6 Proven Health Benefits of Raisins for Babies

The health benefits of raisins include good source of essential minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, etc. reduction in acidosis, relieves from constipation, nutrient food or tonic during fevers, heals injuries to brain and is also a potential anti-microbial.

Raisins are one of the popular forms of dried fruits that we can find. These raisins are the dried form of grapes. And they are extensively used in cooking, baking and brewing. Here we must understand that not types or grades of grapes are used for making raisins. Instead, the best quality grapes which are very sweet are only used to make raisins.

It is believed that raisins were first prepared in the Mediterranean region. Eventually it spread to other parts of Asia and Europe such as Iran, Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Spain. It was later introduced in the Americas, South Africa and Australia as well.

# Good source of useful minerals

As we know, minerals are very important for a baby’s development which includes calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron and potassium. Each of these minerals has a great role to play in physical as well as mental development of your baby.

# Reduces acidosis

The bodies of babies are extremely vulnerable to acid alkaline imbalance. Increase in the acidic levels in the body contributes to acidosis. Giving raisins reduces the acidic levels in your baby as raisins are alkaline in nature. Thus, by giving raisins to your baby, you can help in maintaining the acid alkaline level for good health.

# Natural laxative

The amount of dietary fiber contained in raisins is high and it is ideally suited for removing constipation. Giving raisins is particularly useful for babies as the fiber helps in regulating the bowel movement for a smooth and healthy digestive system in babies. You can give raisins by boiling them in water and crushing them when cold and giving the puree to your babies.

# Nutrient food during fevers

Raisins, just like dates, can act as tonic when your baby has fever. Soak or boil skinless and crushed raisins in water and give this mixture under febrile conditions.

# Heals injuries to brain

Recent studies indicate that raisins and grapes are highly beneficial in healing brain injuries in infants and they are also useful in protecting the central nervous system. Protection of central nervous system is enables healthy brain development in babies. Apart from these, raisins or grapes are also useful for enhancing memory, according to the study.

# Potential antimicrobial

The biochemicals such as gallic acid, hydroxycinamic acids, flavanols, trans-resveratrol and tannins found in grapes and raisins have been noted to contain antimicrobial properties. The skin of raisins particularly contains these biochemicals which possess these antimicrobial properties.