Raisins are made by drying grapes and are one of the most popular types of dried fruit. There are a lot of health benefits of eating raisins. It is a whole and healthy food with several medicinal properties. The ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians are responsible for their popularity and spread throughout the Western world. Due to their long shelf life, raisins have been used since ancient times as a source of energy on long and tiring journeys. Raisins were mandatory on Christopher Columbus’s ship. Raisins provided energy to Robert E. Peary during his expedition to the North Pole, astronaut Scott Carpenter in space in 1962, and General Hannibal’s army when crossing the Alps. Today, raisins are most appreciated for their refined taste and affordable price and are an excellent substitute for sweets. Raisins are most popular in the preparation of cakes and have numerous medicinal properties.

A Wealth of Nutrients in Raisins With a Protective Effect

Raisins are an excellent energy source and contain dietary fiber and many phytonutrients.

Raisins have twice as many antioxidants as fresh grapes.

They are a good source of the minerals calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, fluorine, and zinc, as well as B complex vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and folic acid.

100 grams of raisins contain:

299 calories

79.8 grams of carbohydrates

3 grams of protein

0.5 grams of fat

3.7 grams of dietary fiber (10 percent of the daily requirement)

The fiber in raisins helps regulate weight and cholesterol, reduces the risk of colon cancer, and improves digestion.

Raisins are ideal for athletes who need energy.

Due to their exceptional nutritional composition, raisins are recommended for all age groups.

Like other dried fruits, raisins are ideal for consumption in the cold months when they help the body replenish the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Raisins also contain a significant amount of iron, which directly helps treat anemia.

The B complex of vitamins helps in the formation of new blood cells, while the higher proportion of copper helps in the formation of red blood cells.

The Health Benefits Of Eating Raisins

Raisins Are Anti-inflammatory and Anti-cancer

Raisins, like grapes, contain resveratrol – a polyphenol that has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and, at the same time, reduces cholesterol.

Studies confirm that resveratrol helps protect against melanoma, colon and prostate cancer, coronary heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and viral and fungal infections.

It also reduces the risk of stroke. It does this by reducing the activity of angiotensin (a hormone that can cause an increase in pressure in blood vessels) and stimulating the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels.

Darker varieties of raisins are particularly rich in anthocyanins – antioxidants that protect against allergies, inflammation, and tumors.

Raisins Protect the Health of the Heart and Blood Vessels

Regular consumption of raisins is associated with a reduction in high blood pressure.

Many nutrients from raisins are responsible for this. Still, the most powerful effect is attributed to the high level of potassium – 100 grams of raisins contain as much as 749 milligrams of potassium.

Potassium is a mineral proven to reduce blood vessel tension and blood pressure.

Raisins Regulate Blood Sugar

Raisins have been shown in several studies to reduce post-meal insulin spikes, which can be dangerous for diabetics.

They maintain a balanced absorption of sugar in the body and regulate its levels, which is of great importance for patients with both types of diabetes.

Raisins help release the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which give a feeling of satiety, which reduces the possibility of overeating and makes it easier to stick to a diet.

Protect Eye Health

Due to the content of polyphenolic phytonutrients, raisins are excellent for maintaining good eyesight.

They protect against free radicals and help prevent macular degeneration, vision loss, and cataracts.

They also contain vitamin A, which is also extremely important for good eye health.

It reduces the risk of cataracts and night blindness.

Reduce the Acidity of the Body

Acidosis – the acidity of the organism – can be metabolic or respiratory.

The source of both acidity is the stomach.

The acidity of the body can lead to many diseases, such as ulcers, dermatosis, damage to internal organs, arthritis, gout, hair loss, heart disease, tumors, and cancer.

Potassium and magnesium from raisins are very effective in neutralizing the acids in the gastric juice and regulating the body’s acidity.

Raisins Protect Teeth and Bones

Calcium and boron, present in raisins, are important in preventing osteoporosis.

Boron is a macronutrient essential for proper bone building and calcium absorption. It is instrumental in preventing osteoporosis in menopausal women and benefits joints and bones.

Boron helps to protect the oral cavity and strengthen tooth enamel.

Oleanolic acid in raisins protects teeth from decay, caries, and breakage.

Prevents the growth of bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, the main culprits of caries.