10 Reasons You Should Include Raisins In Your Diet

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Raisins are one of the most well known and versatile dried fruits available today. Raisins were produced in Persia and Egypt and were even mentioned in the Old Testament. It is not only tasty additions to cookies and cakes, but also provide several health benefits.

Raisins are especially good for those who suffer from constipation, fever, anemia, and acidosis. It also help in weight gain, eye care, dental care, and bone health.

10 Health Benefits Of Eating Raisins

Anemia

Raisins are a rich source of iron and copper as well as B complex vitamins which are vital for the formation of red blood cells. Regular consumption of raisins helps cure iron deficiency anemia and promotes blood clotting during wound healing.

Eye Health

The presence of polyphenolic phytonutrients in raisins benefit your vision. These powerful plant chemicals offer protection against macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Heart Health

Regular consumption of raisins provides protection against heart disease. By lowering cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels, raisins improve the overall condition of your heart, thus lowering the risk of strokes, hypertension and heart attack.

Cholesterol

Studies have shown that eating raisins for reducing levels of cholesterol is helpful. This is due to the fact that raisins contain soluble fiber. This soluble fiber helps to lower low density lipoprotein. It also contain polyphenols which help to lower the cholesterol levels in the body.

Acidity Reduction

The potassium and magnesium contents of raisins help reduce acidity (an abnormal metabolic condition known as acidosis) and remove toxins from the body, which may cause diseases such as arthritis, gout, kidney stones and heart disease.

Energy Booster

Being loaded with carbs, particularly natural sugars like fructose and glucose, raisins are a good source of energy. They facilitate efficient absorption of vitamins, proteins and other nutrients in the body. They are often consumed by body builders and athletes to provide a quick boost of energy.

Aids Digestion

Upon ingestion, fibers in raisins swell as they absorb water, thus promoting a laxative effect and thereby relieving constipation. Regular intake of raisins helps in maintaining regular bowel movement, with the fibers sweeping away the toxins and waste materials from the gastrointestinal tract.

Diabetes

Doctors may not advise raisins in the diet for diabetic patients, as raisins are dried fruits. The drying of fruits leads to more concentration of sugar in these fruits. Consumption of raisins may therefore lead to higher blood sugar levels in diabetics, which is not healthy for them.

Arthritis

Raisins contain a large amount of alkaline which helps to neutralize acids that are present in the body. It is best for arthritis treatment are recommended as it is an effective cure for acidosis. It also contain magnesium and potassium which help to reduce acidity.

Cancer Prevention

Raisins have high levels of catechins, polyphenolic antioxidants in the blood. These substances help to clean up the free radicals floating and destruction of cells, organ systems in the body, so they can help to prevent cancer formation, slow the development of cancer.
Sources:

http://www.searchhomeremedy.com/top-15-health-benefits-of-raisins/
http://www.3fatchicks.com/10-health-benefits-of-raisins/
http://www.drjanet.com/blog/2013/10/07/10-great-benefits-of-eating-raisins/
http://en.parsiteb.com/the-health-benefits-of-raisins/

Sherice