Fruit often makes the perfect snacks for dieters and health-conscious people. While most dried fruits are on the high side when it comes to sugar and calories, they offer a lot of health benefits when eaten in moderation. Raisins — sun-dried or mechanically dehydrated grapes — in particular, are a great example of these. Raisins are not only packed with essential nutrients, they are also versatile food ingredients and tasty additions to many recipes. Here are some nutritional facts about raisins and the health benefits they offer, as previously noted. Here Leslie Locklear, Food.news, reflects on boosting your health with raisins:

“It's a near-universal truth that for every person who loves snacking on raisins, there will always be one who would claim to detest them.

Raisins, for the benefit of the uninitiated, are simply grapes that have been allowed to dry either under the sun on the vines or in ovens. This makes them different from the similar-looking black currants, which are made from the berries of the currant shrub.

According to historical records, raisins were discovered by accident around 2000 BC, before spreading throughout the Mediterranean regions of Europe, courtesy of the ancient Phoenicians and Armenians who were among the first to perfect viticulture, or the process of growing grapes.

Turkey currently produces a large chunk of the world’s supply of raisins, followed closely by the golden state of California.

Considered to be the top dried fruit eaten in the United States, raisins — although its haters may want to claim otherwise — are a delicious ingredient that has since found its way to a variety of foods, from bread and pastries to desserts and savory dishes.

Aside from the more commonly-available black raisins, other varieties of raisins also exist on the market, such as Zante currants, sultanas and red, green and golden raisins.

More than just being among the divisive foods in human history, however, raisins are actually very nutritious, with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) noting that the little, shriveled fruity morsels are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and sodium.

Aside from that, raisins also have very high levels of antioxidants compared to other popular dried fruits.

Because of their nutrient-dense nature, it’s no wonder that raisins have been linked to a bevy of important health benefits, such as the following:

Raisins can aid in healthy digestion

If you’re feeling a bit backed up and constipated, try snacking on some raisins.

This is because raisins, as small as they are, contain substantial amounts of dietary fiber — up to 24 percent of the recommended daily amount — which can help improve one’s digestion.

Feel like your stomach’s becoming too acidic? Whip up an oatmeal porridge with some raisins for breakfast.

This is because raisins — not to mention the oats — contain substantial amounts of the minerals iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. These minerals, according to experts, are all alkaline, which means they can help balance the stomach’s acidity levels. Think of raisins as nature’s version of Tums. You’re welcome.”

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