Raisins are simply dried sweet grapes. Most are dried naturally by the sun right in the vineyards, although some are mechanically dehydrated. Once sun-dried, a process taking two to four weeks, they are then graded, cleaned, and packed. Raisins benefits come in varieties depend on the type of grape used and are made in a variety of sizes and colors.
Types of raisins
- Green raisins
- Black raisins
- Blue raisins
- Purple raisins
- Yellow raisins
Raisins benefits for health, skin, and hair
Raisins are kept golden in color by the use of sulfur dioxide. These are convenient, high energy low-fat snacks; they are easy to pack, easy to eat and almost never go bad. Raisins that are fresh and have been stored properly will require no special attention prior to eating or using it in a recipe. Raisin is a great addition to homemade granola or can be sprinkled over any breakfast cereal, hot or cold. Raisin sweetness and texture make them a great addition to every dish.
Raisins benefits for health (Kishmish benefits)
For Weight Gain
Raisins are rich in fructose and glucose and give you loads of energy. Raisins help to gain weight without accumulating bad cholesterol.
Good for Bones
Raisins also contain good amounts of calcium which is good for bone health. Raisins benefits for arthritis and gout.
Mouth and Dental Care
Raisins contain oleanolic acid (1) 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, raisins benefits to prevent the teeth from peeling away or breakage.
For the Eyes
They are found to be rich in polyphenolic (2) phytonutrients which are antioxidants. Raisins benefits in keeping your eyesight strong. Also, raisins have vitamin A, beta carotene and A-Carotenoid and they are super good for the eyes.
Help Treat Infections
Raisin contains polyphenolic phytonutrients, which are well known as anti-inflammatory antioxidants. 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.
Raisins for Anemia
Raisin has a good amount of iron and B-Complex vitamins in them which help to treat anemia. The copper present in raisins also helps in the production of red blood cells.
Reduce Acidity
It contains potassium and magnesium at good levels. This helps reduces acidity and helps remove the toxins from the system, preventing diseases like arthritis, gout, kidney stones and heart diseases (3).
Digestion
It contains fibers that start to swell in the presence of water. These give a laxative effect to the stomach and help in relieving constipation (4).
Prevent Cancer
An antioxidant named catechin present in raisin helps in protecting the body against the free radical activity that can cause tumors and colon cancer.
Raisins benefits for skin
- Black raisins benefits accelerate the functions of the liver to detoxify the body. Benefits of raisins soaked in water help to flush out the toxins from the body to get a clean and glowing skin.
- Raisin also helps to protect the skin against sun damage. The phytochemicals in them protect our skin cells from the damage caused by the exposure to the sun.
- The antioxidants in the raisin combat the free radicals in the body. This slows down the oxidation process and prevents the disintegration of the DNA of our skin.
- Raisin contains vitamins A and E that help stimulate the development of new cells in the skin’s outer layers. Regular consumption of raisin also makes the skin glowing and beautiful.
- Raisin protects the skin from inside by guarding the cells from any damage. They are packed with phenol, an antioxidant that prevents the free radicals from damaging the skin cells, collagen, and elastin.
- The antioxidants in raisin speed up the skin repair system, plump out the skin, and prevent it from damage. They also rejuvenate the skin cells and prevent sagging of the skin.
- Raisin contains resveratrol (5), a substance that is highly beneficial for maintaining the health of the skin. It removes the toxic and black cells from the blood to purify the blood.
- Blood toxicity, also known as acidosis (6), is a condition that increases the acidity in the body. This can lead to skin complications like boils, pimples, and psoriasis. The high amounts of magnesium and potassium in raisin neutralizes the stomach acid. This helps cure acidosis and keeps the skin healthy and problem-free.
Raisins benefits for hair
- The antioxidants in raisin prevent hair damage by stimulating healthy hair follicles. They also promote healthy cells essential for hair growth.
- Raisin contains several essential nutrients that promote the health of the hair. Vitamin C in raisin maintains the follicle’s connective tissue, also known as collagen. This promotes hair growth. Vitamin E further strengthens the cell membranes and prevents free radicals from attacking the hair follicles.
- Raisin is full of iron, a nutrient that is required for maintaining the health of the hair. A deficiency in iron can cause a dull and lifeless mane and severe hair loss.
- Raisin contains a large amount of vitamin C which facilitates the absorption of minerals and provides nourishment. Raisins benefits to maintain the natural color of the hair.
- Consuming a handful of raisin daily will strengthen the blood vessels. This, in turn, will reduce flakiness, dandruff, and itchiness of the scalp.
Disadvantages of Raisins
Carbohydrate Overload
Carbohydrates turn into glucose in our body. Carbohydrate is a necessity in our daily diet. Eating too many raisins can add extra carbohydrate to your diet. So, the raisin can indeed cause carbohydrate overload.
Indigestion
Eating large quantities of grapes, dried or as raisin and sultanas, can lead to indigestion. In some cases, it can even cause diarrhea. Those who have fructose intolerance can also experience abdominal pain along with indigestion.
