Who says healthy has to be boring? There are so many yummy, healthy, and nutritious superfoods offered by mother nature that we can relish any time, and that too without any guilt. One such superfood is raisins aka kishmish that has so much and more, when it comes to nutrients!
Raisins are basically dried grapes, which are packed with several nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and several other dietary fibres.
All this makes raisins best suited for those who are conscious of their health and well-being.
Here are seven awemazing health benefits of eating raisins on a daily basis, as stated by Amreen Shaikh, head dietician and nutritionist from Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai:
1.Popping raisins can help you poop better
A constipated stomach is a hell hole for a healthy body. That’s why you need to keep the digestion passage clear all the time, and raisins can certainly help you!
Raisins are loaded with insoluble dietary fibers, making them a natural laxative that improves bowel movement, and ensures smooth elimination of stool from our system.
“Raisins provide relief from constipation as well as other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.” she says
2. Eat raisins to gain weight
Not everyone is looking to lose weight. There are people who are also looking to gain weight in a healthy manner. And thanks to raisins, you can achieve that holistically.
“If you want to gain weight, raisins can be your best friends. Raisins are rich in fructose and glucose, and give you loads of energy. They will help you gain weight, without increasing bad cholesterol in your system”, explains Ms Shaikh.
3. It might also help in the prevention of cancer
“Raisins provide anticarcinogenic benefits, because of the presence of catechins. Catechins have polyphenol compounds that possess antioxidant compounds”, she says.
4. It helps to keep your BP in check
Stress and our eating habits can lead to fluctuations in our blood pressure. And this is not a good sign. But thank god, raisins have a solve for this too.
Raisins have high potassium content in it, and potassium is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension.
Also, the dietary fibre in raisins reduces the stiffness of the blood vessels, improving blood pressure, which in turn, reduces the risk of hypertension.
5. Raisins also enhance immunity
Thanks to covid-19, immunity has become of utmost importance in everyone’s life. When it comes to raisins, they have essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals as well as other compounds, such as antioxidants and polyphenols.
All these help in fighting with free radicals in our system, stabilising them, and preventing them from causing oxidative damage to our cells including the white blood cells that form the backbone of our immune system.
“Raisins also have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that help to reduce the risk of various infections”, explains Ms Shaikh.
6. Helps to curb urbing anti-inflammatory disorders like arthritis
Raisins are helpful with providing pain relief caused by inflammatory problems such as arthritis and gout. This is because of the presence of antioxidants and polyphenols.
“Antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols are anti-inflammatory in nature, which relieves pain and inflammation associated with gout and arthritis”, she says.
7. It will help you sleep better
Due to multiple reasons, lack of peaceful sleep can wreck your mental as well as physical well-being. And what’s better than popping something yum to resolve your sleep issues?
“Raisins have been found to be quite beneficial to treat insomnia, because of the presence of an essential nutrient like iron. As we all know, iron is a vital mineral that not only increases the production of haemoglobin but also improves metabolism, carries oxygen, strengthens immunity and ensures better sleep”, says Ms Shaikh.
The last word
Although not much research has been done on how raisins help with stress and other mental health-related issues, there have been some positive findings. It is believed to induce sleep, relaxes your body, and keeps you calm.
“Also, if you have major sugar cravings, then raisins are a great alternative to chocolates and candies due to its sweet taste” she concludes.
So, now you know why raisins are so good for you!