Are raisins good for you?
Are raisins good for you and what are their top health benefits? Registered nutritionis,t Nicola Shubrook, explains what raisins are, why they might be good for you and her favourite raisin-filled recipes to try
What are raisins?
Raisins are dried grapes. They come in different colours, ranging from golden yellow to dark brown-black, and they can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Nutritional benefits of raisins
Despite being a dried fruit, raisins are high in sugar and calories, so should be eaten in moderation. It is also recommended that children only eat dried fruit, including raisins, with other foods as they're quite sticky and can stick to their teeth, potentially causing tooth decay.
1 tbsp (approx. 15g) serving of raisins:
- 38 calories
- Negligible protein
- Negligible fat
- 9g carbohydrates
- 133mg potassium
- 8mg calcium
What are the top 5 health benefits of raisins?
1. They may help reduce the risk of heart disease
Despite their sugar content, raisins are also rich in fibre, potassium and antioxidants which research has shown may help reduce the risk of heart disease and helps to decrease blood pressure.
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2. They may help in the management of diabetes
The same ingredients may also help in the management of diabetes as they have been associated with increased satiety and a decrease in overall food consumption.
3. They help support a healthy digestive system
Fibre is important for our digestive health, and most of us do not get enough in our daily diet. Raisins may help increase the total amount of daily fibre when consumed as part of balanced diet.
4. They may help support adult oral health
Despite their stickiness, raisins appear to contain certain properties that help to maintain a healthy oral pH balance, and some antioxidants that help inhibit a bacteria that is known to cause dental cavities.
5. Raisins may help with satiety
Research has demonstrated that children who eat raisins as an after-school snack, compared to crisps or chocolate, had a lower overall consumption of food in their day, and lowered appetite.
Healthy raisin recipes
Chickpea patties with carrot & raisin salad
Carrots with pine nuts, raisins & parsley
Spaghetti with walnuts, raisins & parsley
Classic coleslaw
Fruit & nut breakfast bowl
Caponata
This article was published on 1 September 2022.
Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Find out more at urbanwellness.co.uk.
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