They are there in your halwas, in the kheer, in Christmas cakes and most other sweetmeats. Raisins have been around for a long time and enjoyed by many through centuries, as 'dry fruit'. They are cholestrol-free, low in sodium and totally fat-free. They provide many necessary vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, calcium and certain B vitamins. Raisins are a good source of fibre and rich in antioxidants and are 70% pure fructose (a natural form of sugar), which is easily digested for quick energy.

The abundant dry fruit is available in a variety of colours: yellow, green and black. However, as much as you would like the sunny yellow colour of the raisins, it is the black raisins which are the ones with maximum health benefits.

Making Raisins
Dried grapes make raisins. But in order to retain the colour, raisins are dried and preserved using different techniques. Sun dried black grapes give raisins a natural black colour. The Green Kashmiri raisins are dried naturally and then a small quantity of sulphur is added to preserve the colour. Occasionally, the raisins turn a slight yellow green shade because of the preservation agents. The yellow raisins, better known as the Golden raisins, are artificially dried by putting them into an oven and again sulphur dioxide is added to preserve the colour. Thus, they are also called Golden Bleached raisins.

Prevents Osteoporosis
Raisins help promote healthy and strong bones in women. They contain traces of the mineral boron. Boron helps to convert the female hormone, estrogen, and Vitamin D to their active forms which contribute to the protection of bones.

Improves Sexual Vigour
According to Ayurveda, black raisins are useful for restoration of sexual vigour. They should be boiled with milk after being washed thoroughly in tepid water. This will get them swollen and sweet. Eating of these raisins should be followed by the drinking of some milk. Starting with 30 grams of raisins, followed by 200 ml of milk three times daily. The quantity of raisins should be gradually increased to 50gms each time.

Facilitating Bowel Movement
Black Raisins are helpful in the treatment of constipation. They should be soaked in a glass full of water for 24 to 48 hours after being de-seeded. This should be consumed in the early morning hours. The water can be drunk as well. For chronic constipation, the procedure should be followed every morning.

Ideal for Infants too
Black raisins should be given to infants as an extract from water to regulate bowel movement. Six to ten raisins, depending on the child's age, should be soaked in boiling water and kept aside for a while. The juice of crushed raisins should be added to water. Care should be taken to see that the skin does not get into the juice as it may upset the stomach.

Dealing with Anemia
Black raisins are high in iron, potassium, phosphorous and calcium; four of the many minerals needed to overcome anemia. Consuming a limited amount of raisins everyday can help young and old deal with this mineral deficiency.

Increasing Weight
Black raisins help in gaining weight; 100 grams of raisins contain 300 calories. For those of you who are anorexic, and are looking to gain extra kilos, raisins will help. But if you want to lose weight, keep away. However, they do help in maintaining optimum health.

Helping in Recovery
Raisins should be a part of your regular diet if you are recovering from an illness or surgery. The body tends to lose out on vital minerals at such times and raisins can assist the patient in recuperating.

Overcoming Rheumatic Arthritis with Golden Raisins
Eating about nine raisins soaked in gin daily can help a patient triumph over acute joint aches. Gin should be poured over a bowl of raisins, just enough to soak them well. Allow the gin to evaporate completely. Make sure the remaining raisins are stored in an air tight jar. These can be had along with breakfast cereal too.