Raisins are great for snacks at school, work, or whenever you need a quick, easy bite.
Raisins are dried grapes. So, since raisins come from fruit, are they good for you? And where are raisins on the pH scale?
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Are Raisins Acidic?
Raisins are acidic, as their pH level ranges from 3.8 to 4.1. But there's something interesting about raisins: Although they're acidic, after eating them, their pH level rises to 8.5, making them alkaline.
Not many foods' pH levels change this drastically after eating them.
The Health Benefits of Raisins
Keep in mind that how you incorporate raisins into your diet affects how good for you they are.
For example, adding raisins to your oatmeal is better for you than baking them into cookies.
Raisins are naturally high in sugar, and too much sugar isn't good for you. Due to their high sugar content, raisins are often called nature's candy.
Raisins are a delicious treat, but it's important not to eat too many.
Below I've included some of the health benefits of raisins.
Raisins Contain Fiber
If you need more fiber in your diet, raisins can help. A half-cup of raisins contains about 3.3 grams of fiber, which is between 10 and 24% of your recommended daily intake.
Fiber plays an important role in digestion, softening your stool, and preventing constipation. Fiber can also help lower your levels of bad cholesterol.
Raisins Contain Iron
A half-cup of raisins contains about 1.3 milligrams of iron. Iron is essential for red blood cells, enabling them to carry oxygen around your body. Sufficient iron in your diet decreases your chance of developing iron-deficiency anemia.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Raisins Contain Calcium
A half-cup of raisins contains 45 milligrams of calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Will Eating Raisins Give Me Acid Reflux?
Since raisins become alkaline after you eat them, they're unlikely to cause heartburn or acid reflux.
Are Raisins Gluten-Free?
Transitioning to a gluten-free diet, whether out of choice or having Celiac Disease, can be challenging.
Luckily, you can still eat raisins, as they are naturally gluten-free.
Who Produces The Most Raisins?
It's natural to assume that the country that produces the most grapes produces the most raisins, as it can take up to four tons of grapes to produce a ton of raisins.
Surprisingly, the top grape and raisin-producing countries are different. Italy produces the most grapes globally, followed by France and the United States.
However, Turkey produces the most raisins, closely followed by the United States and Iran.
What Type of Grapes Are Used to Make Raisins?
Five types of grapes are commonly used to make raisins: Sultans, Black Corinth, Fiesta, Thompson Seedless, and Muscats, with the majority made from Thompson Seedless.
Over 50% of raisins are made from Thompson Seedless grapes, and 90% of these are grown in California.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
How to Incorporate Raisins into Your Diet
If you want to include raisins in your diet but don't like the taste, there are several ways you can add them to your meals.
One of the most popular uses for raisins is as a topping on salads. Using them this way allows other flavors to mask their taste.
If you love smoothies, toss raisins into your blender like you would any other fruit. Once blended, you won't taste them as much, but the natural sugar will add some sweetness to your smoothie.
Many people add raisins to their meatballs or meatloaf. This adds a unique flavor and is a great way to incorporate raisins into your diet.
Of course, one of the most popular ways to eat raisins other than on their own is to bake them into cookies or muffins.
Raisins Come in Different Colors
Most raisins have a purple or red color because they're made from purple grapes. But did you know that raisins come in several other colors? You can find green, blue, black, and yellow raisins, and it all depends on the color of the grape.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Don't Feed Your Dog Raisins
I know it can be tempting to share your snacks with your furry friend, but dogs cannot eat everything that we can.
Raisins can cause renal failure in your dog, so it's best to keep raisins for yourself.
