Are Raisins Healthy?
Raisins are dried grapes. They are high in calories but also contain calcium. They are a healthy alternative to chocolate.
Raisins and sultanas
Raisins are seed-rich, dried grapes that are used to make wine. The winemaker understands a raisin to be a grape that contains so much fructose that dessert wine can be pressed from it.
You can hardly buy these raisins in stores anymore. Because of their kernels, they are unsuitable for consumption.
Different grapes are used for kitchen use. However, the term "raisin" has established itself for them. What you buy under the term "raisins" are actually sultanas. These are dried grapes that do not contain any seeds.
The ripe berries are dried in full sun or partial shade, depending on the region, until the residual moisture in the grapes is only 15 percent. Raisins keep for a long time because of the high residual sugar content and the low water content.
Nutritional values of the dried berries
The dried fruit is high in calories and sugar. Due to the low water content, 100 grams of raisins contain more sugar than 100 grams of grapes.
Raisins are commonly known as dried grapes. But is that really true? Here …
But raisins also come with minerals and trace elements. 100 grams contain an average of 60 milligrams of calcium. The iron content of 1.6 milligrams and potassium (860 milligrams) are also high. The magnesium content of 42 milligrams, on the other hand, is moderate.
The following table shows the nutritional values for 100 grams of raisins.
| Calorific value | 250 kcal |
| carbohydrates | 65 g |
| protein | 1 g |
| fat | 0.5 g |
Health value of raisins
Raisins are a healthy alternative to sweets. Above all, the high mineral content makes them healthy. At today's nourishment eat significantly more sodium than potassium. However, it is considered healthy to consume significantly more potassium than sodium. Foods with a high potassium content thus contribute to a balanced mineral balance.
Despite their high sugar content and sticky consistency, raisins are good for your teeth. American studies confirm this. The dried fruits contain substances that inhibit bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. This makes them a good alternative to conventional sweets for children.
Because of their high sugar content, raisins can only be consumed in moderation by diabetics. For some people with diabetes, it is advisable to forego it altogether. When dieting, eat a handful of raisins as a snack in place of, but not in addition to, other carbohydrates. Use them as a substitute for candy. Too many of the dried fruits are not recommended daily because of the amount of calories.
Consumption recommendations for children and adults
If you don't want to lose weight and don't have diabetes mellitus, you can enjoy raisins as you please. The same goes for children.
You can eat raw raisins either straight or in muesli. They taste great in sweet foods like rice pudding, pancakes, Kaiserschmarrn or semolina dish.
They are a delicious ingredient in curry, with carrots in the pan, in couscous dishes or soups. They give hearty dishes a fruity and sweet note.
| Raw use | Pure, muesli, fruit salad |
| Sweet dishes | Rice pudding, semolina, pancakes, Kaiserschmarrn |
| Hearty dishes | Curries, vegetable dishes, couscous salad, soups |
