Can you guess which is the smallest source of energy that you can have?
Okay let’s give you a hint, It’s small and it’s wrinkled. Didn’t get it still?
Okay, so the answer is RAISINS!
Raisins are small pieces of wrinkled up dried grapes. They are tiny in size but are a powerhouse of energy and nutrients. They are delicious, sweet and a little tangy in taste.
These small little magic beans are a gold mine of vitamins and minerals that can rejuvenate not just your body but also your mood.
Nutritional Content
The nutritional content of raisins is as follows:
Since raisins are naturally sweet, they are bound to be a little high on calories and sugar, but at the same time, they are also nutritious.
They are a rich source of iron and a daily serving of about a half cup of raisins covers 7% of the daily iron requirement of an adult male/female.
Calcium is also a content present in raisins. A regular serving of raisins covers about 4% of your daily need for calcium.
Raisins have a high Fibre content which improves the digestive system and reduces bad cholesterol levels.
Pertaining to its tangy flavour, raisins are also a source of Vitamin C. They also enrich your bodies with Proteins, zinc, and magnesium. Raisins help in filling nutrient tanks with phosphorus, potassium and sodium as well.
They are a rich source of antioxidants. These antioxidants protect the eye cells from radical damage, keep your skin young, protect you from age-related muscular degeneration in the eyes and problems like cataract.
How do raisins help your body?
- Raisins protect our body from anaemia
Their iron, copper and vitamin content prevents your body from a deficiency of iron that causes anaemia. Hence, having a healthy amount of raisins daily can protect you from anaemia.
- They prevent acidity
Minerals like potassium and magnesium are basic, hence they balance out the acidity.
- Improves your skin
Antioxidants in raisins improve the health of your skin, helps in keeping the skin cells young and prevents it from ageing. They also help in speeding up the skin repair system and prevent it from damage.
- They are good for your bones and teeth
Considering that raisins have a good enough calcium content, it’s no surprise that they are good for your bone health. Along with that, they have oleanolic acid which is known for keeping teeth safe from cavities and decay.
- Have an antibacterial effect
The polyphenolic phytonutrients (a type of antioxidant) exhibit antibacterial properties which lower the risk of catching a cold, fever or any bacterial infections.
- Protects your eyes
As mentioned above, raisins protect eye cells from damage, keeps your eyesight strong and protects the eyes from cataract.
So, we can see that raisins have a strong nutritional lineup, that benefits our health and body in a multitude of ways. Having a handful of raisins daily can prove to be a healthy habit which you should inculcate in your routine. But adding raisins to your diet doesn’t simply mean popping a handful into your mouth and you are done. It’s a process. It will only be properly effective when you give it some time. Take a handful of raisins, and put them into a bowl. Now take them one at a time. Pick up a raisin and pop it into your mouth. Now chew it slowly, don’t be in a hurry to gobble it down. Go slow, chew it at least 15 times. You will notice its taste will change. That’s how you know you have done a good job chewing that raisin because now it will release all its nutrients and do its magic. That’s the right way to have a raisin. Now repeat the process with rest.
A handful of raisins can do wonders for you, so let the raisins do their job, and see yourself glow.