From the childhood classic of “ants on a log” to granola to carrot cake, raisins have been in most of our lives since our earliest years. So, are raisins good for you? Well, not only are raisins popular with all age groups and extremely versatile in the kitchen, but raisins nutrition includes being concentrated sources of energy, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.

Benefits of raisins include lowered blood pressure and better heart health. Studies have shown that daily consumption of raisins may significantly lower blood pressure, especially when compared to eating other common snacks, making them one of the best natural remedies for high blood pressure. Raisins are so quick and easy to consume, it’s really hard to find an excuse not to include them in your diet on a regular basis!

What else can raisins nutrition offer in way of benefits? Read on.

Here are 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.

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.

3. Help Against Anaemia:

Raisins have a good amount of iron and B-Complex vitamins in them which help to treat anaemia. 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.

Raisins contain 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.

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 . 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.

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.

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.

Raisins also contain good amounts of calcium which is good for bone health. 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:

11. Unlike topical creams, raisins protect 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. This helps delay the appearance of the signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes.

12. The antioxidants in raisins 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.

13. Raisins contain resveratrol, a substance which is highly beneficial for maintaining the health of the skin. It removes the toxic and black cells from the blood to purify the blood. It also helps improve the production of red cells in the body. This, in turn, makes the skin clear, shiny and nourished.

14. Blood toxicity, also known as acidosis, 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 raisins neutralizes the stomach acid. This helps cure acidosis and keeps the skin healthy and problem-free.

15. Consumption of black raisins accelerates the functions of the liver to detoxify the body. This helps flush out the toxins from the body to get a clean and glowing skin.

16. Raisins also help 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 amino acids in raisins boost skin renewal and form a protective barrier against sun damage. This is useful to prevent skin cancer.

17. The antioxidants in the raisins combat the free radicals in the body. This slows down the oxidation process and prevents the disintegration of the DNA of our skin.

18. Raisins contain vitamins A and E that help stimulate the development of new cells in the skin’s outer layers. They improve the hydration of the skin to make it supple and younger looking. Regular consumption of raisins also makes the skin glowing and beautiful.

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:

19. These tiny treats are packed with 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. Iron improves the blood circulation in the body and stimulates the hair follicle cells. This makes the hair healthy and strong. So munch a handful of raisins daily to get your dose of iron.

20. Raisins contain a large amount of vitamin C which facilitates the absorption of minerals and provides nourishment. This helps maintain the natural colour of the hair.

21. Consuming a handful of raisins daily will strengthen the blood vessels. This, in turn, will reduce flakiness, dandruff and itchiness of the scalp. The resveratrol present in raisins inhibits scalp inflammation and cell deaths to prevent hair loss. Raisins also fight hair loss caused by environmental damage.

22. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants can prevent hair loss to a great extent. The antioxidants in raisins prevent hair damage by stimulating healthy hair follicles. They also promote healthy cells essential for hair growth.

23. Raisins contain several essential nutrients that promote the health of the hair. Vitamin C in raisins maintains the follicle’s connective tissue, also known as collagen. This promotes hair growth. Vitamin E further strengthens the cell membranes and prevents the free radicals from attacking the hair follicles.

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Raisins are dried grapes, specifically dried white-fleshed grapes. These grapes are initially green in skin color and darken as they dry, becoming a dense, dark-colored dried fruit containing small seeds and bursting with sweet flavor. Raisins are commonly produced in the U.S., Turkey, Iran, Greece and Australia.

Raisins are commonly eaten out of hand; mixed into foods like oatmeal, granola bars, and chutneys; and used in cakes, pies, and other baked goods. They’re often soaked in alcohol or other flavorful liquids before being used in baked goods, as they easily absorb liquid.

Raisins Benefits

Raisins are an exceptional source of naturally occurring chemicals called phytonutrients, such as phenols and polyphenols. These types of nutrients are considered antioxidants. Studies have shown that raisins contain phytochemicals that could promote healthy teeth and gums. Phytochemicals present in raisins, including oleanolic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, fight the bacteria in your mouth that lead to cavities. In other words, eating raisins in place of sugary snack foods can actually keep your smile healthy. 

