Are Raisins Healthy?

With the advancement in medical and health sciences and with more and more people getting aware of various health issues, we today can see a lot of people questioning the very food they eat. Gone are the days when people used to blindly believe a food item to be healthy and curative. Today, people search for scientific facts and clarifications in order to include or exclude a food item from their daily food charts. Raisins for long have been favorites with many. If you, however, have a few questions regarding the health benefits of raisins, then reading the sections that follow will leave many of your questions answered. Raisins are known to be one of the most nutritious dried fruits in the world and are even recommended by healthcare professionals. Raisins are also rich in trace minerals and boron which is important for human health. Raisins are antioxidants and help in keeping the blood clean and flowing. They help the body get rid of all unclean impurities in the blood thereby eradicating any related health issues. This write up throws light on the various health benefits of raisins. Read on to learn more.

Health Benefits Of Raisins

Weight Gain
Raisins like any other dry fruits are rich in fructose and glucose that provide a lot of energy and helps in gaining weight. For this reason, raisins can form a part of one’s diet, especially the diets of bodybuilders or athletes who require a lot of energy. Another reason for weight gain by consuming raisins is the presence of several vitamins, amino acids and minerals that helps in absorbing other nutrients and proteins in the body.

Acidosis
Acidosis is a state of increased acidity of the blood or of the gases in the respiratory system which is harmful for the body because it can give rise to a number of problems like boils, skin diseases and can also damage the internal organs. Raisins can help reduce acidity and help protect the body from its harmful effects because they are good sources of potassium and magnesium, both of which effectively reduce acidity.

Dental Care
Raisins also prove to be helpful and healthy for teeth. Oleanolic acid is one of the phytochemicals present in raisins that plays a crucial role in protecting teeth against tooth decay, cavities, brittleness of teeth, etc. Boron present in raisins also plays an important role in checking the growth of germs in the teeth and also keeps the bones and teeth healthy.

Eye Care
Raisins are also good for the health of the eye since they contain polyphenolic phytonutrients which contain anti-oxidant properties. The antioxidant properties of polyphenolic phytonutrients protect the eyes from damages caused by free radicals like age related weakening of vision, macular degeneration and cataract. Raisins are also rich in vitamin A, beta carotene, etc all of which are responsible for good ocular health.

Bone Health
Calcium, the main constituent of bones is present in raisins which thereby strengthens the bones. Raisins also are good sources of boron which is a micro nutrient necessary for proper bone formation and absorption of calcium. Boron is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis that is induced by menopause in women and is also beneficial for the joints.

Sexual Weakness
Raisins also help in stimulating libido and cause arousal due to the presence of an amino acid known as ‘Arginine’. Arginine helps in treating problems related to erection. Raisins are therefore recommended for those suffering from sexual problems.