Raisins, or dried grapes, are a versatile, nutritious fruit commonly eaten as a snack, added to cereal or trail mix, mixed into sauces and baked into breads and desserts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that people who eat more fruits might have a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. The naturally sweet, tangy flavor of raisins, along with their portability and long shelf-life, make them an ideal fruit for your family's healthy diet.
Processing Information
The majority of grapes dried into raisins are Thompson seedless of the Vinifera variety. After harvesting, the grapes dry in the sun for two to three weeks and then go to the factory for processing. Machines remove the stems and capstems from the raisins and sort and clean them. Technicians inspect the raisins by hand before packaging. According to California Raisins, 99.5 percent of raisins in the United States and 45 percent of the world's raisins are from the state of California.
Nutritional Content
One serving of raisins equals 1/4 cup, or 40 grams, and has 130 calories, no fat and no cholesterol. A serving contains 10 milligrams of sodium, 310 milligrams of potassium, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 29 grams of sugars, 1 gram of protein, and 2 percent of your daily value of calcium, as well as 6 percent of your daily value of iron. Raisins also contain high levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Disease-Fighting Power
Antioxidants can help protect cells and detoxify the body of excess toxic free radicals. Nutritional consultant, Stacey J. Bell, in her 2010 article, "Overview Of Antioxidants: Emphasis On Raisins" from "The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness," indicates that consuming the phytonutrients and antioxidants in raisins might reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and inflammation, and might lower blood pressure and help slow the body's aging process. The fiber content in raisins helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Dental Health
Dentists once thought raisins contributed to dental cavities due to their natural sugar content and tendency to temporarily stick to the teeth. However, in 2005, Christine D. Wu, M.S., Ph.D., of the University of Illinois-Chicago found that raisins might benefit oral health because their antimicrobial phytochemicals suppress oral bacterial growth linked to cavities and gingivitis.
Warnings
People who are allergic to sulfur should not consume golden raisins because of the application of sulfur dioxide during their mechanical drying process to prevent oxidation and caramelization. Dark raisins do not contain sulfur because they are sun-dried. Pet owners should take note that raisins, even in small amounts, can be highly toxic or fatal to dogs. Diabetics should eat raisins in moderation due to their high carbohydrate content.
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