Nisha Ramachandran
Natural Healing Explorer
10:25 AM | 17-09-2020
If we were to think of a food which is nature’s storehouse of energy, nutrients, anti-oxidants and which is easy to store and super convenient to carry - what could we think of? Raisins of course!
Raisins or the humble ‘Kishmish’ as it is also called in our country, needs no introduction. It has always found its way into our food either as a raw topping or as a dry snack. It is also one of the most easily available items at grocery stores.
Let us know more about raisins.
WHAT ARE RAISINS
Several suitable varieties of grapes are sun-dried till they attain their distinct small and wrinkled texture. The flavour of a raisin is similar to the grapes from which it was made. This is also a great way of enjoying grapes when they are not in season.
Raisins or kishmish is literally a ‘dried fruit’. On drying a fruit, many nutrients become concentrated in it. For eg. An ounce of raisins contains 6% potassium and 0.5 mg iron, as against 5% and 0.3 mg for the same amount of grapes.
Because of the lower moisture in raisins, it stays wholesome with a long shelf life, running into months.
Image credit: Photo by Uschi Dugulin via pixabay.com
TYPES OF RAISINS
Raisins or kishmish, are largely grown in three variants; all of them being similar in nature and nutrients to each other.
The dark brown/ black raisins are also referred to as ‘Munakka’, are usually sun-dried to get their colour.
The yellow/ golden coloured raisins, are smaller in size and usually have tiny seeds or are seedless. These are dehydrated for shorter periods than their darker counterparts.
The green raisins are usually shade dried and hence it’s the lighter colour.
We can enjoy all or any variety of kishmish; depending on whatever is locally and easily available.
A WHOLESOME FOOD
Raisin is a wholesome food that contains elements such as natural sugars, folic and pantothenic acid, minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, soluble and insoluble fibre, iron, copper and zinc. It is also packed with anti-oxidants which strengthen the immunity.
It is one of the most alkaline foods available and helps maintain the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Our body functions best when the pH of its blood is slightly alkaline, around 7.36 to 7.42.
To know more, read the Wellcure blog – 'Do you know about the body’s acid-alkaline balance?
RAISINS – THE HANDY COMPANION
Do remember that when it comes to food, the key lies in moderation. Nature has given us a lot of variety in foods, so try to include a variety of whole, local, seasonal, fresh, raw foods in your diet. You can definitely enjoy a handful of raisins every day but don’t overindulge.
SOAKED RAISINS
Even though we can always munch raisins just as they are – dry and raw, it is great to consume them soaked too, whenever possible. Soaking increases the amount of nutrients that are absorbed by the body. Soaking raisins at night and eating them in the morning on an empty stomach is a great way to enjoy their health benefits.
TIPS TO TAKE CARE
Make your own raisins!
Save money and be assured of the quality when you make your own raisins at home. It requires very minimal effort.
Note: Since they do not have preservatives, they may not last longer than 5 months or so.
These raisins will be darker and chewier than store bought ones since they are natural without any sulphite preservatives.
Size, shape and colour do not matter when it comes to this wellness packed dried fruit. It is so easy to pack and take these little ones along anytime and to any place, that it is always possible to keep raising the health with ‘raisins’.
Title Image credit: Author Tafilah Yusof/ feelphotoz via pixabay.com
Recommended Reading:-
1. http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/food/article/raisins-concentrated-source-nutrients
2. https://www.livestrong.com/article/497527-high-alkaline-low-oxalate-foods/
3. http://www.planet-science.com/categories/under-11s/our-world/2012/05/make-your-own-raisins.aspx
Help Vote
(15)
Comments
(1)
Share
Disclaimer: The health journeys, blogs, videos and all other content on Wellcure is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered a ‘medical advice’ ‘prescription’ or a ‘cure’ for diseases. Any specific changes by users, in medication, food & lifestyle, must be done under the guidance of licensed health practitioners. The views expressed by the users are their personal views and Wellcure claims no responsibility for them.
Reply
