Raisins that are made using different drying methods or different types of grapes may have different names. Raisins, sultanas, and currants are three kinds of dried grapes. While they share many similarities, they also have their own unique features. Raisins have high content of Vitamin C and antioxidants that assist in maintaining radiant, youthful and taut skin. Its intake helps to prevent conditions such as acne and psoriasis as it contains strong germicidal properties. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity : “Goji Berries as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into Their Molecular Mechanisms of Action,” “Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease.” Pre-treatment is a necessary step in raisin production to ensure the increased rate of water removal during the drying process. [5] A faster water removal rate decreases the rate of browning and helps to produce more desirable raisins. [5] The historical method of completing this process was developed in the Mediterranean and Asia Minor areas by using a dry emulsion cold dip made of potassium carbonate and ethyl esters of fatty acids. [6] This dip was shown to increase the rate of water loss by two- to three-fold. [6] These antioxidants also help maintain healthy oral pH levels. This can keep your saliva from becoming too acidic, helping with cavity prevention. Potential Risks of Raisins

British Journal of Nutrition : “Effect of tartaric acid and dietary fibre from sun-dried raisins on colonic function and on bile acid and volatile fatty acid excretion in healthy adults.” Add to salads: Currants, in particular, are excellent for adding sweetness and texture to salads. They pair well with bitter greens and crunchy nuts. After the drying process is complete, raisins are sent to processing plants where they are cleaned with water to remove any foreign objects that may have become embedded during the drying process. [5] Stems and off-grade raisins are also removed. The washing process may cause rehydration, so another drying step is completed after washing to ensure that the added moisture has been removed. [5] Hearth health. Research shows that raisins could help lower your risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and blood sugar. The fiber in raisins lowers your LDL (bad) cholesterol , which reduces strain on your heart. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage caused by natural factors like aging and lifestyle behaviors. Some of the stronger antioxidants in raisins are called phytonutrients. These plant-based compounds have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer.Currants are smaller than either raisins or sultanas. Their flavor is tangier and less sweet than that of other types of raisins. Raisins are also a good source of potassium. Studies have found that low potassium levels contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The amount of potassium your body needs increases if your sodium intake is high, which is common in many people's diets. As a low-sodium food, raisins are a great way to ensure you’re getting enough potassium . The Golden raisin is almost always a Thompson seedless grape that has been treated with sulfur dioxide and then artificially dried with the hot air from a flame. Golden raisins are moister and plumper than dark raisins. They make for delicious eating out of hand or can be added to rice pudding or as ice cream or pancake topping. All steps in the production of raisins are very important in determining the quality of raisins. Sometimes, sulfur dioxide is applied to raisins after the pre-treatment step and before drying to decrease the rate of browning caused by the reaction between polyphenol oxidase and phenolic compounds. Sulfur dioxide also helps to preserve flavor and prevent the loss of certain vitamins during the drying process. [6] Production edit

Estimated world raisin/sultana/currant production 2020–2021". International Nut and Dried Fruit Council. 24 February 2021 . Retrieved 12 December 2021. Unwanted weight gain. Some research shows that raisins can help people lose or manage weight. But they’re relatively high in calories per serving. So eat them in moderation if you want to avoid weight gain.

Are raisins high in sugar?

California seedless grape raisins on the left and California Zante currants on the right, along with a metric ruler for scale. Add to oatmeal: A small sprinkling of raisins, sultanas and currants adds natural sweetness to your porridge. Nutrition Research : “Raisins are a low to moderate glycemic index food with a correspondingly low insulin index.”

Lastly, although raisins, sultanas are currants can be a healthy choice, it’s important to remember that dried fruit is high in sugar and calories and can be easy to overeat. What’s more, raisins, sultanas and currants are rich in fiber. Just one ounce (28 grams) contains between 1–2 grams of fiber, which is 4–8% of your daily requirement.Raisins encompass calcium which is crucial for the bones. It is the main source of boron which is a micronutrients required by the body in small amount. It is crucial for formation of bones and calcium absorption. It helps to prevent osteoporosis due to menopause in women and beneficial to maintain joint and bones health. It has high levels of potassium that helps to strengthen bones and also promotes the growth of bones by lowering the chances of osteoporosis. Because they’re high in naturally occurring sugar as well as calories, experts say they should be eaten in moderation. What Are Sultanas? You might hear sultanas called “golden raisins.” Like most raisins in the United States, sultanas are made from Thompson Seedless grapes. These are medium-sized green grapes and are grown primarily in California.

Research has concluded that daily intake of raisins helps to lower blood pressure significantly. Moreover, raisins have potassium which maintains heart health. Potassium is a crucial mineral for proper functioning of tissues, cells and organs in the human body. People with diet enriched in potassium have low chances of stroke especially ischemic stroke. Raisins have high antioxidants which includes polyphenolic phytonutrients and catechins. The antioxidants prevent the free radical damage which is one of the primary causes associated to cancer cells growth such as macular degeneration. Fiber helps to stimulate excretion of bile from the body by flushing the toxins out of the body. While the health benefits of sultanas and currants have not been studied specifically, it’s likely they result in similar health effects due to their comparable nutrient profiles.

Golden raisins are moderately healthier, too

Add to savory dishes: Try adding any of the three to savory dishes such as curries, meatballs, chutneys, rice pilaf and couscous. Currants often work best due to their small size.