29 useful properties, 4 contraindications, application. The benefits and harms of raisins for the health of women, men, skin, hair

Raisins are dried grapes. Unlike other dried fruits, to which sweeteners are added during drying, raisins are made and packaged without added sugar. This dried fruit contains ample amounts of glucose and is one of the best natural sweeteners.

Raisins are also rich in fiber, potassium, iron, boron, numerous vitamins, macro- and microelements. Raisins are free from saturated fat, cholesterol, and gluten. It is a very useful and sometimes necessary food product.

Raisins contain polyphenols, antioxidants, flavonoids and nutrients that are beneficial to health and overall health.

General benefits

1. Reduces the likelihood of gum disease.

Usually, dried fruits (due to their high sugar content) have a negative effect on the health of the oral cavity. However, this does not apply to raisins. It can improve oral health and eliminate tooth decay. Research has shown that raisins contain antimicrobial phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.

Raisins contain oleanolic acid, one of the phytochemicals needed to protect teeth from decay and crumbling. Raisins prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth and keep teeth healthy. Since the dried fruit contains calcium, it also prevents chipping and crumbling of teeth.

2. Helps in digestion.

Raisins contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, which help maintain intestinal motility, relieve constipation and prevent diarrhea. Eating raisins every day is good for your stomach. The fiber it contains begins to swell from the water and helps flush out toxins from the digestive system.

All dried fruits contain more calories than fresh fruits, but they also contain more fiber. For example, one cup of grapes contains one gram of dietary fiber, and one cup of raisins contains seven grams. By adding raisins to your diet, you can quickly replenish your body’s need for fiber.

3. Reduces blood pressure.

Data presented at the 61st Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology in 2012 suggests that people with mild high blood pressure can even out by eating raisins (three small meals a day). Researchers have found that eating it daily helps to significantly lower blood pressure (especially when compared to other dried fruits).

4. Reduces the risk of stroke.

Raisins are rich in potassium electrolyte, which helps to raise potassium levels in the body. This macronutrient is a key mineral that is responsible for the proper functioning of all cells and tissues in the human body. People who have enough potassium in their diets have a lower risk of stroke (especially ischemic stroke).

5. Helps fight diabetes.

A 2015 study assessed the effect of daily raisin consumption on glucose levels and other cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type 23 diabetes. The study showed that the patients had a XNUMX% decrease in glucose levels and decreased systolic blood pressure. According to research, raisins can be called a beneficial food for type XNUMX diabetics. When you eat raisins, dietary fiber helps the body process natural sugars, which prevents insulin spikes.

6. Promotes cancer prevention.

Research shows that dried fruits, especially dates, prunes and raisins, contain high phenolic compounds that have stronger antioxidant properties than those found in some fresh fruits. Antioxidants are extremely important to our health because they prevent free radicals (these are highly reactive chemicals that can cause cellular damage to internal organs).

Free radicals are one of the main factors that lead to the spontaneous growth of cancer cells as well as the spread of cancer. Therefore, foods high in antioxidants (such as raisins) are natural cancer treatments. By including raisins in your diet, you can not only increase your body’s antioxidant levels, but also reduce cell damage and prevent cancer.

One of the most important antioxidants found in raisins is catechin. It helps prevent the formation of tumors and colon cancer.

7. Reduces acidity.

Raisins contain potassium and magnesium. It helps reduce acidity in the body and flush toxins from the system, preventing diseases such as arthritis, gout, kidney stones, and heart disease.

8. Helps in the treatment of anemia.

Raisins contain ample amounts of iron and B vitamins, which can help treat anemia. The copper present in raisins also helps in the production of red blood cells.

9. Helps in the treatment of infections.

Raisins contain polyphenolic phytonutrients that are well known as anti-inflammatory antioxidants. They have antibacterial properties that help reduce the risk of fever and eliminate bacteria. Thus, eating a small amount of raisins daily can protect against colds and other similar infections.

10. Improves sex life.

Consuming raisins also has beneficial effects on sex life. Raisins contain an amino acid called arginine, which increases libido and induces arousal. It is very beneficial for men and is used to treat erectile dysfunction.

11. Good for the eyes.

Raisins are known to be rich in polyphenolic phytonutrients, which are antioxidants. These substances help preserve vision as well as protect the eyes by reducing the action of free radicals, which can not only impair vision and cause muscle degeneration, but also lead to cataracts. Eye benefits are also possible thanks to vitamin A, beta-carotene and A-carotenoid.

