Raisins or our favorite ‘kishmish’ are essentially grapes or currants dried either naturally or industrially. These sweet treats are nutritionally quite dense and hence just a handful of raisins had during the day can account for a bevy of health benefits.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
The nutritional profile of raisins is rather enviable considering they essentially contain no fats. They have a healthy dose of calories, carbohydrates and even some amount of proteins. The minerals found in raisins comprise iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorous and calcium. A healthy dose of Vitamin B along with small quantities of folate, Vitamin C and Vitamin K also come included in the package.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Here are some health benefits of raisins:
1 . Boost Energy Levels
Being as nutrient-dense as they are, a handful of raisins can drastically up your energy quotient owing to the number of calories they contain. Also since a small quantity does the trick, it will not burden your belly down as in the case of heavy snacks.
2 . Improve Hemoglobin Levels
The folate and iron contained in raisins make them ideal for folks with a low haemoglobin count. Along with these nutrients, the copper content of raisins further promotes the production of red blood cells in our body.
3 . Boost Sexual Health
Raisins have quite a reputation of being an aphrodisiac. They contain a protein called Arginine that helps sperm motility and treats erectile dysfunction. Also the calorie count provides you with that boost of energy that is important in bed.
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4 . Strengthen Bones
Raisins are rich in Calcium, the chief mineral element of our bones. The presence of the micronutrient Boron further helps by aiding the absorption of Calcium by our bodies. These help maintain proper skeletal functioning and prevent osteoporosis.
5 . Lower Cholesterol
Raisins contain a phytochemical ‘Resveratrol’ that acts as an anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogen, anti-inflammatory and a cholesterol lowering agent. It has vasodilating properties by virtue of which it eases blood pressure in our arteries.
6 . Relieve Gastrointestinal Problems
The high percentage of insoluble dietary fiber in raisins absorbs water once in enters our body cavity and increases in volume. This, then facilitates movement of food through the intestine and relieves constipation. Munching on raisins can also relieve acidity owing to potassium and magnesium contained in them which can effectively restore the pH balance in the stomach.
It is recommended to include a handful of raisins every day (10-15), preferably before or after your workout sessions. Alternately, these can be added to salads, curries, rice dishes and of course sweets for bursts of flavor loaded with nutrition.