Health Benefits of Raisins

Raisins are dried grapes/currants. However, unlike fresh grapes, they are indeed rich and dense natural sources of energy, vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals. In addition, they are packed with many health benefiting poly phenolics anti-oxidants, dietary fiber, and other phyto-nutrients. Commercially, dried grapes of the Vinifera varieties, such as Thompson Seedless (Sultana), Sugarone, Calmeria, Corinth… etc. are processed and graded further before sold.

In general, fresh grapes either seedless or seeded are subjected to sundry or in mechanical drying techniques. In some cases, the whole bunch of grapes may be allowed to dry in the vine itself (vine-dried). Their moisture content should not exceed 16% of dry weight. Thoroughly dried raisins are further stemmed, cap-stemmed, sorted, and cleaned in order to obtain clean, sound, dried berries. In addition to its many health benefits raisins are a delicious way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals and snacks.

Top 15 Health Benefits Of Raisins Given Below:

1. Weight gain:
   Raisins are good food for those who want to put on weight without accumulating cholesterol.
2. Heart-healthy food:
   Raisins are high in potassium and low in Sodium. It is an ideal food to maintain normal blood pressure.
3. Acidosis:
   Acidosis is a condition in which the level of acidity in the blood and the respiratory track is abnormally high. Acidosis causes rise of acids of the stomach. The raisins nutritional value shows that it contains large amounts of alkaline in them, which help in neutralizing the rise in acids in the body. Daily consumption of acid helps in keeping the levels of acid in check, which is a result of excessive consumption of meat or cereals.
4. Aids Digestion: 
   Upon ingestion, fibers in raisins swell as they absorb water, thus promoting a laxative effect and thereby relieving constipation. Regular intake of raisins helps in maintaining regular bowel movement, with the fibers sweeping away the toxins and waste materials from the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Anemia:
   Raisins are a rich source of iron, which is why it’s the best remedy for treating anemia. The vitamin-B complex, in raisins helps in blood formation. This enriches the blood and directly helps in treating anemic patients. Another important raisins health benefits is the copper content which promotes formation of red blood cells.
6. Fiber And Tartaric Acid:
   The fiber in raisins together with tartaric acid helps to regulates intestinal functions and promotes elimination and keeps the colon healthy.
7. Antioxidants:
   Raisins are rich in flavanols, a type of phenols, and they give the dried fruit its antioxidant properties. These antioxidants play an important role in destroying the free radicals that can cause potential harm to your body in many ways. Therefore, it prevents cell damage, and deposition of fat inside the arteries and veins. However, grapes contain more antioxidants compared to raisins. And this is due to the fact that, during the drying process a considerable amount of antioxidants is loss.
8. Treats Infections: 
   Raisins contain substances called polyphenolic phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These polyphenols lower fevers by killing the bacteria that cause existing infections.
9. Healthy Gums And Teeth:
   Raisins are also great for healthy gums and teeth. Raisins do not cause cavities and gum disease, and rather promote oral health because of the oleanolic acid found within them. This acid is very effective in killing the bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal dental disease.
10. Libido Enhancer: 
    Raisins contain Arginine, a type of amino acid. This amino acid helps in increasing the libido and treats problems of erection amongst men. Moreover, as raisins are energy enhancers, they directly address the other sexual problems.
11. Protects Eyes:
    Apart from macular degeneration, raisins are also helpful in protecting your eyes from blindness and cataracts. So, next time when you think of eating carrots to improve your eye sight, have a handful of raisins as well.
12. Fever:
    Phenolic Phytonutrients, well known for their germicidal, anti biotic and anti oxidant properties, are present in abundance in raisins and help cure fever by fighting viral and bacterial infections.
13. Improves Bone Health:
    Raisins are a rich source of calcium, which is necessary to strengthen bones and teeth. A micronutrient that is abundant in raisins–boron–aids in calcium absorption and bone formation. If you are a postmenopausal woman, raisins are a good snack for you because the calcium and boron present in them help prevent the development of osteoporosis.
14. Constipation:
    When ingested, raisins swell as the fiber present in them in dried form absorbs water. This helps giving relief in constipation.
15. Rich In Fibers:
    Raisin is rich in fiber and tartaric which promote digestive health and regularity. Diet rich in fiber can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Research finds that eating two servings one cup of raisins a day may help lower the risk of colon cancer.