By Hannah Fox
I have to admit that I may have had a little fear of raisins as a child. They’re not the most appetising, and as a child who craved treats and nothing else, it was hard for me to wrap my little head around the idea of eating fruit instead.
Twenty-something years later, I’ve acquired the taste for raisins, and am happy to say that I left the fear of the shriveled fruit in the past. Now, as someone who tries to watch what I eat and what I’m putting into my body, I’m happy to say that raisins have become a staple in my diet!
Dietician Nicola Whitehead, of Nic’s Nutrition, explained the benefits of the dried-grape snack and we’re even more intrigued after learning just what raisins can do for our bodies. For example, California Raisins that are naturally dried in the sun, only contain naturally occurring sugars that provide energy. A handful alone counts as one of your 5-a-day, and they also don’t cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.
Some information that may have pleased kid me, is that they actually are a satisfying alternative to a muffin or energy bar in the morning or as a dessert. If you’re still craving something more dessert-like after dinner, raisins can be used as a natural sugar substitute in some recipes. Simply put a handful of raisins into a processor to add a kick to any baked good.
A more practical benefit of raisins is that they’re so portable. Brands like Sun-Maid sell packs of raisins in mini lunch sac-sized boxes, perfect for on the go. I may have been known once or twice to bring a late night snack on a night out just because they fit in my clutch and deter me from ordering that end-of-the-night pizza.
Overall, we think raisins are underrated. With so many health and other kinds of benefits, there’s no reason not to implement more into your diet. Your body will thank you!