22 Amazing Benefits of Black Raisins
Black raisin is a popular variety of dried grapes known for its sugary taste and juicy flavor. They are made by drying out black Corinth seedless grapes under the sun or in a dehydrator. They are darker, tangy, and sweet in comparison to other raisins. They are often added to smoothies and desserts as they provide amazing health and beauty benefits due to the presence of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc.
Are Black Raisins Good For Health?
Black raisins are one of the healthiest food that you can include in your diet. Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols, etc in black raisins provide numerous benefits such as managing cholesterol level, regulating blood sugar, improving cardiovascular health, strengthening immunity, and so on.
How To Eat Black Raisins?
Consume black raisins only after soaking them in water for a couple of hours. Soaking boost the antioxidant content of black raisins and helps with the absorption of nutrients.
Once dried, black raisins are often treated with sulfur dioxide to improve their color and preserve their quality.
Health Benefits of Black Raisins
Following are the major health benefits of black raisins.
(1) Aids In The Treatment Of Anemia
Black raisins aids in the prevention and treatment of iron-induced anemia.
Iron-induced anemia is a blood disorder mainly caused by the deficiency of iron in the body. It gives rise to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and cold hands or feet, etc.
Iron, a vital mineral present in the black raisins increases red blood cells to carry out oxygenated blood to cells and tissues and provides nourishment to them.
This minimizes the risk of anemia.
Vitamin C in the black raisin enhances iron absorption in the body and is beneficial against anemia.
(2) Manages Cholesterol Level
Dietary fibers in black raisin reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in black raisins also help in managing cholesterol levels.
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(3) Provides Relief From Hypertension
Potassium present in the black raisins is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.
Hypertension is a common health problem that affects millions of people around the world and is a leading cause of various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.
Zinc and magnesium in black raisin also aid in regulating high blood pressure.
Eat black raisins moderately as over-intake of potassium may lower the blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.
If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consume black raisin after having a word with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(4) Improves Cardiovascular Health
Black raisins are good for our heart health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in black raisin protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in black raisins reduce LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
It also contains potassium that relaxes our blood vessels and controls hypertension or high blood pressure which is a major cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc in black raisin also contribute to our cardiovascular health.
(5) Control Food Craving And Aids With Weight Management
Consuming half a cup of black raisins provides around 217 calories of energy and 47 grams of natural sugar. This may seem like a lot, but when consumed moderately, black raisins can help with weight loss.
Dietary fibers in black raisins provide stomach satiety, controls our urge to eat again and again, and thus control overeating which is a major cause of obesity.
Natural fruit sugars like fructose and sucrose in black raisins ensure a steady supply of energy for a long duration of time.
Caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, and energy drink, etc. causes a sudden spike of energy for a short duration. However, the natural sugars in the black raisins release energy at a steady rate and for a longer duration of time.
For this reason, it is a wonderful snack that can curb food cravings, helps with weight loss, and also provides energy for our day-to-day activities.
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(6) Source of Protein
Black raisins are an excellent source of protein the building block of life as they facilitate the growth and development of muscles, bones, tendons, and cartilage, and also perform other functions like maintains proper pH level, strengthens immunity, transport and store nutrients, maintain fluid balance and causes biochemical reactions, etc.
Deficiency of protein can give rise to problems such as edema, fatty liver, plus of muscle mass, increased risk of bone fracture, weak immune system, and poor growth in children.
One ounce of black raisins provides around 1 gram of protein that contributes to maintaining the optimal protein level in our body.
The amino acids present in the soaked black raisins promote growth and development in babies.
(7) Boosts Energy Level
The natural sugars present in black raisins give a steady supply of energy and enhance our stamina.
This natural energy booster is a better alternative to commercially available caffeinated energy drinks that provides a quick burst of energy that fades off quickly. It gives a false sense of being energetic and in the long run, it increases the risk of caffeine addiction.
Black raisins can help in fulfilling the high energy demand of students and growing children.
Other nutrients like iron, copper, and zinc, etc also play a significant role in improving our stamina.
(8) Helps With The Dental Care
Black raisins help with dental care and are good for teeth and gums.
Phytochemicals like oleanolic acid in black raisins prevent the bacteria to form dental plaque on the surface of the teeth, and thus protects our teeth from decay, and also fight against germs and cavities.
Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant in black raisins not only protects our teeth and gums from free radical damage but also strengthens gums and soft tissues in the mouth, and protects against gum problems like gingivitis.
Bone strengthening minerals like calcium and potassium in black raisins strengthen enamel, the harder outer shell of the teeth.
(9) Maintains Bone Health
Black raisins strengthen our bones and teeth due to bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, etc.
Calcium is a vital mineral for the growth and development of the bones, and lack of this mineral may increase the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis.
Potassium neutralizes acid load, reduces loss of calcium from the bones, and thus improves bone density.
Magnesium also improves bone density and thus contributes to better bone health.
Other nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and folate, etc also aid in making our bones healthier.
(10) Keeps Our Digestive System Healthy
Black raisin is good for the stomach and improves our digestive health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in black raisin protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in black raisin improves bowel movement, aids in stool elimination, and thus relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.
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(11) Provides Relief From Acidity
Potassium and magnesium in black raisins regulate acid levels in the stomach and provides quick relief from acidity.
Eating soaked black raisins gives a cooling effect to the stomach, and reduces burning pain and sensation of acidity.
(12) Strengthens Our Immune System
The immune system is the defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as external wounds and injuries.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in black raisins protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage and thus strengthens our immune system.
Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.
With stronger immunity, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.
The antimicrobial properties of black raisins protect us from various bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
Other nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate, etc in black raisin also contribute to better immune health.
(13) Good For Eyes
Black raisins are good for the eyes, the visionary organ that allows us to enjoy this beautiful world.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in black raisin protects our eyes from free radical damage and thus minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents eye dryness, and minimizes the risk of night-blindness.
Other nutrients like zinc, vitamin B complex, etc also helps in keeping our eyes healthy.
(14) Keeps Our Kidneys Healthy
Eating black raisins moderately improve the health of the kidneys, the vital organ that performs many important functions in our body such as removal of waste products, removal of drugs and unwanted substances, maintaining the body’s fluid balance, releasing hormones for regulating blood pressure, and controls the production of red blood cells, etc.
The detoxifying properties of dietary fibers in black raisins eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body. To some extent, it reduces the detoxification burden from our kidneys and allows them to focus on other important functions they need to perform.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in black raisins protect the kidneys from free radical damage, and also help with detoxification.
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(15) Aids in Treating Sexual Problems
Black raisins aid in treating sexual problems because of their aphrodisiac properties.
Amino acids in black raisins enhance sperm flow, and aids in treating erectile dysfunction.
Vital minerals like iron and potassium improve blood circulation and help with erections.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in black raisins protect the sperm cells from free radical damage.
(16) Improves Our Neurological Health
Black raisins are good for our neurological system and provide cognitive benefits.
They contain antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc that protect the brain cells or the neurons from free radical damage, and minimize the risk of many neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, etc in the black raisin also contribute to neurological health as they provide several cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better focus, improved concentration, and reduced mental confusion, etc.
Beauty Benefits of Black Raisins For Skin
Following are the major beauty benefits of black raisins for the skin.
(1) Keeps Premature Aging At Bay
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in black raisin protects our skin cells from free radical damage, minimize various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins in black raisins also aid in maintaining healthy skin.
(2) Prevents Acne
The dietary fibers in black raisin eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.
Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.
(3) Make Skin Soft, Supple, And Radiant
Black raisins maintain our skin health because of their rich nutritious profile.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect the skin from free radical damage and improve natural skin glow.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins in black raisins nourish our skin and make it soft, supple, and radiant.
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Beauty Benefits of Black Raisins for Hair
Some major beauty benefits of black raisins for hair are as follows.
(1) Prevents Premature Greying of Hair
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the black raisin protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of premature greying of hair, split ends, hair fall, and dry hair, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.
(2) Promotes Hair Growth
Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in black raisin nourish our hair follicles and scalp and keep them healthy.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and improves scalp health.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, folate, and potassium in black raisin improve blood circulation in the scalp, nourishes our hair follicles and scalp, and promote the growth of new hair follicles.
(3) Helps With The Scalp Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.
It can also break out on the scalp and is then known as scalp acne.
The dietary fibers in black raisin eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and scalp acne.
Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent scalp acne from worsening.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purposes only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
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