Health Benefits of Raisins You Should Know

Blogs08 Aug 2024

When grapes are dried out, they become the raisins that we love to snack on. The sweet taste and the soft texture are a great addition to our dessert recipes. But most of us might not know about the numerous health benefits raisins have to offer!

In this article, we will discuss in detail and learn about the advantages of consuming raisins. So, let’s get started!

Nutritional Value of Raisins

Even though raisins contain 60% of natural sugar and a significant amount of carbohydrates, they are also sources of dietary fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. Raisins contain Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, folate and Vitamin K. Additionally, they contain polyphenols and flavonoids that have antioxidant effects.

Health Benefits of Raisins

Now that you know what kind of nutrition you can find in raisins, let’s understand the multiple health benefits raisins can provide:

1. High fibre:

Raisins contain dietary fibre which can give it a prebiotic effect. This means that they can increase satiety in the body and help host various microorganisms.

2. High antioxidant activity:

Raisins are abundant in antioxidants. These compounds combat harmful free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress and prevent many health conditions like obesity, diabetes etc.

3. Supports Heart Health:

A few studies have found that having raisins may help lower LDL cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure. Having raisins regularly, in moderation, could be an effective way of taking care of your heart health.

4. May help intestinal health:

Having raisins may improve colon health. It can decrease intestinal transit time and increase faecal bulk. Additionally, some studies also think that raisins may help boost gut microbiota, but further studies are required to establish this connection.

5. Boosts dental health:

It’s a common misconception that since raisins contain sugar, they must be bad for dental health. But, raisins contain antioxidants that can provide antibacterial effects and protect against the growth of oral bacteria that may cause oral diseases.

How to Add Raisins to Your Diet

Raisins can be added to so many things you eat daily. You can

• Add them to a bowl of oatmeal
• Mix them with Greek yoghurt and fruits for a nutritious snack
• Add them to salads for a touch of sweetness
• Include them in trail mixes to munch on in the middle of the day
• Use them in Indian sweets at festivals.

However, it's important to remember that while raisins are nutritious, they also contain a high amount of sugar. Therefore, portion control is crucial to manage sugar intake.

Conclusion

We as Indians love to snack on some raisins and add them to our sweets, but we can use them to our advantage beyond this too. When had in moderation, you can enjoy the benefits of eating raisins such as supporting heart health, boosting colon health, protecting against oxidative stress, and providing more satiety. Now that you know the vast number of benefits these fruity treats can provide, we hope you start including them in your diet.

For more such informational content on health and nutrition, explore Right Shift. We’re your companion for all things healthy ageing. With our blogs, you can increase your knowledge of health-related topics and make more informed decisions about your health. You can also try our free tools, our health score calculator to understand your current health status, and our free meal plan creator to choose a tailor-made plan for your preferences and health goals. Check these out now and make the right shift today!