12. Helps you gain weight.

If you’re desperate to gain weight, raisins will help with that as well. It is rich in fructose and glucose and is high in calories. Raisins help you gain weight without accumulating “bad” cholesterol.

13. Gives strength to bones.

Raisins are high in calcium, which is essential for bone health. Dried grapes help in the treatment of arthritis and gout, and is also useful for patients with osteoporosis and osteochondrosis. Raisins contain boron, which ensures maximum absorption of calcium.

14. Promotes weight loss.

Studies in obese people often conclude that many of them suffer from slow metabolism and poor gastrointestinal function. A low metabolic rate contributes to the accumulation of excess fat, as the food they consume is often converted to fat instead of energy. Raisins are rich in fiber, which helps speed up the digestion process.

At the same time, regular consumption of raisins normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines. The fibers present in raisins effectively remove toxins from the body and keep the gastrointestinal tract in working order.

The benefits of raisins for women

Raisins are extremely beneficial for pregnant women. It contains important and essential nutrients that benefit both mother and baby.

15. Fights constipation.

Raisins are high in fiber and are effective in treating the most common problem that occurs during early pregnancy. It absorbs water and has a laxative effect, which improves intestinal motility, relieving constipation in a pregnant woman.

16. Produces blood cells.

During pregnancy, women are prone to anemia because they need to provide nutrients to the growing fetus. Raisins contain a B complex, iron, and several minerals that increase hemoglobin levels in the body. This helps prevent anemia, weakness, and other problems that occur during pregnancy.

17. Improves digestion.

The fibrous content of raisins helps to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and flush out waste and toxic substances from the body. Pregnancy increases the body’s need for food, which is necessary for the growth of the baby and the good health of the mother. With the growth of the uterus, which over time begins to occupy the entire internal space of the abdominal cavity, the digestive organs become cramped, they shrink. As a result, the digestion process becomes more difficult, the digestion of food becomes a problem. The magnesium and potassium in raisins reduce acidity and make food easier to digest.

18. Increases energy levels.

Because the body undergoes so many changes during pregnancy, it needs energy to cope with the needs of the mother and baby. Raisins also strengthen the mother’s immune system and help cope with the changes she is experiencing. This provides the necessary physical strength during labor and childbirth.

19. Benefits the vision of the unborn child.

Pregnant women should eat raisins to reduce the risks of developing any birth defect in their baby, especially those related to the eyes.

20. Normalizes hormones.

Due to hormonal changes in the female body during menopause, osteoporosis may develop in the fairer sex after 45 years. Raisins help prevent this disease by blocking the leaching of calcium from the bones, strengthening them and nourishing them with phosphorus. In addition, the mobility and functionality of the joints increases.

Skin Benefits

21. Has a rejuvenating effect.

Unlike conventional face and body creams, raisins act on the skin from the inside out, protecting the body’s cells from damage. Raisins are rich in phenol, an antioxidant that prevents free radicals from damaging cells. It also contains collagen and elastin, which help slow down the signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.

Antioxidants accelerate skin regeneration processes, they rejuvenate skin cells and prevent skin sagging. Raisins contain vitamins A and E, which help stimulate the development of new cells in the outer layers of the skin. They improve skin hydration, make it firm and youthful.

22. Cleans the skin.

Raisins contain resveratrol, a substance that is very beneficial in maintaining healthy skin. It removes toxic substances from the blood. This improves the production of red cells in the body, which in turn leaves the skin clear, shiny and hydrated.

23. Eliminates acidosis.

Blood toxicity, also known as acidosis, is a condition that increases the acidity of the body. This can lead to skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and acne. The high magnesium and potassium content of raisins neutralizes stomach acid. It helps to cure acidosis and keep your skin healthy.

24. UV protection.

Raisins, or rather their phytochemicals, protect skin cells from damage caused by sun exposure. Amino acids help repair skin and form a protective barrier against sun damage, which is beneficial in preventing skin cancer. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body, thereby slowing down the oxidation process and preventing the breakdown of DNA cells.

Hair Benefits

Raisins contain many nutrients that are good for hair. These include B vitamins, iron, potassium and antioxidants, which are needed to improve hair condition.

25. Strong and healthy hair.

Raisins are rich in iron, a nutrient that is required to maintain healthy hair. Deficiency of iron in the body can lead to the fact that the hair becomes dull, lifeless and begins to fall out rapidly. Iron improves blood circulation in the body and stimulates hair follicle cells to grow. This makes the hair healthy and strong.

