5 Healthy Dried Foods That Boost Immunity

Late autumn, with its dry winds and abundant sunshine, is an excellent season for drying food ingredients.

When moisture is removed from food, it doesn't just improve its shelf life;

nutrients become concentrated, and especially antioxidants, vitamin D, and dietary fiber are activated during the drying process.

So today, let's explore information related to 5 healthy dried foods that boost immunity.

First, sun-dried jujubes.

Jujubes dried in the autumn sun contain 2-3 times higher levels of antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids

than fresh jujubes.

These help remove active oxygen from blood vessels and activate immune cells, aiding in fatigue recovery.

Also, steeping dried jujubes in warm water can promote sound sleep,

and may help alleviate a sore throat in the early stages of a cold.

Dried shiitake mushrooms.

The vitamin D2 content in shiitake mushrooms increases sharply as they are dried in the sun,

more than double that of fresh shiitake.

Additionally, guanylic acid, which is produced during the drying process, adds umami flavor,

and can act as a natural seasoning when cooking. If soaked in water for over 2 hours

and added to soup dishes, you can enjoy both flavor and nutrition.

Dried radish (Mu-mallang-i).

When autumn radish is julienned and dried, as moisture is removed, dietary fiber and oligosaccharides increase by about 2 times or more.

These serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, relieving constipation and promoting active bowel movements.

Dried radish also has a high potassium content, which helps excrete sodium and regulate blood pressure.

If seasoned with soy sauce and doenjang (fermented soybean paste) without stir-frying in oil,

you can enjoy it plainly without worrying about excessive salt intake.

Dried tomatoes.

As moisture is removed, the concentration of lycopene, an antioxidant, increases sharply compared to fresh tomatoes.

Lycopene protects the skin from UV damage and lowers blood cholesterol, contributing to vascular health.

Furthermore, dried tomatoes are rich in iron and magnesium, making them good for fatigue recovery and particularly beneficial for women.

Marinating them in olive oil and adding them to salads or pasta will boost nutrient absorption!

Dried pumpkin.

When pumpkin is dried, moisture is removed, concentrating dietary fiber and beta-carotene, which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, protecting mucous membranes and contributing to improved immunity.

Dried pumpkin is also rich in vitamin E, aiding in fatigue recovery and anti-aging!

Lightly warming it in the microwave and eating it with nuts makes for a natural, healthy snack without sugar worries.

Source: Kormedi.com