Raisin Prevents Macular Degeneration

What are raisins?Raisins are dehydrated grapes that have been sun-dried or heat-dried. Even though very sweet grapes are selected for making raisins, most store-bought raisins contain artificial sweeteners to make them even sweeter. You can avoid these artificially produced ones by making sure you purchase organic and naturally dried raisins, if available.

See all 9 photos

 

 

Nutrients found in raisins

Raisins are highly nutritious and contain powerful anti-oxidants and nutrients.

Minerals
Magnesium: For proper nerve and muscle functioning and conversion of blood sugar to energy.
Calcium: Builds bones and teeth, for proper function of muscles, the heart and nervous system.
Iron: Used to build red-blood cells and for repairing worn out cells.
Potassium: For regulation of heart beat and maintaining blood pressure.
Phosphorus : For strong bones and teeth.
Zinc : Eliminates cholesterol deposits and necessary for manufacture of enzymes.
Copper : Facilitates iron absorption and promotes protein metabolism.
Fluoride: Hardens tooth enamel and dentine.

Vitamins
Folate: Forms red blood cells and important in blood circulation around the body.
Niacin : Aids normal functioning of tissues especially the gastrointestinal tract and the skin tissues.
Riboflavin : Aids in releasing energy to body cells and enables break down of fats
Choline : Keeps cellular membranes functioning properly.
Vitamin C: Important for the formation of collagen and is necessary for absorption of iron into the body.
Vitamin B-6: Prevents water retention and enables conversion of carbohydrates to energy
Vitamin K: Necessary for normal blood clotting and synthesis of proteins found in plasma, bone, and kidneys.

 

Raisins as a Snack

High in fiber and bursting with anti-oxidants, raisins are a better snack than most.

One cup of raisins contains 3g of soluble fiber. The soluble fiber together with the polyphenols found in raisins both interfere with cholesterol absorption.

Source: Monterey Smiles

Raisins health benefits:

Anti-Cholesterol

Did you know that raisins are completely cholesterol-free? In fact, raisins are known to have anti-cholesterol compounds that help combat the bad cholesterol in the body. A cup of raisins is said to contain about 4g of soluble fiber. It is this soluble fiber that fights the bad cholesterol and disposes of it in the liver to be eliminated. Raisins also contain anti-oxidants known as polyphenols that suppress the enzymes responsible for absorbing cholesterol into the body. In so doing, raisins help lower total cholesterol levels in the body.

Brain Food

One of the interesting health benefits of raisins is that it is a great brain food. Raisins contain high amounts of boron that is an essential mineral for a well-functioning brain. 100mg of raisins contains 2.2mg of boron, which is a potent brain-boosting mineral. Boron improves concentration, hand-eye co-ordination and enhances memory. Additionally, boron also helps promote the functioning of important minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Blood Pressure

Raisins not only help purify blood and eliminate toxins but they also help reduce high levels of blood pressure. There is a significant amount of Potassium, a potent mineral said to be able to help lower blood pressure, in raisins. Potassium also helps keep in check the sodium levels in our body. Too much sodium in the body is one of the root causes of high blood pressure.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is simply a disease that affects the bones, causing them to become weak and unhealthy. Most women above the age of 40 are likely to suffer from osteoporosis. Adding raisins to your diet may offer more benefits than you may think. Since raisins contain a significant amount of calcium, they may help keep the bones strong and deflect bone disease and osteoporosis.

Acidiosis

Acidiosis is defined as an excessively acid condition of the body fluid and tissues. Studies show that eating raisins regularly may naturally help check your body levels of acidity and prevent them from rising. This is because raisins contain alkaline compounds that help neutralize the high levels of acidity in the body.

 

A cup of raisins contains 10g of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is essential in the body for regulating bowel movement, thereby preventing constipation.

Source: Arex

Constipation

The high fiber in raisins are very beneficial and help your system function smoothly because they promote regular bowel movement. A cup of raisins contains about 10 g of dietary fiber. Granted, dietary fiber is not nutritious but it is important to help keep our bodies free from harmful toxic substances by cleansing the bowels. Regular bowel movement is very important for healthy living and also prevents various health problems from acne to colon cancer.

 

Healthy Smile. Raisins contain healthy vitamins that help cleanse teeth and destroy bacteria.

Source: Wellness Reviews

Dental Health

Contrary to the saying that raisins give you cavities, the chewy texture and rich fiber in raisins actually helps cleanse your teeth and promote strong gums. Oleanolic acid, an active phytochemical in raisins helps destroy and suppress growth of streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria responsible for causing tooth decays.

