Health Benefits of Raisin

Want a portable, storable, sweet source of iron and potassium? Reach for a package of raisins. One-half cup will supply you with 545 milligrams of potassium, a nutrient that can help keep you feeling energetic. Raisins are grapes that are sundried or oven dried. Raisin is very sweet because it contains 70% pure sucrose (natural form of sugar) easily digested. It is cholesterol-free, low in sodium and totally fat-free.

Nutritive Values: per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A: 50I.U
• Vitamin B: thiamine .15mg.;
• Riboflavin: 08mg.
• Niacin: .5mg.
• Vitamin C: trace
• Calcium: 78mg.
• Iron: 3.3 mg.
• Phosphorus: 129 mg.
• Potassium: 575 mg.
• Fat: .5gm.
• Carbohydrates: 71.2gm.
• Protein: 2.3 gm.
• Calories: 268

Health Benefits:

• Raisins contain many B vitamins known for boasting energy.
• Raisins are high in calories which are also important in increasing energy.
• Raisin is a valuable strength building food which is ideal for persons who are weak, emaciated or anemic.
• The juice soaked or stewed raisins has been found to be a good remedy for sore throat, asthma and cases of catarrh (mucus running from mucous membrane).
• Raisin contains phytonutrient known as oleanolic acid which helps promote good oral health by destroying the bacteria that causes cavities.
• Raisin is rich in iron a nutrient which is necessary for formation of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to all body cells. An iron deficiency can cause weakness, bruising, sensitivity to cold, difficulty concentrating, irritability and fatigue.
• Raisin is rich in fiber and tartaric which promote digestive health and regularity. Diet rich in fiber can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Research finds that eating two servings one cup of raisins a day may help lower the risk of colon cancer.

• Raisins are one of the best dietary sources of boron. Boron is essential for bone health. The minerals in raisins in conjunction with estrogen in women help make bones stronger and ward off osteoporosis.
• Raisins are rich in antioxidants that helps protect our bodies against free radical damage.
• Raisins can help prevent macular degeneration, an age-related progressive disease of the retina.
• Raisins can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• The fruit sugar in raisins is more digestible than the cane sugar and raisins will not wreck havoc with your blood sugar levels.

Buying tip: Whether you are buying dark brown or golden raisins, your healthiest options are the ones that are specifically labeled "organic."

CREDIT: len7288@Hubpages