Raisins: uses and nutritional benefits

• Contributing to energy metabolism (copper, carbohydrate): Raisins have carbohydrate energy. More than 90% of the energy intake of raisins is represented by carbohydrates. These macronutrients are used to produce energy, which allows cells to function. In addition, copper, also available in raisins, contributes to energy metabolism.

• Anti-hypertensive (potassium, sodium): naturally rich in potassium and low in sodium, raisins help balance blood pressure.

• Hypocholesterolemic (fiber): fiber reduces the absorption of nutrients, such as cholesterol. Thus, raisins moderate the absorption of cholesterol. In addition, they are low in saturated fatty acids. In excess, saturated fatty acids increase cholesterol levels.

• Antioxidant (copper, selenium, polyphenol): raisins are vectors of numerous polyphenols, selenium and copper. The antioxidant capacity of raisins is high, since their ORAC score is 4188 µmol TE/100 g.

• Cardiovascular protector (fiber, polyphenol, vitamin B9, copper, selenium): raisins protect against atherosclerosis through their hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers.

• Blood sugar control (fiber): Raisins have a low to moderate glycemic index, so their consumption reduces glycemic and insulinemic responses.

• Dental protector : Raisins can be beneficial for oral health. They are believed to possess antimicrobial phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of oral bacteria associated with dental disease.

• Musculotropic antispasmodic (potassium): rich in potassium, raisins modulate muscle contraction. Indeed, the body uses potassium to propagate nerve impulses: the signal allowing the muscles to contract.

• Laxative (fiber): Raisins are rich in fiber. Fiber increases fecal volume which stimulates intestinal transit.

• Antidepressant (vitamin B9): Raisins contribute to vitamin B9 intake. A vitamin B9 deficiency results in pseudo-depression.

• Anti-fatigue (vitamin B9): thanks to vitamin B9, raisins reduce fatigue.

• Immunomodulating (copper, selenium, vitamin B9): Raisins contain three so-called immunomulating nutrients: copper, selenium and vitamin B9. Through their high concentrations, raisins promote the proper functioning of the immune system.

• Anti-inflammatory (vitamin B9): Raisins carry a significant content of vitamin B9. The latter participates in the neutrality of homocysteine: a pro-inflammatory amino acid.

• Nervous rebalancing (copper, potassium): rich in potassium and copper, raisins contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Potassium is the mineral for the conduction of nervous information. As for copper, it participates in the formation of neurotransmitters, molecules responsible for transmitting information between two neurons.

• Anti-anemic (copper, vitamin B9): raisins fight against anemia. The copper they contain participates in the transport of iron. Iron participates in the production of red blood cells. Like vitamin B9, which is also found in high concentration in raisins.

• Participating in the development of the nervous system (fetus) (vitamin B9): Raisins are the dried fruits richest in vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 is essential for the conception of the nervous system of the fetus.

The vine is a shrub belonging to the Vitaceae family. It is characterized by a woody stem called a branch and tendrils that allow it to cling. Thanks to the tendrils, the vine easily climbs vertical supports: a characteristic of liana plants. The leaves of vines have five lobes. The flowers are greenish and grow in clusters. After fertilization, the fruits appear: grapes.

At Compagnie des Sens, we offer three varieties of raisins. These three varieties have almost the same nutritional properties. So, if you had to choose just one, select it based on your taste preferences:

• Thompson : a typical grape flavor, a mild and sweet taste, a crunchier texture.

• Sultanine : a typical grape flavor, a more distinct and sweet taste, a soft texture.

• Green : a typical grape flavor, a sweet, slightly tangy taste, a soft texture.