Raisins are good nutritive and indispensable when it comes to dry fruits. Those golden, green or black colored delicacies are favorites of almost everybody, especially children. Raisins are widely used worldwide in cuisines (especially in desserts),

health tonics, as snacks and also as food for mountaineers, trekkers etc.

Tell me something interesting about Raisins….

Raisins are simply dried sweet grapes, of course. Until medieval times, raisins were the second in choice as a sweetener, honey being the top choice. At one time in ancient Rome, raisins were considered so valuable that two jars could buy a slave. In the 13th century, Damascus had quite a reputation for their sweet raisins.

Most raisins are dried naturally by the sun right in the vineyards, although some are mechanically dehydrated. Once sun-dried, a process taking two to four weeks, they are then graded, cleaned, and packed. Some raisins are kept golden in color by the use of sulfur dioxide (sulfites).

Nutrient content:

Raisins are cholesterol-free, low in sodium, high in fiber and totally fat-free. It contains 70% pure sucrose (natural form of sugar) easily digested.

How beneficial are the Raisin nutrients? How does it improve my health?

• Raisins contain many B vitamins known for boasting energy.
• Raisins are high in calories which are also important in increasing energy.
• Raisin is a valuable strength building food which is ideal for persons who are weak, emaciated or anemic.
• The juice soaked or stewed raisins has been found to be a good remedy for sore throat, asthma and cases of catarrh (mucus running from mucous membrane).
• Raisin contains phytonutrient known as oleanolic acid which helps promote good oral health by destroying the bacteria that causes cavities.
• Raisin is rich in iron a nutrient which is necessary for formation of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to all body cells.
• Raisin is rich in fiber and tartaric which promote digestive health and regularity. Diet rich in fiber can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Raisins are one of the best dietary sources of boron. Boron is essential for bone health. The minerals in raisins in conjunction with estrogen in women help make bones stronger and ward off osteoporosis.
• Raisins are rich in antioxidants that helps protect our bodies against free radical damage.
• Raisins can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• The fruit sugar in raisins is more digestible than the cane sugar and raisins will not wreck havoc with your blood sugar levels