This article discusses the benefits of raisins and how to use them for maximum benefits. Scroll down and check out the health benefits of raisins:
1. Help In Digestion:
Having a few raisins every day is good for your stomach. Raisins contain fibres that start to swell in the presence of water. These give a laxative effect to the stomach and help in relieving constipation. Also, daily intake of raisins keeps the bowel movement regular and the fibers help to keep toxins and waste products out of the system (1).
2. Reduce Acidity:
Raisins contain potassium and magnesium in good levels. These help reduce acidity and help remove the toxins from the system, preventing diseases like arthritis, gout, kidney stones and heart diseases (2).
3. Help Against Anaemia:
Raisins have a good amount of iron and B-Complex vitamins in them which help to treat anaemia (3). The copper present in raisins also helps in the production of red blood cells.
4. Help Prevent Cancer:
An antioxidant named cateching present in raisins helps in protecting the body against the free radical activity that can cause tumours and colon cancer (4).
5. Help Treat Infections:
Raisins contain polyphenolic phytonutrients, which are well known as anti-inflammatory antioxidants (5). They exhibit antibacterial properties that help lower the risk of fever and kill the bacteria. Thus, having a few raisins a day can keep you safe from cold and other such infections.
6. Help Reduce Sexual Weakness:
Consumption of raisins is also good for your sex life. Raisins contain an amino acid named Arginine which increases libido and induces arousal. It is good for men and is used to treat erectile dysfunction (6). Also, the added energy of the raisins helps your conjugal life. Remember the tradition in India where the new bride and groom are given a glass of milk boiled with raisins and saffron? This is an age-old practice that validates the effectiveness of raisins.
7. For The Eyes:
Raisins are found to be rich in polyphenolic phytonutrients which are antioxidants that help in keeping your eyesight strong. The antioxidants in raisins help in protecting the eyes by reducing the free radical action that weakens the vision and causes muscular degeneration as well as cataract. Also, as raisins have vitamin A, beta carotene and A-Carotenoid and they are super good for the eyes (7).
8. For Your Mouth And Dental Care:
Raisins contain oleanolic acid which is one of the phytochemicals which is essential to keep your teeth safe from decay, cavities as well as brittle teeth. Raisins prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth to keep the teeth in good shape. As they contain calcium in good quantities, they also prevent the teeth from peeling away or breakage. The boron present in raisins is good for keeping germ build-up in the mouth low (8).
9. For Your Weight Management:
If you are desperately trying to gain weight, then these raisins are your best friends. Raisins are rich in fructose and glucose and give you loads of energy. They will help you gain weight without accumulating bad cholesterol (9).
10. For Good Bones:
Raisins also contain good amounts of calcium which is good for bone health (10). They help you from arthritis and gout.
Raisins For The Skin:
Raisins are nutritious, give high energy and contain low-fat food. These help in keeping the skin healthy and beautiful. Following are some benefits of raisins for the skin:
Raisins For The Hair:
Raisins contain plenty of hair-friendly nutrients like vitamin B, iron, potassium, and antioxidants which are required for improving the condition of the hair. Some of the benefits of raisins for the hair include the following:
Selection And Storage:
Packed or canned raisins are available in the local grocery store throughout the year. Several brands and grades of raisins are available, so always buy raisins of good quality.
Raisins are available in small serving-size boxes and large containers. Try to purchase raisins that are sold in transparent containers, or loose, so that you can check their quality. While buying packaged raisins, make sure that the container is properly sealed and is not tampered.
Substandard and low quality raisins have thin flesh and very poor taste. Buy raisins that are plump in appearance and are not very shriveled.
Avoid buying old stocks and those that have molds, excess moisture or are rotten as this will affect their appearance and edibility.
Shake the box or container and avoid buying boxes that rattle loudly as this indicates that the raisins have dried out.
Raisins are best consumed within six months from the date of purchase.
Proper storage is very important for maintaining the freshness and the quality of raisins.
Raisins are ideally kept in a cool and dry place. They stay fresh for more than two months if kept in an airtight container and will last even more if stored in a refrigerator.
Refrigeration is recommended if you are preserving the raisins for later consumption. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to one year and in the freezer for up to two years. Prolonged cold storage may result in the crystallization of the sugar content of raisins.
To prevent the crystallization, transfer the raisins from the container to an airtight storage bag and press out the air as much as possible. Seal the bag properly and place it in the refrigerator or the kitchen cabinet. This will prevent the raisins from crystallizing or turning stale. You can even soak them in warm water to dissolve their crystals.
Uses Of Raisins:
Fresh and properly stored raisins do not require any special attention before eating or using them in a recipe. Raisins can be enjoyed alone or can be combined with other dry fruits like dates, almonds, apricots and prunes for a healthy snack. They taste best when taken with warm milk. You can add raisins to your breakfast cereals, homemade granola or sprinkle on a bowl of oatmeal. You can also keep them in your purse or bag for a healthy on-the-go snack. If the raisins have dried out, place them in a bowl filled with hot water for a few minutes. You can use this raisin-infused liquid for preparing a side dish. Use soaked raisin on top of a chicken dish or layer it with plain yoghurt to make a dessert parfait. Their sweetness and texture makes them a great addition to poultry stuffing. Raisins are used extensively in salads and are added to curries in some cuisines. They go well with most of the baked foods and are a sought after item in the confectioneries. They are added in muffins, cookies, biscuits, pies, and cakes. They are also used in the preparation of jams, jellies and puddings.Commercially grown raisins are even treated with sulfur dioxides to extend their shelf life and prevent oxidation and bleaching of colors. This can cause adverse reactions, especially in people who suffer from asthma and are sulfite sensitive. So, consider buying organic raisins if you’re sulfite sensitive.
How many raisins should you eat in a day? Check out the infographic below to know about the most important benefits of raisins. The recommended daily intake of raisins for adults is 1.5- 2 cups a day (19). What is the best time to eat raisins? The best time to eat raisins (soaked) is early morning, on an empty stomach. Can I eat raisins without soaking? You can eat raisins without soaking them. But soaking and consuming them is considered a healthier option.
