Raisin. The humble raisin. Many of you might find it boring, but hear us out. Because that’s simply not true. Raisins are incredibly versatile. You can add them to trail mix for a sweet and crunchy snack, mix them into oatmeal for a delicious breakfast, or even bake them into cookies for a tasty treat. And let’s not forget about their role in classic dishes like raisin bread and oatmeal raisin cookies. But you can do something even better with them. Soak them in water! Read on to find out the various benefits of raisins soaked in water.
What are raisins?
Before we get started about the benefits of water soaked raisins, let’s find out more about raisins. Simply put, raisins are dried grapes. They are made by removing the moisture from grapes, typically by sun-drying or artificially through dehydrators. The drying process concentrates the natural sugars in the grapes, resulting in a sweet and flavorful snack. Raisins are often eaten as a snack on their own, but they can also be used as an ingredient in baking, cooking, and salads.
Now, let’s talk about the flavor. Raisins are sweet and chewy, with a unique taste that’s hard to describe. Some people might say they’re too sweet, but those people are clearly not living their best lives. Raisins are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with just the right amount of chewiness.
But it’s not just about the flavor. Raisins are also a nutritional powerhouse. They’re packed with fiber, potassium, and iron, making them a great choice for a healthy snack. And because they’re dried, they’re easy to store and take with you on the go.
But wait, there’s more! Raisins also have a fascinating history. Did you know that the ancient Egyptians were among the first to cultivate grapes and make raisins? Or that medieval Europeans considered raisins as a luxury item and used as a form of currency? That’s right, people used to trade raisins like they were gold nuggets.
Nutritional value of raisins
Now, let’s take a look at the nutritional value of raisins. Why are raisins considered as powerhouses of nutrients?
Fiber: Raisins are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to promote healthy digestion and may also help to lower cholesterol levels. A 1/4 cup serving of raisins contains about 2 grams of fiber.
Vitamins: Raisins contain several important vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin.
Minerals: Raisins are rich in minerals, such as potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for healthy bones, muscles, and overall bodily function.
Antioxidants: Raisins contain antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Some of the antioxidants found in raisins include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids.
Natural sugar: Raisins are a good source of natural sugar, which can provide a quick burst of energy. However, they are also relatively low in calories, with a 1/4 cup serving containing about 120 calories.
Why soak raisins in water?
Soaking raisins in water is done to rehydrate the dried fruit and make it softer and juicier. When raisins are dried, they lose some of their moisture, which can make them tough and chewy. By soaking them in water, the raisins absorb the liquid and become plump and tender again.
Additionally, soaking raisins in water can help to release their nutrients, making them more easily absorbed by the body. Raisins are a good source of fiber, potassium, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Soaking them in water can help to make these nutrients more bioavailable. Soaked raisins also have a higher antioxidant content. Thus the benefits of soaked raisins outweigh the benefits of dry raisins.
Should you only eat the soaked raisins or also drink the water?
To reap the maximum benefits, we recommend drinking the water on an empty stomach and to eat the raisins a little later.
Benefits of raisins soaked in water
Raisins for liver
Soaked raisins and their water contain bioflavonoids which maintain the health of your liver. Unhealthy lifestyles and poor eating choices affect the optimal functioning of the liver, which results in toxins getting stacked up in the body. Soaked raisins stimulate the biochemical processes of the liver which detoxifies the body. Soaked raisins are also high in fiber, which helps in increased bile production by the liver.
Raisins for digestion
Soaked raisins are great for your gut health because they help in reducing the stomach acidity, regulate the gut bacteria and also improve the functioning of the intestines. Soaked raisins are fluid-rich and also contain insoluble fiber – both leading to improved digestion. The flavonoids in raisins help move the bulk in your intestines, clearing out your stomach and easing constipation.
Raisins for immunity
Raisins contain antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Some of the antioxidants found in raisins include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, which together with the Vitamins B and C (also found in raisins) improve your natural ability to fight off infections.
Raisins for anemia
Raisins can be helpful for anemia because they are a good source of iron. Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough hemoglobin or red blood cells, and a lack of iron can be a contributing factor.
In addition to iron, raisins also contain other nutrients that are important for healthy blood cells, such as copper and vitamin B6. Copper helps the body absorb iron, while vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of hemoglobin.
Raisins for the heart
Kaempferol is a bioflavonoid found in raisins. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and may also help to improve heart health by reducing the risk of blood clots and improving circulation.
Increased hydration
We know that a hydrated body functions optimally. And if you find drinking plain water boring, drinking the sweet raisin infused water will easily help you meet your daily hydration requirements.
May improve bone health
Raisins contain calcium, which is important for maintaining healthy bones. They also contain boron, a mineral that may help to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Reduced blood pressure
Some studies suggest that consuming raisins may help to lower blood pressure. Soaking raisins in water can help to release compounds that have been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure. Quercetin is one of the most abundant bioflavonoids in raisins. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, and may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.
Benefits of soaked raisins for beautiful skin
The aged looking raisin can help you delay the aging of your skin! Soaked raisins have been used in traditional medicine for centuries for improving skin health. Here are some ways in which soaked raisins may be beneficial for the skin:
Anti-aging properties
Raisins are rich in antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause premature aging by damaging skin cells and causing wrinkles and fine lines. The antioxidants in raisins can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Moisturizing properties
Raisins are also a natural source of vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient for healthy skin. Vitamin E helps to moisturize and nourish the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Soaked raisins contain resveratrol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound that can help to reduce skin inflammation and redness. This can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Which raisins should you use – black, green or golden?
Black, green, and golden raisins are all made from different types of grapes, and each type has its unique flavor and texture. They all contain a range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Overall, all three types of raisins provide a similar amount of calories, protein, and carbohydrates. Black raisins contain slightly more fiber than the other two types, while golden and green raisins have similar nutritional profiles.
How to soak raisins?
Place the desired amount of raisins (we recommend 10-12) in a bowl or container.
Cover the raisins with warm water. You don’t need to use boiling water, just water that’s warm to the touch.
Let the raisins soak for minimum 5-6 hours. For the best results, we recommend that the raisins are soaked overnight.
That’s it! Once the raisins are fully soaked and become soft and plump, drain the water, and drink it (ideally on an empty stomach). You may use the raisins as desired. They can be eaten on their own, used in baking, or added to salads or oatmeal.
Final thoughts
Soaking raisins overnight is a simple, easy and delicious way to ensure that all the goodness of raisins is absorbed by the body. It is a great idea to include this in your daily regime to boost your nutrient intake.