32 Amazing Benefits of Raisins
Raisins are the dried grapes produced in the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and some other regions of the world. They are eaten raw, and also used for cooking, baking, and brewing purposes. Raisins provide many health and beauty benefits as they contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibrers, etc.
Health Benefits of Raisins
Some major health benefits of raisins are as follows.
(1) Good For Digestive Health
Raisins are good for our digestive health because of its rich nutritious profile.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants in raisins protect our digestive system from free radical damage and reduces the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, intestinal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in raisins improve bowel movement, relieve constipation, and other digestive problems such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.
Zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins in raisins also improve our digestive health.
(2) Promotes Weight Gain
Raisins are beneficial for the individuals who are underweight and would like to gain some pounds.
Eating 100 grams of raisins provide 300 calories of energy.
They are a wonderful snack option that you can consume between your meal for the energy boost and for steadily gaining weight.
They are a better alternative to caffeinated energy drinks as they contain essential compounds like carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fibers.
Dietary fibers in raisins improve digestive health and help with weight management.
Raisins are free of fat and cholesterol which means they help with weight gain without increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Source-Pixabay.com(3) Provides Aphrodisiac Benefits
Arginine present in the raisins makes it a natural aphrodisiac as it stimulates libido and enhances vigor.
Arginine, an amino acid in raisins increases sperms mobility, and improve male fertility.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants in raisins protect the sperm cells from free radical damage and improve sexual health.
Raisins contain potassium that improves blood circulation and improves penile erection.
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(4) Protection Against Several Cancer(s)
Raisins contain antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like catechins that protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage.
Doing so reduces the risk of several cancers such as colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, intestinal cancer, abdominal cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.
Free radicals are unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from neighboring molecules and cause oxidative damage to them.
(5) Reduces The Risk of Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common health condition that causes cardiovascular and other health problems.
It affects millions of people around the world.
A 100 grams of raisins contain 749 mg of potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels improves blood circulation and relieves hypertension.
Dietary fibers in raisins reduce the stiffness of blood vessels and improve blood pressure.
Despite this advantage, eat raisins in moderation as otherwise too much potassium may drop blood pressure below the normal range, and cause nausea, fainting, dehydration, dizziness, poor concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.
If you take blood pressure medication, eat raisins after consulting with your doctor to avoid food-drug interference.
(6) Maintains Oral Health
Raisins are good for teeth and help in maintaining our oral health.
Oleanolic acid in raisins protects the teeth from dental problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and brittleness.
It inhibits the growth of streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivitis, two bacterial species that causes cavities.
Chewing dried fruit such as raisins decreases bacterial growth in the mouth due to Oleonalic acid.
Raisins contain boron, an essential mineral that inhibits the growth of oral germs and promotes strong teeth.
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(7) Manages Cholesterol Level
Dietary fibers in raisins reduce LDL cholesterol and help in cholesterol management.
It reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits within the arterial walls.
It is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
(8) Improves Cardiovascular Health
Essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals in raisins improve our cardiovascular health.
Vitamin C and other relevant compounds in raisins protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Raisins contain dietary fibers that help with cholesterol management and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems.
Potassium in raisins is a natural vasodilator that improves blood circulation and relieves hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems.
Zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and other B vitamins in raisins also contribute to heart health.
(9) Helps In Managing Diabetes
Raisins help in managing diabetes as it has a low glycemic index and releases sugar into the bloodstream at a slow pace.
This prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar levels and keeps blood sugar under control.
Dietary fibers in raisins reduce the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the bloodstream, and helps in managing diabetes.
Despite this anti-diabetic advantage, eat raisins in moderation as they are high in sugar, and may elevate blood sugar levels when consumed in excess.
High sugar levels may give rise to symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, stomach pain, and dry mouth.
If you take diabetic medication, eat raisins only after consulting with your doctor to avoid food-drug intolerance risk.
(10) Helps In Treating Anemia
Raisins help in the prevention and treatment of iron-induced anemia, a blood disorder caused by the defense of iron in the blood.
