Thursday, June 01, 2017

Raisins nutrition facts

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.
Red grapes
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

  • Raisins, like dried apricotsfigs, and prunes, are dense sources of energy, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, they packed with many health benefiting polyphenolics antioxidants, dietary fiber, and other phytonutrients.
  • 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.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:
Raisins seedless (Vitis vinifera), Nutritive Value per 100 g, ORAC Value 3037, (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
PrincipleNutrient ValuePercentage of RDA
Energy299 Kcal15%
Carbohydrates79.18 g61%
Protein3.07 g5.5%
Total Fat0.46 g1.5%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Dietary Fiber3.7 g10%
Vitamins
Folates5 µg1%
Niacin0.766 mg5%
Pantothenic acid0.095 mg2%
Pyridoxine0.0174 mg13%
Riboflavin0.125 mg10%
Thiamin0.106 mg9%
Vitamin A0 IU0%
Vitamin C2.3 mg4%
Vitamin E0.12 mg1%
Vitamin K3.5 µg3%
Electrolytes
Sodium11%1 mg
Potassium749 mg16%
Minerals
Calcium50 mg5%
Copper0.318 mg35%
Iron1.88 mg23%
Magnesium7 mg2%
Manganese0.299 mg12%
Phosphorus101 mg15%
Selenium0.6 µg1%
Zinc0.22 mg2%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-α0 µg--
Carotene-ß0 µg--
Crypto-xanthin-ß0 µg--
Lutein-zeaxanthin0 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

waffles with raisin
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.
  • They can be enjoyed with other dry fruits (apricotsdates, prunes) and nuts like almonds,cashewmacadamia... etc.

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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