One-half cup of raisins will give you 2.7 grams of fiber, or roughly 6 to 12 percent of your daily needs, depending on your age and gender.

Raisins are a good source of iron. One-half cup of raisins contains 1.4 milligrams of iron. That’s about 7 percent of the recommended daily amount for most adult females, and 17 percent for adult men.

Raisins have about 36 milligrams of calcium per 1/2-cup serving. This translates to about 5 percent of your daily needs.

The Difference Between Raisins, Sultanas, and Currants

While all three are types of dried fruit and used in similar ways, there are several things that set raisins, sultanas, and dried currants (both true currants and Zante currants) apart from each other.

Raisins, sultanas, and Zante currants are all sweet dried fruits that stem from different varieties of vine-grown grapes, while currants really are a fresh bush-grown berry that is tart rather than sweet. Currants are also sold dried, but they’re not as readily available as sultanas and raisins.

IRANIAN RAISIN

Iran is the third largest exporter of any kind of raisin in the world by exporting more than 150,000 Million Tones (27% global Consumption) of raisins worth around 250 million dollars annually. The advantage of Iranian Raisins is principally its price, minerals and different methods of price, minerals and processing, and that’s the reason why Iranian Raisins minerals are amongst the finest raisins in the world.

Iranian Raisin Types

Golden Raisins (Angoori)

The product in process is from seedless grapes of the Vitis vinifera variety. Golden Raisins are grown in the sunny vineyards of Bonab, they are made using sulfur fumigation process and shade dried so they are golden amber in color with a naturally sweet and fruity flavor. This popular kind is produced from grapes with special natural characteristics and particular sugar level. These characteristics are merely available in grapes grown in Bonab area and this city is the only and best producer of this kind of raisins in Iran. After being double washed, golden raisins are dried, coated with vegetable oil, stemmed, mechanically cleaned, laser and hand sorted then metal detected under extreme care of hygienic conditions and with legal and safety requirements and the customers special specifications.

Sun-Dried (Black) Raisins

The product in process is from seedless grapes of the Vitis vinifera variety. Sun-dried raisins are seedless grapes dried in direct sunlight and as a result they are typically dark-brown in color. This kind is treated without any additive and is high in sugar level. Sun drying is seen as a natural way to produce raisins that not only gives them a particular intense flavor but also maintains the delicate balance of nutrients of the original grape fruit. Like other types, sun dried raisins are dried, coated with vegetable oil, stemmed, mechanically cleaned, laser and hand sorted then metal detected under extreme care of hygienic conditions and with legal and safety requirements and the customers special specifications.

Kashmari Raisins (Golden / Green)

The product in process is from seedless grapes of the Vitis vinifera variety. Kashmar raisins, also known as long raisins are produced from seedles grapes that are local Iranian type. This kind is famous for its special sweet and sour taste and its long length shape. Long raisin like golden raisins are made using sulfur fumigation process and shade dried so they are golden amber in color. This type is popular for those who dislike the extreme sweat flavor of other raisins types. Like other types, kashmar raisins are dried, coated with vegetable oil, stemmed, mechanically cleaned, laser and hand sorted then metal detected under extreme care of hygienic conditions and with legal and safety requirements and the customers special specifications.

Sultana & Malayer Raisins (light / dark)

The product in process is from seedless grapes of the Vitis vinifera variety. Sultana raisins are Light to dark brown in color. They are dried in special drying plants and Due to their very high sugar content, sultanas are very sweet and similar in flavor to honey. sultanas can be treated with sulfur in order to gain a light brown color but the most popular one is the dark brown sultana which does not contain any sulfur and is used widely in bread ¬industry, cake- and pastry ¬bakeries, cereal producers, and the dairy ¬industry. After being double washed, sultana raisins are dried, coated with vegetable oil, stemmed, mechanically cleaned, laser and hand sorted then metal detected under extreme care of hygienic conditions and with legal and safety requirements and the customers special specifications.

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