It may cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, cold hands or feet, etc.
Raisins contain iron, a vital mineral that increases the production of red blood cells.
Red blood cells carry oxygen and nourishment to every cell of the body and reduce the risk of anemia.
Vitamin C in raisins enhance iron absorption and benefit against anemia.
B vitamins in raisins also help in treating anemia.
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(11) Boosts Immune System
The immune system is the defense mechanism of the body that helps in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, infections, injuries, and wounds.
Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds in raisins protect our immune cells or white blood cells from free radical damage and strengthen our immune system.
When our immune system is stronger, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu reduces significantly.
Vitamin C further strengthens immunity by enhancing the production of white blood cells.
The antimicrobial properties of raisins protect us from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Other nutrients like iron, zinc, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium, etc in raisins also improve our immunity.
(12) Maintains Ocular Health
Raisins help in maintaining our ocular health as they contain vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids.
These compounds protect our eyes from free radical damage and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
(13) Prevents Acidosis
Raisins contain natural antacids such as potassium and magnesium that helps in treating acidosis, a condition that causes toxicity in the blood due to increased acidity of the blood and gases in the respiratory system.
Potassium and magnesium regulate our pH level and reduces the risk of acidosis.
(14) Strengthen Bones And Teeth
Raisins are rich in bone-strengthening minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
These compounds improve bone health and make our bones and teeth stronger.
Calcium is an essential mineral for our bone health as it encourages the growth and development of the bones. Lack of this mineral may cause osteoporosis.
Potassium in raisins reduces the loss of calcium from the bones and improves bone density.
Essential minerals such as manganese and boron in raisins increase calcium absorption and improve bone density.
(15) Reduce Pain And Inflammation
Vitamin C, dietary fibers, and other anti-inflammatory compounds in raisins reduce pain and inflammation of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma, and bronchial asthma.
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(16) Good For Kidneys
Raisins are good for kidneys, the vital organs that help with detoxification and other biochemical functions.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like polyphenols in raisins protect our kidneys from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in raisins remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances.
Helping with detoxification, reduces the burden from kidneys and allows them to focus on other functions they need to perform, such as removing drugs and toxins, maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and strengthening bones.
(17) For Treating Insomnia
Raisins help in treating sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Not getting enough quality sleep may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and low sex drive, etc.
Iron in raisins benefit against Restless leg syndrome and improve sleep quality.
Magnesium and other B vitamins in raisins also help in enjoying quality sleep.
(18) Helps In Treating Diarrhea
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in raisins improve bowel movement, relieve constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.
Dietary fibers are also helpful in treating diarrhea.
They absorb excess fluid from the intestines, prevent watery stool, and reduces the risk of diarrhea.
The antimicrobial properties of raisins protect our digestive system from bacterial and viral infections that can lead to diarrhea.
(19) Maintains Liver Health
Raisins help in maintaining our liver health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, and other relevant compounds like flavonoids, etc in raisins protect our liver from free radical damage.
The detoxifying properties of dietary fibers in raisins remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body.
By helping with detoxification, it reduces the detoxification burden from the liver and allows them to focus on other functions they need to perform such as the production of bile, making protein for blood plasma, cholesterol production, regulating amino acid, metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, etc.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins in raisins also improve liver health.
(20) Wonderful Source of Energy
Raisins are a wonderful snack that one can consume between meals for staying energetic throughout the day.
They are high in calories (300 calories per 100 grams), and an abundant source of vitamins and minerals.
Natural sugars present in the raisins provide us energy, and other nutrients keep us well-nourished.
Dietary fibers in raisins relieve constipation and improve digestive health.
Eat raisins in moderation as otherwise too much sugar and high calories may increase the risk of diabetes and weight gain.
Selenium and phosphorus present in the raisins increase the absorption of nutrients.
Unlike caffeinated energy drinks present in the market, raisins are not empty calories and release energy at a steady rate for a long time.
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Beauty Benefits of Raisins For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of raisins for skin are as follows.
