7 Awesome Health Benefits of Raisin for Heart, Diabetes, Bones and Health

There are many proven health benefits of Raisin that has made it earn recommendations from most nutrition experts. Raisins are in the simplest term dried grapes, either sundried or in electric dryers. The grapes turn into green, golden or black gems. They are sweet in flavor naturally and are used in culinary by various cultures and tradition all around the world, most especially in the desserts where they are found in abundance. Packed with a lot of nutrients, they are really small in size. The fruits are very good for energy boosting and are usually eaten as snacks, desserts, and supplements for mountaineers and campers. Because of the high calories in it, it is recommended that one should eat a quarter of a cup per day which is already packaged into packs in grocery stores.

What are the Health Benefits of Raisin?

Helps to prevent Cancer

Raisins have high amount of a substance called catechins which helps fight cancer. Catechins are polyphenolic antioxidants that are found in the blood stream, that feed on the radicals that are present in the body, which are one of the primary agents that lead to the sudden development of cancer cells. The fiber content in raisin help to promote removal of bile from the body, hence removing toxins that could lead cancer.

Helps to improve the health of the Heart

The high amount of fiber, potassium, polyphenols, tannins, antioxidants and phenolic acid present in the dried grapes help to stimulate the shedding of fat or cholesterol as well as reduce blood pressure, promoting good heart health.

Helps to reduce the risks of getting Hypertension

Researches and study reports have indicated a correlation between high blood pressure (hypertension) and consumption of raisins, which is very positive. Packed in raisins are nutrients that are very beneficial, which has made nutrition experts believe that the high level of potassium helps lowers the risk of getting high blood pressure. The nutrient potassium has been studied a lot over the years and it was discovered that it helps reduce tension in the blood vessels and hence reducing high blood pressure. The fiber found in the dried fruits is also suspected to help reduce the stiffness of the blood vessels and their biochemistry in general, which also helps combat hypertension.

Helps to fight and control Diabetes

In quite a number of researches and studies, it has been found out that raisins could be used to lower the postprandial response to Insulin implying that they can be used to stabilize the  plunges on the insulin that can be otherwise very dangerous to diabetes patients after taking a meal. Also, they can be used to control the release of ghrelin and leptin, the hormones responsible for making the body know if it is hungry or not.

Helps to prevent Acidosis

Preventing acidosis by the use of potassium and magnesium, which are natural remedy for acidosis found in raisins. Potassium and magnesium are some of the most common constitutes of antacids basically because they are basic on the pH scale. Acidosis is a state of having excessive amount of  acidity of the blood or having too much of gas in the respiratory system that may cause renal calculi, damage to internal organs, boils, skin disease and gout.

Helps to reduces Arthritis Pain

Raisins have an abundant source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which have strong very effective anti-inflammatory function. It has been used by many cultures and traditions over centuries to treat arthritis.

Helps to promote the healthiness of the Bone

Calcium which a major element for the bones is very much abundant in raisins. Also, these fruits are a good source of boron, which is a micronutrient needed by the body in very small quantity. Boron and calcium are vital for the proper development of bones and its formation. Boron is particularly good for preventing osteoporosis as a result of menopause in older women and is also beneficial for bones joints.

Nutritional values of Raisins

Raisins have an abundant supply of polyphenols rich in antioxidant and minerals like iron, potassium, boron, magnesium, and phosphorus. They are also rich in Vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and Vitamins K, C and B6. Raisins have low glycemic index but have high content of sugar and calories. A cup of raisins packaged contains about 125 calories, 33 grams of carbs, and about 25 grams of sugar. 1% fat content, 95% of protein and 4% of protein in a quarter cup of raisins.