or calories are of concern, be sure to count out your portion of dried fruit, as it can be easy to mindlessly nibble on it.

Also, limit dried fruits that contain added sugar (cranberries are a frequent culprit) or are coated in sugar, such as dried pineapple rings or other candied fruit. Finally, if you are sensitive to sulfites or have asthma, choose organic brands of dried fruit that do not contain sulfur dioxide, a preservative.

(SD-Agencies)