Raisins Nutrition: 5 Health Benefits

Raisins are a healthy snack for people of all ages. As a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, raisins offer plenty of health benefits. Raisins nutrition includes potassium, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin K. The small snacks are made from seedless grapes, which are laid out to dry in the sun when harvested. Similar to medjool dates, raisins are one of the best natural sweeteners around. Raisins health benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, aid in digestion, lower blood pressure, help prevent cancer and aid in diabetes management.

Raisins Health Benefits

1. Improve Oral Health

Raisins health benefits include the ability to improve oral health by reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Raisins nutrition include antimicrobial phytochemicals that help suppress the growth of oral bacteria. Among these phytochemicals is oleanolic acid, which has the ability to inhibit the bacteria that causes cavities, as well as the bacteria that causes gum disease. Studies show that raisins health benefits include the ability to naturally reverse cavities and heal tooth decay. (1)

2. Aid in Digestion

Raisins health benefits include the ability to aid in digestion. As a high-fiber food, raisins nutrition works to reduce digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea. The fiber in raisins helps to promote regular bowel movements and healthy digestion. Dried fruits are known to have a higher amount of fiber than fresh fruits. Adding raisins to your diet can help promote a healthy digestive system.

3. Lower Blood Pressure and Reduce the Risk of Stroke

Studies have shown that raisins health benefits include the ability to naturally lower blood pressure. Researchers found that individuals who suffer from increases in blood pressure can benefit from consuming raisins three times per day. Raisins health benefits include lower blood pressure levels, which leads to a reduce risk of stroke. Raisins nutrition includes potassium, a heart-healthy nutrient that helps maintain the proper function of the cells, tissues and organs. (2)

4. Help Manage Diabetes

Raisins health benefits include the ability to help naturally manage diabetes. According to a 2015 study, participants with type 2 diabetes who consumed raisin had a 23% reduction in glucose levels after a meal, compared to participants who consumed alternative processed snacks. The study found that raisins health benefits also include a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. The fiber in raisins nutrition helps to prevent insulin spikes and naturally manage diabetes. (3)

5. Help Prevent Cancer

Research has shown that raisins health benefits include the ability to help prevent cancer. Raisins contain powerful antioxidants that work to prevent free radical damage in the body. Damage to the cells caused by free radicals is often an underlying factor that leads to the growth of cancer cells. Raisins and other high-antioxidant foods serve as natural cancer treatments. They help increase the antioxidant levels in the body, decrease cellular damage and keep the body safe from cancer. (4)