Which raisins are healthier

Some of us love raisins. Some of us think they belong in no foods ever—especially not in cookies where they might be cruelly mistaken for chocolate chips. Something we could all agree on, however, was that golden raisins are far superior to their brown, shriveled counterparts. They just taste better. They're fruitier. And while regular brown raisins can be dry and grainy—not to mention overly sweet—golden raisins have more nuanced flavor and are plump and soft.

We wanted to know why. The first and biggest surprise our investigative journalism yielded: golden raisins and regular raisins are not, as we had assumed, made from different types of grapes. They contain good amounts of iron , copper , and vitamins that are essential for making red blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout the body. Raisins contain substantial amounts of beneficial minerals, such as iron, copper, magnesium , and potassium.

These are alkaline, or basic, minerals on the pH scale and may help balance acidity levels in the stomach. A study posted to Postgraduate Medicine noted that regularly eating raisins may help reduce cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure rate, when compared to other snacks. This is because raisins are a low sodium food that also contains a good source of potassium, which helps the blood vessels relax.

Raisins are also a good source of antioxidant compounds. Dietary antioxidants are essential, as they may protect the body from oxidative damage and free radicals. Oxidative damage and free radicals are risk factors in many types of cancer , tumor growth, and aging. Raisins contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may protect the cells in the eyes from free radical damage.

This may in turn help protect the eyes from eye disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Antioxidants may help keep the skin cells young and prevent damage from aging cells. Raisins also contain valuable nutrients, such as vitamin C, selenium , and zinc.

This combination of nutrients and antioxidants may be a helpful addition to a diet that focuses on creating good skin health. Even though raisins contain a more concentrated amount of sugars than fresh fruit, raisin intake compared to processed snacks decreased hemoglobin a1c, which is a marker of blood sugar management.

While raisins are generally beneficial, there are some times when raisins may not be the best snack. For instance, people looking to reduce their calorie intake may want to be careful about eating large amounts of raisins. While a single raisin contains the same number of calories as a single grape, raisins are much smaller. This can easily lead to eating too many calories.

Another concern about eating too many raisins is the increase in soluble fiber. Too much fiber may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as cramps, gas, and bloating. Some people may even develop diarrhea. However, it is important to note that this would only result from eating a significant amount of raisins since they do not contain excessively high amounts of fiber. Lastly, because of their small size, people prone to choking and small children may need to avoid raisins and opt for fresh fruit instead.

Raisins are dried grapes, which are the fruit from the Vitis vinifera plant. Because of this, their nutritional content will be similar to that of grapes. There are some exceptions, however. Grapes are a delicious fruit to snack on, but are they good for you? Here are the nutritional benefits. For many people, one of the best parts about traveling is getting to explore the local cuisines. This article looks at 10 of the healthiest cuisines….

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Nutrition How to eat raisins Making your own Takeaway What are raisins? Raisins are commonly used: as a salad topping mixed into oatmeal in yogurt in granola or cereal You also may have eaten them baked into delicious cookies, breads, and muffins. The nutrition of raisins. How to eat raisins. Make your own raisins. Next steps. Read this next. Raisins vs. Sultanas vs. Dried Fruit: Good or Bad? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.

Are Grapes Good for You? Top 10 Healthy Cuisines from Around the World. Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD. Freshly: A Dietitian's Honest Comparison.