HEALTH AND MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF RAISINS

 

HEALTH  AND  MEDICINAL  BENEFITS  OF  RAISINS 1. HELP  IN  DIGESTION : Having a few raisins every day is good for your stomach. Raisins contain fibres that start to swell in the presence of water. These give a laxative effect to the stomach and help in relieving constipation. Also, daily intake of raisins keeps the bowel movement regular and the fibers help to keep toxins and waste products out of the system. 2. REDUCE ACIDITY : Raisins contain potassium and magnesium in good levels. These help reduce acidity and help remove the toxins from the system, preventing diseases like arthritis, gout, kidney stones and heart diseases  3. HELP  AGAINST  ANAEMIA : Raisins have a good amount of iron and B-Complex vitamins in them which help to treat anaemia . The copper present in raisins also helps in the production of red blood cells. 4. HELP  PREVENT  CANCER : An antioxidant named cateching present in raisins helps in protecting the body against the free radical activity that can cause tumours and colon cancer  5. HELP TREAT INFECTIONS : Raisins contain polyphenolic phytonutrients, which are well known as anti-inflammatory antioxidants. They exhibit antibacterial properties that help lower the risk of fever and kill the bacteria. Thus, having a few raisins a day can keep you safe from cold and other such infections. 6. FOR  THE  EYES : Raisins are found to be rich in polyphenolic phytonutrients which are antioxidants that help in keeping your eyesight strong. The antioxidants in raisins help in protecting the eyes by reducing the free radical action that weakens the vision and causes muscular degeneration as well as cataract. Also, as raisins have vitamin A, beta carotene and A-Carotenoid and they are super good for the eyes 7. FOR YOUR MOUTH AND DENTAL CARE : Raisins contain oleanolic acid which is one of the phytochemicals which is essential to keep your teeth safe from decay, cavities as well as brittle teeth. Raisins prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth to keep the teeth in good shape. As they contain calcium in good quantities, they also prevent the teeth from peeling away or breakage. The boron present in raisins is good for keeping germ build-up in the mouth low 8. FOR YOUR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT : If you are desperately trying to gain weight, then these raisins are your best friends. Raisins are rich in fructose and glucose and give you loads of energy. They will help you gain weight without accumulating bad cholestero 9. FOR GOOD BONES : Raisins also contain good amounts of calcium which is good for bone health . They help you from arthritis and gout. SELECTION  AND  STORAGE:     Packed or canned raisins are available in the local grocery store throughout the year. Several brands and grades of raisins are available, so always buy raisins of good quality.     Raisins are available in small serving-size boxes and large containers. Try to purchase raisins that are sold in transparent containers, or loose, so that you can check their quality. While buying packaged raisins, make sure that the container is properly sealed and is not tampered.     Substandard and low quality raisins have thin flesh and very poor taste. Buy raisins that are plump in appearance and are not very shriveled.     Avoid buying old stocks and those that have molds, excess moisture or are rotten as this will affect their appearance and edibility.     Shake the box or container and avoid buying boxes that rattle loudly as this indicates that the raisins have dried out.     Raisins are best consumed within six months from the date of purchase.     Proper storage is very important for maintaining the freshness and the quality of raisins.     Raisins are ideally kept in a cool and dry place. They stay fresh for more than two months if kept in an airtight container and will last even more if stored in a refrigerator.     Refrigeration is recommended if you are preserving the raisins for later consumption. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to one year and in the freezer for up to two years. Prolonged cold storage may result in the crystallization of the sugar content of raisins.     To prevent the crystallization, transfer the raisins from the container to an airtight storage bag and press out the air as much as possible. Seal the bag properly and place it in the refrigerator or the kitchen cabinet. This will prevent the raisins from crystallizing or turning stale. You can even soak them in warm water to dissolve their crystals.