26. Prevents dandruff.

Raisins are high in vitamin C, which facilitates the absorption of minerals and nourishes the hair. This helps maintain the natural color of the hair.

Daily consumption of raisins strengthens blood vessels. This, in turn, reduces flaking of the scalp, eliminating dandruff and itching. The resveratrol present in raisins inhibits scalp inflammation, preventing hair loss.

27. Stimulates hair growth.

The antioxidants in raisins prevent hair damage by stimulating the strengthening and healing of hair follicles. They also promote the development of healthy cells required for hair growth. Raisins contain several essential nutrients that are responsible for healthy hair.

Vitamin C supports the connective tissue of the follicle, also known as collagen. This promotes hair growth. Vitamin E further strengthens cell membranes and prevents the negative effects of free radicals on hair follicles.

Benefits for men

28. Beneficial effect on potency.

Raisins affect potency, improving erectile function and preventing premature ejaculation. 30-50 g of raisins can energize, improve mood and sex life.

29. For a set of muscle mass.

Raisins are useful for men who are engaged in building their bodies – bodybuilding. The high carbohydrate content helps to recuperate after an intense workout and promotes muscle building.

Harm and contraindications of raisins

1. Excess weight.

Raisins contain a huge amount of sugar – 8 times more than ripe grapes. Sugar is easily absorbed and can provide a large flow of energy, and sometimes excessive, which is stored in adipose tissue. It is not recommended to overuse raisins. Stick to reasonable dosages, otherwise you can get obesity, and with it other health problems.

2. Asthma and allergies.

Raisins treated with sulfur dioxide (such as golden raisins) can worsen asthma and other allergic reactions in people with sulfur sensitivity. Read the label carefully before purchasing raisins to avoid consuming sulfur dioxide. Sun-dried raisins are the safest option.

3. Harmful to pets.

If you have a dog, make sure that the raisins do not end up in the bowl. Although there are currently no confirmed studies, it is widely believed that raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.

4. Gestational diabetes.

Pregnant women are prone to developing gestational diabetes. Raisins contain glucose, so women with this form of diabetes should consume this dried fruit in moderation.

Raisins are contraindicated for people suffering from tuberculosis, peptic ulcer and oral diseases.

Chemical composition of the product

Nutritional value of raisins (100 g) and percentage of daily value:

  • The nutritional value
  • Vitamins
  • Macronutrients
  • Trace Elements
  • calories 262 kcal – 18,4%;
  • proteins 1,8 g – 2,2%;
  • fats 0 g – 0%;
  • carbohydrates 66 g – 51,5%;
  • dietary fiber – 3,1 g – 15,5%;
  • water – 19 g – 0,7%.
  • S 2,3 mg – 4%;
  • To 3,5 μg – 4%;
  • E 0,12 mg – 1%;
  • B1 0,15 mg – 10%;
  • B2 0,08 mg – 4,4%;
  • B6 0,2 mg – 9%;
  • B9 5 μg – 1%;
  • PP 0,5 mg – 2,5%;
  • niacin 0,8 mg – 4%.
  • calcium 80 mg – 8%;
  • potassium 860 mg – 34,4%;
  • magnesium 42 mg – 10,5%;
  • sodium 117 mg – 9%;
  • phosphorus 129 mg – 16%.
  • iron 2 mg – 12%;
  • copper 0,3 mg – 16%;
  • manganese 0,3 mg – 15%;
  • zinc 0,22 mg – 2%;
  • selenium 0,6 mcg – 1%.

conclusions

Raisins are a very useful product that helps prevent the onset of diseases, get rid of symptoms and even cure some diseases. The main benefits of raisins for men and women:

Useful Properties

  • Reduces the likelihood of gum disease.
  • Helps in digestion.
  • Reduces blood pressure.
  • Reduces the risk of stroke.
  • Helps fight diabetes.
  • Helps prevent cancer.
  • Reduces stomach acidity.
  • Helps in the treatment of anemia.
  • Helps in the treatment of infections.
  • Improves sex life.
  • Good for the eyes.
  • Promotes weight gain.
  • Strengthens bones.
  • Good for skin and hair.
  • Helps to reduce weight.

Harmful properties

  • Excess weight;
  • Asthma and allergies;
  • Gestational diabetes.

