10 Health Benefits of Raisins

10 health benefits of raisins that’ll make you want to add a handful to your breakfast:

Raisins are one of those foods you can’t help but love. Not only do they make a great addition to any bowl of oatmeal or raisin bran flakes, but they’re a wonderful snack to eat when on the go. If you find yourself hungry and craving something sweet, a handful of raisins will quash those hunger pangs and satisfy your sweet tooth.

But raisins aren’t just tasty–they’re also awesomely healthy! Here are a health benefits of raisins that’ll explain why YOU should be eating more of them every day:

1. Combat Anemia — Raisins are an excellent source of iron, the nutrient needed to produce red blood cells. A lack of iron can lead to anemia, but eating more raisins will help your body produce the blood cells that transport oxygen and nutrients around your system.
2. Fight Diabetes –– While raisins do contain sugar, it’s a healthy type of sugar that can help to stop your blood sugar from getting too high–consequently leading to a plunge that can cause fatigue. Raisins help to modulate your body’s sugar absorption, making them a healthy snack for those with diabetes.
3. Regulate Hunger Hormones — Raisins help your body to regulate the production of ghrelin and leptin, the two hormones that control your appetite. Keeping these hormones balanced will ensure that you don’t end up overeating when you are actually satisfied at the end of a meal.
4. Fight Cancer –– Raisins are loaded with antioxidants called catechins, which get rid of the free radicals floating around in your bloodstream. These free radicals can cause all kinds of health issues, including the formation of carcinogens. Not only can raisins stop free radicals from forming carcinogens, but they can help to stop the metastasis (spread) of cancer cells.
5. Boost Energy –– Raisins are packed with sugar, but a healthy type of sugar that will help your body produce energy without filling you with too many calories. The natural fructose in raisins will be easy for your body to break down, but the fiber they contain will slow down the rate of absorption. This will ensure that you can get all the energy you need without overdoing it on calories!

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6. Reduce High Blood Pressure — Studies have found that raisins are able to reduce hypertension, though HOW they do so is still unknown. Some experts believe that it is due to the presence of potassium in the raisins. Potassium helps to reduce water retention, a known cause of high blood pressure.
7. Reduce Fever –– If you’ve got a fever, have a handful of raisins. Not only will they be delicious, but the phenolic compounds they contain can help to cure the infection that is causing the fever.
8. Stimulate Libido –– Did you know that raisins are a sex-boosting food? The arginine in raisins can help to treat ED, induce arousal, stimulate your libido, and boost the circulation to your important “fun parts”.
9. Improve Oral Health –– Raisins contain oleanolic acid, a phytochemical that can help to protect your teeth against brittleness, cavities, and tooth decay. It can stop strep throat in its tracks, and it can reduce your risk of gingivitis and other oral infections.
10. Increase Eye Health –– Raisins are loaded with phytochemicals, all of which work as antioxidants to improve the function of the various cells in your body. The phytonutrients in raisins help to protect your eyes from damage, as well as reduce the degeneration of your eye cells caused by age. Raisins are also rich in Vitamin A, the vitamin needed for healthy eyes.