Raisins nutrition facts
Raisins are dried grapes/currants. However, unlike fresh grapes, they indeed are rich and concentrated sources of energy, vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals. On a weight per weight comparison basis, 100 g of dried grapes hold 249 calories, several times more fiber, vitamins, minerals and polyphenol antioxidants than the fresh grapes. Raisins, however, contain fewer amounts of vitamin-C, folic acid, carotenes, lutein and xanthins than fresh grapes.
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| Dried Thompson seedless. Photo courtesy: dottiemae | Red/purple variety grapes. |
In general, fresh grapes, either seedless or seed types of the Vinifera species such as Thompson seedless (Sultana), Sugarone, Calmeria, Corinth, etc., are subjected to dry under sunlight or mechanical drying techniques. In some cases, the whole bunch of grapes may be allowed to dry on the plant itself (vine-dried). Ordinarily, their moisture content should not exceed 16% of dry weight. Thoroughly dried raisins are then further stemmed, cap-stemmed, sorted and cleaned in order to obtain high quality, dried berries. At the wholesale level, raisins are processed and graded further before sent to the markets.
Types (varieties) of processed raisins:
- Type I - Seedless.
- Type II - Golden seedless.
- Type III - Raisins with seeds.
- Type IV - Sultana.
- Type V - Zante currant.
- Type VI - Mixed species or varieties.
Health benefits of raisins
- The total measured antioxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100 g raisin is 3037 µmol Trolox Equivalents (TE), while that of fresh grapes 1118 µmol TE/100 g.
- As in grapes, raisins also contain phytochemical compound resveratrol. Resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood cholesterol lowering activities. Studies suggest that resveratrol has been found to have protective action against cancers like melanoma, colon, and prostate, and diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD), degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease and viral/ fungal infections.
- Also, resveratrol reduces stroke risk by altering at the cell molecular level inside the blood vessels. It does so firstly by reducing the susceptibility of blood vessels damage by decreasing the activity of angiotensin (a systemic hormone causing blood vessel constriction that would elevate blood pressure) and secondly, through increased production of the vasodilator substance, nitric oxide (a beneficial compound that causes relaxation of blood vessels).
- Like in grapes they, especially those derived from red/purple grapes, are very high inanthocyanins, another class of polyphenolic anti-oxidants. Anthocyanins have been found to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activities.
- 100 g raisins provide 3.7 g or 10% of daily required levels of dietary fiber. Studies suggest moderate fiber in the diet help lower body weight, cholesterol concentrations in the blood, and colon and breast cancer incidence. Additionally, it helps relieve constipation episodes by decreasing gut transit time of food. Furthermore, they are also abundant in flavonoid compounds such as tartaric acid, tannins, catechins, etc. Together with inulin and fiber, these compounds aid in smooth bowel movements through their laxative function.
- They are free of gluten protein and can be safely consumed as an alternative healthy food by people who are intolerant gluten.
- Raisins are dense sources of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium copper, fluoride, and zinc. Copper and manganese are an essential cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. 100 g provides 23% daily requirement levels of iron.
- Further, they are rich in a heart-healthy electrolyte, potassium. 100 grams hold 749 mg of potassium. By countering pressing effects of sodium, it reduces heart rate, blood pressure and thereby helps prevent stroke, CHD, and peripheral vascular diseases.
- Furthermore, they are also a good source of some B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid.
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 299 Kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 79.18 g | 61% |
| Protein | 3.07 g | 5.5% |
| Total Fat | 0.46 g | 1.5% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 10% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 5 µg | 1% |
| Niacin | 0.766 mg | 5% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.095 mg | 2% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.0174 mg | 13% |
| Riboflavin | 0.125 mg | 10% |
| Thiamin | 0.106 mg | 9% |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2.3 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin E | 0.12 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin K | 3.5 µg | 3% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 11% | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 749 mg | 16% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 50 mg | 5% |
| Copper | 0.318 mg | 35% |
| Iron | 1.88 mg | 23% |
| Magnesium | 7 mg | 2% |
| Manganese | 0.299 mg | 12% |
| Phosphorus | 101 mg | 15% |
| Selenium | 0.6 µg | 1% |
| Zinc | 0.22 mg | 2% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-α | 0 µg | -- |
| Carotene-ß | 0 µg | -- |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 0 µg | -- |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 0 µg | -- |
Selection and storage
Several brands, grades, varieties of raisins can be available. While buying, look carefully for authentic brands, and always choose high-quality grapes since substandard berries have thin flesh, and poor taste and flavor.
Buy raisins that are full-fleshed, and plump in appearance. It is perfect to have fine wrinkles. Avoid old stocks as well as those with excess moisture, mold, or affected by sunburn, scars, insect injury, mechanical injury, which may seriously affect their appearance, edibility, and keeping-quality.
Being a dry fruit, raisins have a long shelf life. They stay well when stored in airtight containers and placed away from moisture, humidity, sunlight and high temperature. They can also be stored in the refrigerator.
Prolonged cold storage may result in precipitation of their sugar contents. However, this should not offset their quality. It can be reversed by just soaking them in boiled water for few minutes in order to dissolve sugar crystals.
Preparation and serving method
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| Waffle with added raisins. Photo: miss pupik |
Raisins are one of the most sought-after items used in the confectionary.
Here are some serving tips;
- They can be enjoyed as a snack, all alone without any additions.
- Sprinkle over to enrich fruit salads and ice creams, desserts, etc.
- Add to bakery items like chocolates, cookies, muffins, bread, puddings, biscuits, cakes, waffles, etc.
- In Iran, India, Pakistan and other South Asian region where they are popular as kismish(sultanas), added to various sweet delicacies.
Safety profile
Raisins, especially golden variety, are treated with sulfur dioxide that may aggravate asthma and other allergic reactions in sulfur sensitive persons. Read carefully the labels which may instruct about sulfur treated products before use. However, natural sun dried products are safe to use even in these people. (Medical disclaimer).
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Further reading and Resources:
1. Refer Stanford School of Medicine Cancer information Page- Nutrition to Reduce Cancer Risk.
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