Thursday, July 26, 2012

Benefits of Eating Raisins


What Are the Benefits of Eating Raisins Every Day?
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A raisin is a dried grape. According to the website of the National Raisin Company, grapes lose most of their water content when they become raisins, ending with a moisture content of about 15 percent. This means raisins are denser in nutritional value. Daily consumption of raisins will help you meet your recommended daily amount of many vitamins and minerals, with accompanying benefits to your health.

Daily Nutrition

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, consuming 2 1/2 cups of fruits or vegetables per day helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Raisins qualify as fruits under this dietary recommendation. According to the website FitDay, consuming 100 grams of raisins will allow you to meet 5 percent of your daily calcium needs, 15 percent of your daily iron needs and 16 percent of your recommended daily amount of potassium.

Illness Prevention

According to the website Organic Facts, raisins can help ward off several illnesses. The iron in raisins strengthens the body against anemia, and the phenolic phytonutrients help it to resist both viral and bacterial infections. The potassium and magnesium in raisins help to neutralize excess stomach acid, which can build up and enter the bloodstream in a condition known as acidosis. Finally, the fiber content of raisins helps to bind the bile acids in your digestive tract and reduce colon cancer.

Maintaining Your Body

Raisins can keep many parts of your body in good health. They contain oleanolic acid, a phytochemical that helps protect your teeth from cavities and decay. Not only do they contain calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth, but they also contain a micronutrient called boron, which assists with the body's absorption of calcium. Finally, the phytonutrients in raisins have antioxidant properties, which guard your eyes against macular degeneration and the weakening of vision that comes with age.

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