In the US, sultanas are referred to as “golden raisins” or “sultana raisins.” These grapes are treated with a preservative called sulfur dioxide to retain the lighter color of the grape. Sultanas are typically smaller than raisins and are sweeter, juicer and lighter in color than both raisins and currants.

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Raisins

1. Top Your Bagel! Tired of boring bagels?
2. Top Your Salad.
3. In A Sweet Surprise in Mashed Potatoes.
4. Trail Mix.
5. Raisins and Berries Instead of Syrup!
6. The New Chicken Salad Sandwich.
7. Substitute for Chocolate.
8. Popcorn, Raisins and Cayenne Pepper?

Raisins are dried grapes. This drying process concentrates both the nutrients and sugars present in grapes, making raisins nutrient and calorie-dense. But they’re also high in sugar and calories, so they should only be eaten in moderation.

Raisins are produced commercially by drying harvested grape berries. For a grape berry to dry, water inside the grape must be removed completely from the interior of the cells onto the surface of the grape where the water droplets can evaporate.

Another concern about eating too many raisins is the increase in soluble fiber. Too much fiber may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as cramps, gas, and bloating. Some people may even develop diarrhea.

A 30g portion of dried fruit, such as currants, dates, sultanas and figs, counts as 1 of your 5 A Day, but should be eaten at mealtimes, not as a between-meal snack, to reduce the impact on teeth.

Despite their small size, raisins are packed with energy and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Raisins are naturally sweet and high in sugar and calories, but they’re beneficial to our health when eaten in moderation. In fact, raisins can aid digestion, boost iron levels, and keep your bones strong.

Eating a few raisins every day can give you youthful, glowing, clear and healthy skin. Raisins contain antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin and prevent damage and sagging. Raisins purify the blood and therefore also keep acne and pimples away.

This dried fruit can be best enjoyed with overnight soaked and pealed “mamra badam”. This dose of soaked almonds and black raisins is how Diwekar starts her day. Soaked almonds are also good for digestion. They help in releasing enzyme lipase, which helps in digestion of fats.

You can eat raisins if you have diabetes. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should consume whole boxes of raisins whenever you want. Raisins are a fruit, and like other types of fruit, it does include natural sugar. So while raisins are safe to eat, moderation is key to prevent a spike in blood sugar.

“Raisins are packed with potassium, which is known to lower blood pressure,” Dr. Bays said. “They are also a good source of antioxidant dietary fiber that may favorably alter the biochemistry of blood vessels, causing them to be less stiff, which in turn, may reduce blood pressure.”

Foods that are low in sodium and high in potassium are great options for heart health. Potassium is a natural antidote to sodium’s harmful effects on your blood pressure, so eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, like bananas or avocados, can perform a double-duty favor for your heart.