(1) Provides Anti-Aging Benefits
Raisins are good for the skin and provide anti-aging benefits.
Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in raisins protect our skin from free radical damage and provide anti-aging benefits such as reducing fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and, skin blemishes, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity, and is mainly found in connective tissues such as bones, tendons, and cartilages, etc.
It improves skin smoothness and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
(3) Treats Skin Pigmentation
Raisins help in treating skin pigmentation because of their rich nutritious profile.
Vitamins and minerals in raisins provide nourishment to our skin and improve skin health.
Vitamin C, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, etc, in raisins, protect the skin from free radical damage and keep premature aging at bay.
Nutrients in the raisins bring out the natural glow of the skin and make our skin soft, supple, and radiant.
(4) Promotes Skin Detoxification
Detoxification is the process of removal of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our bloodstream.
Raisins help with detoxification/skin detoxification as they contain detoxifying compounds like vitamin C and dietary fibers.
They remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body.
By lowering toxins in the body, prevents the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances within the skin pores, and improves skin health.
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(5) Helps In Treating Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions around the world and mainly occurs due to the clogging of skin pores by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances.
Vitamin C and dietary fibers in raisins remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they don’t accumulate in our skin pores and reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers in raisins regulate excess oil secretion from the skin’s oil glands and prevent acne from worsening.
(6) Protection From Harmful UV Rays
The long-term exposure to the UV rays of the sun may harm our skin, and cause wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, and flavonoids, etc in raisins protect our skin cells from oxidative stress caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun.
(7) Improves Skin Health
Raisins improve our skin health due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc.
Vitamins and minerals in raisins provide nourishment to our skin and improve skin health.
Antioxidants in raisins protect the skin from free radical damage and provide anti-aging benefits.
Dietary fibers in raisins help with skin detoxification and keep skin problems like acne and pimples at bay.
Raisins make our skin soft, supple, and radiant.
Beauty Benefits of Raisins For Hair
Following are the major beauty benefits of raisins for hair.
(1) Promotes Hair Growth
Raisins are good for our hair and scalp and promote hair growth.
They are an excellent source of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals that provide nourishment to our hair follicles, and scalp, and improve scalp health.
Vitamin C, and other antioxidant compounds like flavonoids, etc in raisins protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage.
It reduces premature greying of hair, split ends, hair dryness, and other signs of premature aging.
Zinc, iron, folate, potassium, and B vitamins in raisins nourish our hair follicles and scalp and encourages the growth of new hair.
(2) Reduces Hair Loss
Raisins strengthen our hair and reduce the risk of hair fall.
They contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, etc, that protect our hair from free radical damage and reduces signs of premature aging.
Nutrients in raisins provide nourishes our hair and strengthen them.
When our hair is strong, we are less likely to suffer from hair loss problems.
The antimicrobial properties of raisins protect the scalp from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
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(3) Make Hair Strong And Lustrous
Vitamins and minerals in raisins provide nourishment to our hair and scalp and keep them healthy.
They strengthen our hair follicles and add natural shine to our hair.
Antioxidants in raisins protect our hair and scalp from free radical damage and prevent our hair from being dull and frizzy.
(4) For Treating Scalp Acne
Clogging of our skin pores by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances may increase the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
It may also breakout on the scalp, and is known as scalp acne.
Raisins help in the prevention and treatment of acne and scalp acne due to the presence of detoxifying compounds like vitamin C, and dietary fibers.
These detoxifying compounds reduce toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins in the body, they are less likely to accumulate in the pores of the skin/scalp and reduces risk of acne/scalp acne.
Dietary fibers in raisins control excess oil secretion from the sebaceous gland and prevent scalp acne from worsening.
(5) Good Against Dandruff
Raisins help in treating dandruff, a common scalp problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by poor scalp health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the raisins protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and make them healthy.
Vitamins and minerals in the pumpkin nourish our hair follicles and scalp and minimize the risk of scalp problems like dandruff etc.
Since raisins are antimicrobial, they protect our scalp from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and improve scalp health.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purpose 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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