A raisin is a dried grape. Raisins are produced in many regions of the world and may be eaten raw or used in cooking, baking and brewing.
Raisin varieties depend on the type of grape used, and are made in a variety of sizes and colors including green, black, blue, purple and yellow.
Raisins can contain up to 72% sugars by weight, most of which is fructose and glucose. They also contain about 3% protein and 3.7%–6.8% dietary fiber.Raisins, like prunes and apricots, are also high in certain antioxidants, but have a lower vitamin C content than fresh grapes. Raisins are low in sodium and contain no cholesterol.
Health benefits of raisins:
1. Digestion
Raisins are loaded with fibres, which swells when they absorb water and effectively provide relief from constipation. Regular intake of raisins help regularize bowel movement as the fibres remove the toxins and wastes from the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Improves the health of bones and teeth
Raisins helps strengthen teeth and bones because it contains large amounts of calcium. It contains boron, which helps in the absorption of calcium and the creation of bone mass, which is extremely useful for the prevention of bone diseases such as osteoporosis, especially in women in post-menopause.
3. Stimulates Sexuality
Daily consumption of raisins increases sex drive. It contains the amino acid called arginine which helps in raising the libido, and thereby improve sex life.
4. Prevents Cancer
Raisins contain high levels of polyphenolic antioxidants called catechins. These antioxidants scavenge the free radicals that cause the development of tumors, especially colon cancer.
5. Increases Your Supply of Energy
Raisins is a great source of energy and is very useful for athletes. It can also help to those who want to gain weight. Being loaded with carbs, particularly natural sugars like fructose and glucose, raisins are a good source of energy.
6. Anemia
Raisins are a rich source of iron and copper as well as B complex vitamins which are vital for the formation of red blood cells. Regular consumption of raisins helps cure iron deficiency anemia and promotes blood clotting during wound healing.
All of these properties ensure that you stock up on raisins the next time you go to the supermarket.