Sources of Research

The main studies on the benefits and dangers of raisins have been carried out by foreign doctors and scientists. Below you can find the primary sources of research on the basis of which this article was written:

Sources of Research

1. http://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2012/03/25/15/51/raisins_bp

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20043255

3.https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/41633/PDF

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17880162

5.http: //ispub.com/IJNW/10/1/6985

6. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2371?manu=&fgcd=

7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1874390008000542

8. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/increasing_fiber_intake/

9. http://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2012/03/25/15/51/raisins_bp

10.https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/potassium

11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25609549

12. https://beatcancer.org/blog-posts/the-cancer-fighting-fruits-and-its-cancer-fighting-properties/

13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8695238

14. https://www.britannica.com/topic/raisin

15. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

16. http://sites.psu.edu/360nutr/wp-content/uploads/sites/14716/2014/10/pic.pdf

17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18925480

18. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355040

19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211994

20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17880162

21. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=jxQHBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA2&dq=Food+is+your+Medicine++By+Dr.+Jitendra+Arya&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0pDHVPyPGs7U8gWDqIDICA&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Food%20is%20your%20Medicine%20%20By%20Dr.%20Jitendra%20Arya&f=false

22.https: //www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers/make-food-fun.html

23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19640974

24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23789931

25. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/raisins_the_most_economic_fruit_per_serving

26. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=iHBf4kFaC_kC&pg=PR4&dq=Complementary+Medicine,+Beauty+and+Modelling++By+AGATA+A.+LISTOWSKA,+MA+and+MARK+A.+NICHOLSON,+ASO,+Agata+A.+Ma&hl=en&sa=X&ei=W93IVM2HNNa78gW114DQCA&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Complementary%20Medicine%2C%20Beauty%20and%20Modelling%20%20By%20AGATA%20A.%20LISTOWSKA%2C%20MA%20and%20MARK%20A.%20NICHOLSON%2C%20ASO%2C%20Agata%20A.%20Ma&f=false

27. https://www.naturalnews.com/026830_resveratrol_Amazon_natural.html

28. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=jyqzV-tcDRQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Foods+That+Heal++By+Bakhru,+H+K&hl=en&sa=X&ei=yN_IVILaKpDY8gX1y4KICA&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Foods%20That%20Heal%20%20By%20Bakhru%2C%20H%20K&f=false

29. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-472-raisin%20(grape).aspx?activeingredientid=472&activeingredientname=raisin%20(grape)

30.https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728696/

31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20041785

32. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-185229/Foods-make-skin-glow.html

33. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ecApYQyfVRUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Prescription+for+Dietary+Wellness:+Using+Foods+to+Heal++By+Phyllis+A.+Balch+CNC&hl=en&sa=X&ei=PbPJVIWoD4Pn8gXvqYCQCQ&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Prescription%20for%20Dietary%20Wellness%3A%20Using%20Foods%20to%20Heal%20%20By%20Phyllis%20A.%20Balch%20CNC&f=false

Additional useful information about raisins

How to use

1. In cooking.

Raisins are always sold ready to eat. It can be used as a snack or added to various dishes (rice or oatmeal, baked goods, salads, puddings, etc.), combined with nuts, seeds and other dried fruits. You can make compote from raisins.

2. In cosmetology.

Raisins are used in cosmetology as face and hair masks.

How to choose

Raisins are available at any grocery store any time of the year. There are several brands and varieties of it, so always buy good quality raisins.

  • Buy raisins sold in clear containers or by weight so you can check their quality.
  • When buying packaged dried fruit, make sure the container or package is well sealed.
  • Low-quality raisins are usually thin and flat, so buy meaty and not very shriveled.
  • Do not buy raisins if they show mold, excess moisture, or rot.
  • Shake the package or container. Do not buy raisins that “rumble” in their packaging, as this indicates that the dried fruit is dry.
  • In the production of raisins, treatment with sulphurous anhydride is used. Its amount should not exceed the norm.
  • If you want to wash off this substance, you need to soak the dried fruit in cold water for half an hour, then rinse it in boiling water.
  • If the raisins have a uniform yellow color, then they have been chemically treated.
  • Raisins don’t have to look perfect. It should be wrinkled and matte.
  • Raisins should not be wet, but too dry a product is not allowed.
  • When probing dried berries, you should feel the pulp.

