Are Raisins Bad For You?
Also Known As: dried grapes
Short answer
Raisins are a fantastic source of certain nutrients, but should be eaten in moderation as they are high in calories and sugar.
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Time to stop picking them out of your cereal! Raisins are a great addition to any diet, and can benefit you in many ways.
One thing that makes raisins so good for you are their dietary fiber content, as one cup can have as much as 6 grams. Dietary fiber helps to manage blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and to keep you regular thanks to the prebiotics that promote good bacteria growth in the colon. Raisins also contain phytochemicals that prevent the growth of certain oral bacteria, thereby reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Though the underlying relation is not fully known, preventing gum disease can, in turn, help prevent heart disease as well.
Not only can raisins save your heart, they can also save your sex life. Raisins have been indicated in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, specifically black raisins when boiled in milk. Due to its arginine content, this mixture has been used to increase sperm motility, libido, and overall sexual endurance.
While this may have you running to the nearest store, you should know that raisins have a high amount of calories and sugar. One serving of 1/4 cup has 130 calories and 29 grams of sugar. If you're watching your waistline you should eat them in moderation, especially if they are coated in dextrose or rice flour. This is usually only the case when they are in cereal or trail mix, but take heed if you're concerned about those extra calories.
Possible short-term side effects
- increased blood sugar
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nausea if overconsumed
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- promotes regularity
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treats sexual dysfunction
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helps prevent gum disease
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decreases risk of heart disease
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helps regulate blood sugar
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promotes bone formation
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promotes calcium absorption
Healthier alternatives
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