Black Raisins – Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Black raisin is the dried form of Corinth seedless grapes. The drying process of grapes is under the sun or in a dehydrator, equipment used for this purpose.

The name of Black raisins is because of their appearance. When eating black raisins, you can taste a tangy and sweet flavor.

The drying of black raisins in a dehydrator involves treatment with sulfur dioxide.

That is why it necessary to soak them in water for a few hours before consumption.

It makes the skin of the black raisins soft. It further allows complete absorption of the nutrition. The nutritional value of soaked black raisins is higher than regular black raisins.

Nutritional Content of Black Raisins

Black raisins are rich with nutritional content. These mineral and Vitamins play their part in a different biological process.

One cup of black raisins contains the following nutritional value;

• 408 Total calories

• 107 grams of Total Carbohydrates

• 9.8 Grams of Dietary Fiber

• 1284 grams of Potassium

• 12 milligrams of Sodium

• 8% RDI of magnesium

• 5.9 grams of Protein

• 2.1% RDI of Vitamin A

• 11% RDI of Vitamin C

• 10% of RDI of Vitamin B6

• 9.5% RDI of Calcium

• 25% RDI of Iron

Health Benefits of Black Raisins

Black Raisins are tiny shots of nutrition. The high nutritional value helps the body in many ways.

1. Antimicrobial

Black raisins constitute Oleanic acid, Catechin, and protocatechuic acid. All these compounds have antimicrobial properties.

According to research, Black grapes block the movement of the bacteria. These compounds also prevent the bacteria from adhering to the oral epithelial cells.

2. Antioxidant

Black raisins are rich in phenols. Triterpenoids in black raisin have antioxidant activity.

These compounds are responsible for fighting off free radicals and help in eliminating them.

3. Cardioprotective

Polyphenolic compounds in black raisins help to provide cardioprotective effects. The mechanism of action these compounds act is by the regulation of LDL and HDL.

4. Reno protective

Antioxidants in Black raisins protects the kidney from the damage of harmful molecules.

Black raisins also inhibit the formation of kidney stones.

5. Body Building

If you need to bulk up on muscles, then eating black raisins might help you to achieve your goals.

Black raisins are rich in proteins. It serves as the building block for muscles, and it is one of the reasons that black raisins are also a good source of amino acids.

MEDICAL USES

1. Osteoporosis

Black raisins contain potassium and calcium in surplus amounts. These two minerals are important to strengthen bones.

They prevent them from conditions such as osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, black raisins help to remineralize the bones.

2. Anemia

Iron is a major constituent of black raisin. Iron aids in the synthesis of red blood cells.

It also helps in increasing levels of hemoglobin in the blood. Eating even a few raisins daily will help you to have a healthy blood count.

This property of black raisin is useful for people who suffer from anemia.

3. Hypertension

Having high blood pressure is a dangerous condition for people. If left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack or even stroke.

High levels of sodium in the body are one of the causative factors for hypertension.

Black raisins are high in potassium. Potassium in the body helps to maintain a healthy balance of sodium in the body. Having black raisins for breakfast will help to keep a check on your blood pressure.

4. Constipation

Dietary fibers are important health constituents that help in smooth bowel movements. Dietary fibers help your gastrointestinal tract to remain clear.

A clear digestive tract will reduce bloating. It also helps in reducing the buildup of abdominal gases. Black raisins are rich in dietary fiber.

Which is why it should become an important part of daily breakfast.

5. Tooth Cavities

Raisins are sweet and sticky, and people might perceive them to cause cavities. Black raisins are opposite to what people perceive them to be. These specific types of raisins help to fight against cavities.

Oleanolic acid is an essential compound present in black raisins. This compound helps fight bacteria that grow in the oral cavity.

A minute quantity of Boron present in Black raisins also helps to whiten teeth. Calcium present in the black raisins also helps to maintain healthy and strong teeth.

6. Infertility

Black raisins are aphrodisiacs. Quantity of amino acids present in black raisins helps in the sexual problems of the men.

Black raisins help to treat erectile dysfunction. These amino acids also increase the chances of conceiving.

The black raisins help to improve motility in sperms. Hence increasing the chances of fertilization during sexual intercourse.

7. Acne and Psoriasis

Flawless skin is something that many people desire to achieve. Black raisins help in the purification of blood. It helps to maintain clear and flawless skin.

Purification of blood helps to get rid of toxins and dirt from the body. It helps to keep skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

A handful of black raisins will leave you with a spot-free and healthy skin.

Side Effects of Black Raisin

Black raisin has a high nutritional value. However, overconsumption of these black raisins leads to side effects.

These side effects are minimal. The occurrence of these side effects is uncommon in everyone. It is always better to keep a lookout on these symptoms

1. Increase in Weight – Over consumption of black raising may increase your weight.

2. Increase in Blood Glucose Level – Black raisins increase blood glucose levels. It is due to the high sugar content of the black raisins. Black raisins contain different types of sugars, such as fructose, glucose, and maltose.

3. Allergic Reactions – Certain people portray symptoms of allergic reactions. The clinical signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Some people may even find it difficult to breathe.

CONCLUSION

Reading about the health benefits will help you understand a lot about black raisins. Black raisins are a yummy snack to munch.

They will help you meet the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. The addition of Blacks raisins to jams and even salads will help you stay healthy.

Yet, it is important to consume black raisins in moderate quantities.