16 July 2015
About RaisinsRaisins are called "Kishmish" in India.
They are dried grapes with a wrinkly texture, and sweet and tangy in taste. Raisins can be eaten raw as a snack food or used in baking and cooking, and of course brewing. Raisins are among the most liked and popular of the dry fruits. They are a rich source of energy and other nutrients. Raisins are high in calories and even when snacking watch your intake if you are watching your weight and sugar intake. Raisins are naturally dried in the sun, in shade and are also dried artificially dried mechanically by first dipping them in water and then artificially dehydrating them. They are very stable against spoilage as they are low in moisture and pH. The practice of drying grapes to produce raisins originated in Rome. Raisins are believed to have been made as far back as 2000 BC. CautionDo Not Feed Raisins To Dogs.
Raisins are toxic to dogs and their consumption leads to renal failure in these animals. Raisin VarietiesThere are several varieties of raisins due to the different types of grapes, that vary in color from green to black and shades in between, and size, that are used for making raisins. Among them are :
Thompson Raisins : These are dark brown in color and seedless but derived from the green Thompson grapes which are naturally dried by the sun. No chemicals are used in making them' Sultana Raisins : They are also made from Thompson grapes but are light brown in color as they are kept for a lesser time under the sun as they are dipped in a mixture of potassium carbonate, water and olive oil before drying. This treatment increases the drying rate and therefore they spend less time in the sun. |
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Golden Raisins :
They too are made from green grapes but to prevent the color change during drying, are treated with sulphur dioxide. Also, they are heat dried artificially and for a short time resulting in plumper and sweeter raisins. They can be eaten raw, and used in baking and cooking as well. Currants : These are made from Black Corinth grapes and are very dark in color and very tart in flavor. They are smaller than standard raisins. The seeds are removed before drying. Currants are mainly used in baking. Muscats : They are puffed up raisins and many times called as such and much bigger in size than the normal raisins but darker in color. They are made from Alexandria grapes. and are extremely sweet in taste. The seeds are removed before they are dried. They are mainly used in baking. PrecautionThose who suffer from asthma/allergy should avoid eating golden raisins
as they are treated with sulphur dioxide and could aggravate the problem. Nutrients In Raisins
Raisins Nutrition Facts Raisins seedless (Vitis vinifera)
Nutritive Value per 100 g ORAC Value 3037 (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA Energy 299 Kcal 15% Carbohydrates 79.18 g 61% Protein 3.07 g 5.50% Total Fat 0.46 g 1.50% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Dietary Fiber 3.07 g 10% Vitamins Folates 5 mcg 1% Niacin 0.766 mg 5% Pantothenic acid 0.095 mg 2% Pyridoxine 0.0174 mg 13% Riboflavin 0.125 mg 10% Thiamin 0.106 mg 9% Vitamin A 0 IU 0% Vitamin C 2.3 mg 4% Vitamin E 0.12 mg 1% Vitamin K 3.5 mcg 3% Electrolytes Sodium 1 mg 11% Potassium 749 mg 16% Minerals Calcium 50 mg 5% Copper 0.318 mg 35% Iron 1.88 mg 23% Magnesium 7 mg 2% Manganese 0.299 mg 12% Phosphorus 101 mg 15% Selenium 0.6 mcg 1% Zinc 0.22 mg 2% Phyto-nutrients Alpha-Carotene 0 g Beta-Carotene 0 g Beta-Crypto-xanthin 0 g Lutein-zeaxanthin 0 g Health Benefits Of RaisinsSome health benefits of raisins are given below.
The high levels of insoluble fiber, the dietary fiber, swells in the stomach because of the water adding bulk to the food and thereby relieving constipation. Interestingly this very property of absorbing water makes it very useful to check loose stools in those suffering from diarrhea.
Raisins are cool in nature and restore the balance of Vata Dosha. To balance the Pitta Dosha soak them in water overnight and eat them in the morning. Though raisins can aggravate Kapha Dosha as they are sweet and heavy in nature, combining them with cardamom or cinnamon will help tone down this dosha.
The catechins which are polyphenolic antioxidants check the free radical growth and proliferation thus preventing damage to cells and organ systems.
Raisin consumption can help diabetic people by regulating their sugar levels. They make the sugar absorption stable and prevent huge spikes and falls. Their consumption regulates release of the hormones leptin & ghrelin, which are responsible for telling the body whether it is hungry or full and thus prevent one from overeating.
Raisins lower both the serum LDL Cholesterol & oxidized low density cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Regular consumption of raisins as a snack food has shown to lower the risk factors for cardiovascular disease like blood pressure and post food blood sugar levels.
Raisins are one of the leading foods that provide a variety of antioxidants which help to protect the cells from oxidative damage by the rampaging free radicals. As such their consumption slows down aging of the body and the brain, prevent oxidation of cholesterol and fats in the blood thereby preventing their deposition in the arteries. This prevents blockage of the arteries and formation of clots that can cause heart attack & stroke.
The high levels of potassium make the arteries more flexible and lower blood pressure/hypertension.
The polyphenols have antioxidant properties which destroy free radicals and protect eye health like reduction of vision, cataract and macular degeneration.
The calcium and especially boron which is prevent in large amounts in raisins help to prevent osteoporosis, strengthens the bones and also promotes bone growth. The calcium and oleanolic acid in raisins prevents cavities in teeth, tooth decay and strengthens the teeth enamel too. Growth of the bacteria, Streptococcus mutans & Porphyromonas gingivales that cause cavities and other dental problems is prevented by raisin consumption.
Increase in acid condition of the blood has been known to lead to various health issues like joint problems, heart disease, kidney stones, cancer, skin problems, etc. Raisins reduce the acidity of the blood because they contain potassium and magnesium and thus lower the incidence of these problems.
The arginine in raisins improves libido, arousal and treats erectile dysfunction and improves sperm motility. Drinking milk in which raisins have been boiled and adding a pinch of saffron to it benefits.
Taken before a meal raisins help to control overeating as they promote a feeling of fullness and thereby preventing overeating. This helps in lowering weight and especially help adults and children control their food intake.
The iron & copper along with some Bcomplex vitamins in raisins help in raising the hemoglobin levels.
Because raisins are rich in fructose & glucose they provide a lot of calories/energy that helps to gain weight without the added cholesterol that comes with consumption of oil/butter/dairy fat consumption.
Regular intake of raisins improves digestion, strengthens the respiratory system, sharpens the brain & memory, and increases fertility naturally. A Word Of CautionRaisins are high in fructose and can therefore cause high triglyceride levels
leading to diabetes, fatty liver & coronary heart disease, if eaten in high amounts. Eat in moderation and they will be no cause for worry. NoteStore raisins in the refrigerator to prevent them from fermenting
Disclaimer
This hub is for information purposes only. Please consult your health provider or medical doctor before starting any new therapor health regime or practice. References
How To Make Homemade Raisin BreadChewy Oatmeal Raisins Cookies Recipe |
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