9 Great Reasons to Eat Raisins

Lisa Franchi November 25, 2015

Raisins. Most of us seem to enjoy it in our cakes and cookies. Raisin is one of the most common and popular dried fruits available today. It has a very sweet and distinctive taste, with a little tanginess that makes it a perfect addition to desserts and many other dishes.

But did you know raisins are packed with health benefits too? Yes. And here are some of them:

Eating raisins helps lower down your cholesterol levels.

Research has shown that snacking on raisins is one effective way to lower bad cholesterol levels in the body. And it’s because the dried fruit contains soluble fibre and polyphenols that both can lower down bad cholesterol.

Raisins are good for your heart.

Regular consumption of raisins gives you protection from heart problems. Since it helps lower down bad cholesterol, your risk of having stroke, heart attack and hypertension is reduced.

It aids digestion.

Since raisins are rich in soluble fibre, you can expect a significant improvement in your digestive health by making them part of your diet. Fibre helps eliminate toxins from your gastrointestinal tract. Also, the fibre in raisins absorbs water, thus promoting laxative effect to keep you away from irregular bowel movement and constipation.

Raisins promote bone health.

Did you know that raisins are rich in calcium? And that’s the reason why adding them in your regular diet can boost your bone health. In addition, raisins contain a micronutrient that aids calcium absorption and bone formation. If you’re in the postmenopausal stage, raisins are a good snack because at this period, you are naturally more likely to have bone problems, which include osteoporosis.

Raisins help reduce acids in your body.

Raisins contain potassium and magnesium which reduce acidity and helps flush out toxins from your body. Accumulation of these toxins can lead to various kinds of diseases, from arthritis to kidney stones and heart disease.

They are good for your eyes.

The polyphenolic phytonutrients present in raisins protect your eyes from harmful free radicals that can cause serious damage. Snacking on raisins and other fruits (as well as vegetables) can help lower your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, blindness and other visual disorders.

They help you fight cancer.

Like other fruits, raisins are rich in antioxidants that work by eliminating disease-causing free radicals from your body. Said free radicals boost inflammation that can lead to the development of tumours. Eating raisins and other foods high in antioxidants is a great way to protect yourself from cancer, particularly colon cancer.

Raisins are energising.

Feeling sluggish? Get a quick fix from a handful of raisins. Being high in glucose and fructose, raisins are a good source of energy. Raisins promote easy absorption of vitamins, proteins and other nutrients in your body, and a stronger immune system.

They can help you fight anaemia.

Raisins are also high in iron and copper - minerals needed in the formation of blood cells. If you are iron deficient, raisins are a perfect snack for you. They also promote blood clotting and faster wound healing.

It’s surprising how these small dried fruits can be packed with so many nutrients that promote health in different ways. But always observe portion control. Because they are dried, raisins have higher sugar content and may not be advisable for people with diabetes. Also, they are relatively high in calories. A handful per day is enough to get all these amazing health benefits of raisins.