How to store

Proper storage is very important to maintain the freshness and quality of food:

  • It is ideal to store raisins in a cool, dark and dry place.
  • It stays fresh for over two months when stored in an airtight container, and will last even longer when stored in the refrigerator.
  • Raisins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year, and in the freezer for up to two years.
  • However, prolonged cooling can lead to crystallization of the sugar contained in raisins.
  • To prevent crystallization, transfer the raisins from the container to an airtight storage bag. Close the bag tightly and place it in the refrigerator or kitchen cabinet.
  • Alternatively, you can put the crystallized raisins in warm water to dissolve the crystals that have formed.
  • After opening the package, then keep it tightly closed with a plastic fastener or rubber band.
  • Avoid storing raisins near warm appliances (for example, an oven or kettle).
  • Higher temperatures can cause the raisins to lose their moisture faster.

History of occurrence

Raisins are mentioned several times in the Bible. One such reference is when David (the future king of Israel) was given “a hundred clusters of raisins.” This refers to the time period from 1110 to 1070. BC NS.

For the first time, raisins were obtained in the East. The ancient Persians used it for long-distance military campaigns, long caravans and in navigation. Some sources say that raisins were familiar to the ancient Egyptians. It was possible to establish this from the discovered frescoes, which were made more than 4 thousand years ago. The next mentions of raisins were in the X-IX centuries BC. NS. They say that he arrived in Europe on the ships of Phoenician merchants.

It is also assumed that the raisins were obtained by accident. The grapes that were supposed to be processed for wine have randomly dried up. This is how the first raisins were made. Raisins were first produced for sale in the years 300-200. BC NS. In the XI century, raisins came to Europe thanks to the knights of the Crusades. In America, raisins appeared along with the colonists who brought grape seeds to this continent.

How and where is it made

Until the 1851th century, Greece, Iran and Turkey were the main producers of raisins. By the middle of the twentieth century, the United States took the lead in raisin production along with Australia. Today, the raisin industry in the United States is located exclusively in California. The first vine was planted in XNUMX. Today, the United States, Australia, Turkey, Greece, Iran and Chile are the leading commercial raisins producers.

Raisins are traditionally sun-dried, but they can also be submerged in water and artificially dehydrated. The oxidation and crystallization of the sugars during this process results in the naturally dark brown color of the raisins. Also grapes are dried in the shade.

In the USA, seedless white raisins are mechanically dried. The grapes are harvested from the vine, washed in a water bath, and then soaked in hot water to soften the skin. Clean bunches of grapes are placed on wooden racks and sent to gas tunnel dryers, where hot air is supplied. When dried, the grapes are exposed to sulfur dioxide gas to prevent oxidation and crystallization, allowing the raisins to dry to their characteristic golden color.

Sultan is another type of raisin that is obtained from small pale green grapes native to Turkey. This grape was originally used to make wine, but today it is mainly used to make raisins. Sultan is more popular in Europe, and the American variety of this grape is called “seedless Thompson”.

There are three main types of raisins:

  • commercially available (sun dried – natural);
  • artificially dried (with water);
  • raisins treated with sulfur dioxide.

Self-made

If you have a fruit dryer, this can be done quite simply:

  • Dissolve 10 tbsp. l. soda in 5 liters of boiled water, dip a bunch of grapes in it for a few minutes.
  • Rinse the grapes with cold water, cool, put on the dryer.
  • Sort out the berries every day, pick up the ready ones and throw away the spoiled ones.

Other ways are to dry the grapes in the sun or shade. The drying process is similar to the first option.

You can dry the grapes in the oven. This requires:

  1. Rinse the grapes in cold water.
  2. Select ripe, undamaged berries.
  3. Dip the grapes in the baking soda solution for 5 seconds.
  4. Remove excess moisture, put on a baking sheet.
  5. Drying is carried out with the oven door open at a temperature of 50-60 degrees Celsius.
  6. The duration of the procedure is 10 hours.
  7. During the drying process, it is necessary to take short breaks to cool the berries. Otherwise, they can dry out completely.

Interesting Facts

  • Raisins improve the quality of married life. In India, there is a tradition according to which the bride and groom are given a glass of milk boiled with raisins and saffron. This is an age old practice that confirms the effectiveness of raisins.
  • Dark seedless raisins contain more vitamin C than any other.
  • To taste, raisins are best combined with warm milk.
  • The Romans and Greeks decorated their cities and houses with raisins.
  • This dried fruit has also been used to honor the winners of sporting events.
  • The concentration of nutrients in dried grapes is higher compared to fresh ones.
  • During the drying process, the balance of calcium and magnesium is balanced. This balance becomes ideal for the human body.
  • During the drying process, additional antioxidants are formed in the form of oleanolic and tartaric acids.

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