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Raisins
May help prevent: cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, intestinal
disease,
stroke
Since
raisins are dried grapes, it’s no surprise they contain
a hefty amount of antioxidants. Raisins deliver a concentrated dose of
antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Their protective team
includes free radical quenching and cholesterol lowering quercetin, blood
pressure-lowering potassium, heart healthy B vitamins, immune boosting
iron, artery expanding flavonoids, tumor-fighting tannins and all-round
disease fighting fibres. But there is one compound found in raisins that
does not appear to be in grapes. The drying process to make raisins creates
a fibre-like carbohydrate called inulin. Similar to fructo-oligossacharides
in bananas, inulin is a favourite food of the beneficial bacteria in your
gut. Beneficial bacteria help to prevent food-borne infection and keep
diarrhea causing bacteria under control. As well, inulin ferments in
the gut producing short-chain fatty acids that help to lower cholesterol,
prevent and manage intestinal disease such as ulcerative colitis and
irritable bowel syndrome.
Action Tip:Raisins are the original partner to trail mix and add a touch
of sweetness to cereal, snacks, baked goods, breads, and salads. Be sure
to enjoy these tiny nutrition stars as a healthy snack on their own or
paired with yogurt, nuts, soynuts or seeds.
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