Black raisins. Raisins, being very rich in iron, are potent blood purifying foods.

Anemia

When it comes to anemia, the best foods to eat up on are those rich in iron namely, rich red meats and dark leafy vegetables. But did you know that raisins may actually contain more iron than some of the iron rich vegetables? A half cup of iron contains 2 mg of iron and this is more than 5% of the recommended dietary allowance in both men and women. Additionally, raisins contain powerful anti-oxidants that help detoxify blood and exterminate harmful toxins that are responsible for many health ailments.

Eat raisins for healthy and clear eyesight

Eyesight

The powerful anti-oxidants found in raisins may help prevent macular degeneration in old age. The macular is gradually worn out throughout life by constantly being exposed to oxygen free radicals present in the air. It slowly weakens and eventually fails to function normally. Studies have shown how raisins can reverse the negative effects that free radicals on the macular. The polyphenols contained in raisins are very powerful in defeating oxygen stealing free radicals and thereby protect your eyes from disease.

 

Here are some recipe for you:

 

• Cinnamon Raisin Cheesecake Puffs
• Cinnamon Raisin Nut Rolls
• Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread
• Coffee Cake
• Cranberry Raisin Fruitcake
• Fig Raisin Spice Loaf
• Fresh Apple Raisin Bars

 

To be Continued...

 

Other superfood links:

Seeermust, the Garlic Sauce

 

Paleo Diet Cookbook

 

Diabetic-safe and Guilt Free Desserts

Dates won't raise blood sugar!

Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree and are grown primarily in dry, arid regions, such as the Middle East and parts of California. Though dates are often used as an ingredient in sweets and other recipes, they offer several nutritional benefits when eaten fresh and pitted.

 

Won't Raise Blood Sugar

One of the main reasons people avoid eating dates is the belief that they will raise their blood sugar levels, but studies have shown that belief to be erroneous. The May 28, 2011, issue of "Nutrition Journal" reports a study in which date consumption was tested on diabetics. The study shows that while dates contain high amounts of natural sugars, they are actually a low-glycemic index food and did not significantly raise blood sugar levels after they were eaten. If you are diabetic, speak to your doctor before adding dates to your diet so that you can monitor your blood sugar levels and determine how dates affect you personally. 

Increase Fiber Intake

Dates are loaded with fiber. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, just one pitted date contains 1.6 g of fiber, or 6 percent of the recommended daily intake. Fiber is known for its ability to help lower cholesterol and fight and prevent obesity, heart disease and colorectal cancer. The November 2008 issue of "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition" reports that the fiber in dates is primarily insoluble fiber, which binds to fat and cholesterol and carries it out of the body.

Lower Triglycerides

Though the fiber in dates has the ability to lower cholesterol levels, researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Israel report that dates have better results at lowering triglyceride levels, which is another type of fat in the blood. A study published in the Sept. 9, 2009, issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," shows that consuming dates may lower triglycerides by 8 to 15 percent. Reducing your triglyceride levels will lower your risk of hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Increase Vitamin and Mineral Intake

Adding dates to your diet delivers vitamins and minerals that are necessary to maintain optimum health. The primary vitamins in dates are the B vitamin family, with vitamin B-6 topping the list. The B vitamins help with the metabolism of food and the formation of new blood cells. Other vitamins include K and A. Dates are an excellent source or minerals, with potassium in the No. 1 spot. Copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron and zinc complete the mineral profile. The body only needs small amounts of minerals, but if it is depleted of any one, it can be disastrous to your health. Snacking on dates can help you build up your body's mineral stores.

 

Carbohydrates

Dates are a good source of energy. Up to 80 percent of the date flesh is sugar that the body can easily access for energy. Fresh dates have a somewhat lower percentage of sugar because the contain more moisture than dried dates, and the sugar in dried dates is more concentrated, but fresh dates are still a good source of carbohydrates.

    

Fiber

Dates are also a food source of fiber, according to Dr. Al-Farsi. For every 100 g of dates, approximately 8 g is fiber. Most of the fiber is of the insoluble type, meaning that its major health-promoting effect is to add bulk to stool and help food move through the intestinal tract.

Low Fat

Another health benefit of dates is that they are low fat. In 100 g of dates, only a fraction of a gram is saturated fats. Saturated fats can raise serum cholesterol and lead to blood vessel and heart disease, so eating foods low in these types of fats is part of a healthy diet.

 

Here are some recipes:

 

 

Stay Tuned...

Sponsored by:

http://seermust.com maker of the most delicious and potent garlic sauce available in the market