10 Great Health Benefits of Raisins
Raisins have been revered as a healthy
snack for centuries as they contain just the right amount of sugar,
vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants to curb a sweet tooth while
offering plenty of health benefits.
Raisins are made from seedless grapes,
which have been harvested and sun-dried to turn their skins into the
gorgeous shades of caramel and brown that they’re known for. Being a
great source of energy and nutrients, raisins are some of the best and
most affordable health foods in the world and they’re perfectly suitable
for all ages.
Below you’ll find 10 incredible health benefits of raisins.
1. Relieve Constipation
Raisins contain fiber which swells when
eaten and absorbs the natural fluids present in the body. This adds bulk
to any food moving through the intestinal tract, ultimately helping to
provide relief from constipation. This type of fiber is known as
insoluble fiber as it takes in water and gains volume in that way.
2. Promote Weight Gain
Raisins help people gain weight in a healthy way as they’re full of
glucose and fructose. They form an ideal part of a diet for bodybuilders
or athletes who need a powerful boost of energy, or for those who want
to put on weight without accumulating unhealthy amounts of cholesterol.
3. Prevent Cancer
Raisins contain high levels of catechins
that help to prevent cancer. These are polyphenolic antioxidants that
destroy any free radicals in the body, which are one of the primary
underlying causes of cancer growth. Furthermore, the fiber content of
raisins help to promote excretion of bile from the body, thus flushing
out any dangerous toxins that can cause cancer.
4. Reduces Hypertension
Studies have shown a positive correlation between reduced hypertension
and consumption of raisins. Many of the nutrients found in raisins are
beneficial, but experts believe that it’s the high level of potassium
that helps reduce hypertension. Potassium is a well-researched mineral
that helps to reduce the tension of blood vessels and decrease high
blood pressure, and the dietary fiber is also thought to reduce the
stiffness of blood vessels which, in turn, reduces hypertension.
5. Dental Care
Oleanolic acid, one of the phytochemicals
present in raisins, plays an important role in protecting your teeth
from decay, cavities, and brittleness. This acid helps to prevent the
growth of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, two of the
bacterial species that are responsible for cavities. As strange as this
might sound, when eating these dried fruits, let them stick to your
teeth for a bit as this ensures an extended contact of oleanolic acid
with your teeth. Furthermore, raisins are rich in calcium, which
strengthens and demineralizes tooth enamel.
6. Heart Health
The high levels of fiber, potassium, phenolic acid, polyphenols,
tannins, and antioxidants present in raisins help to burn cholesterol
and lower blood pressure, promoting good cardiac health.
7. Controls Diabetes
In a number of studies, raisins have been
shown to lower the postprandial insulin response, which means that they
can stabilize the spikes or plunges of insulin after a meal that can be
potentially dangerous to those with diabetes. They also help to regulate
the release of ghrelin and leptin, which are the hormones that are
responsible for telling the body when it’s full or hungry. By keeping a
check on these hormones, people who eat raisins can improve their
chances of maintaining a healthy diet and prevent overeating.
8. Treat Anemia
Raisins contain a lot of iron, which helps in the treatment of anemia.
It also contains a lot of vitamin B which is essential for the formation
of new blood. The high copper content also helps in the production of
red blood cells.
9. Eye Health
Raisins contain antioxidant-rich
polyphenolic phytonutrients, which are excellent for ocular health. They
help to protect the eyes from the damage caused by free radicals, in
the form of macular degeneration, cataracts, and age-related weakening
of vision.
10. Reduces Arthritis Pain
Raisins constitute a natural source of antioxidants and polyphenols,
which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Gin-soaked golden
raisins are a popular home remedy which helps to relieve chronic and
arthritic pain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people show an
improvement in arthritic symptoms between 1-8 weeks of consuming ten of
these drunken raisins each day.