Craving for a sugary sweet snack? Are your kids running around the house from the jelly bean sugar rush? Want to curb your cravings? RAISINS are the answer! Yes, raisins, those dried grapes you see in cookies and oatmeal. Raisins work as a great snack and is full of health benefits! Just eating a dozen of these bad boys will give you, the health kick you need. It is a high source of energy and is the number ONE dried fruit in the world.
So, how do they create this all natural candy? Simple, raisins or dried versions of grapes are made by drying grapes in the sun or by heating it in an oven. When heated the fructose of the grapes are activated, this process makes the raisin a naturally sweet treat. Unlike High fructose corn syrup, the fructose in raisins doesn’t affect the blood sugar level.
The Battle of Grapes VS Raisins
Both are great for the body but each has its own charm. Grapes are great as a go to breakfast and can be used as hydration. Raisins are a great snack and its shelf life is longer than grapes. A half cup of raisins is 250 calories, but can give you 3 times amount of nutrients consumed. The same quantity of grapes is only 30 calories. So, what do you think grapes or raisins? I pick both!
How to select raisins?
The most common and best types of raisins are the purple or dark brown ones that are produced by Thompson seedless grapes. The golden raisins are made from sultana or Muscat grapes. The color of the golden ones is usually preserved with the help of sulfur. Do look for labels saying “organic” or “sulphite-free” on the packed raisins as they are the healthiest option.
To help encourage you to start using Raisins as a healthy snack alternative Here are some of its known Nutrients and Health Benefits:
Nutrients in Grapes
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Coline
- Foliate
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Copper
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Fluoride
- Potassium
Prevents Anemia
People who suffer from anemia have weak immune systems, fatigue and can also have depression. The Iron found in raisins is perfect for people who are anemic or preventing anemia. Vitamin B complex and copper are also present in raisin that are important in generating red blood cells. A cup of raisins is equal to 17% of the needed daily value of iron needed.
Healthy Teeth
Raisins unlike sugar coated sweets is great for the teeth. He phytonutrients found in raisins can eliminate bacteria causing cavities. Replacing those sugary sweets with raisins will make your dentist a very happy man/woman.
Healthy Bones
Boron found in raisin are used in the prevention of Osteoporosis. It can balance out estrogen and testosterone in the body. Borons are used by the body to absorb calcium, magnesium-boron and phosphorous that is essential in healthy bones.
Works As An Alkaline
People who suffer from acidity or Acidosis should give raisins a try. Raisins have natural antacids called potassium and magnesium. These two are alkalines that neutralizes acidity in the body.
Acidosis can cause problems in the skin, heart, arthritis and can cause cancer.
High in Fiber
High fiber diets are great for digestion and smooth bowel movements. It also lowers the risk of colon cancer. Raisins are high in fiber and is considered one of the best source of it. A table of spoon of raisin already equals a gram of the daily value intake of fiber. It also contains tartaric acid that is important to a healthy digestive system. Raisins works well with constipation, when consumed the raisins absorb water and makes it swell, that brings relief from constipation.
Anti-cholesterol
Raisins contain anti cholesterol components that removes bad cholesterol in the body. The fiber from raisins also removes bad cholesterol in the liver. Antioxidants in raisins stop the enzymes that absorb cholesterol in the body. A cup of raisin is 4 grams daily value of healthy soluble fibers.
Eye Health
According to studies incorporating raisins in your daily diet can protect you from macular degeneration. Antioxidants found in raisin can help protect you from eye blindness when you age. It can also protect you from free radicals that can prevent any eye diseases in the body.
Control Blood Pressure
Raisins can eliminate toxins in the body and reduce blood pressure. It is rich in potassium that is essential in lowering blood pressure and sodium levels in the body.
Food for your brain
Boron present in raisins work as a great memory and concentration enhancer. It is important for brain function, treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and hand eye coordination.In a 100 milligram of raisin you can get 2.2 milligrams of boron.
