Ripe brown raisins are one of the star fruits in Indian cuisine. They’re found dotted about in rich milk puddings and stewed fruit, ensconced inside sweet syrupy cheese balls called Gulabjamuns, and stirred into fragrant rice.

The Council of Maharishi AyurVeda Physicians says there is a reason why raisins have been used so generously in Indian cooking for millennia. The ancient sages and rishis of India taught the people to weave the use of raisins and other healing foods into their everyday lives. This enabled them to eat healthy food without thinking of it as "medicinal." 

Just like education is very effective when combined with entertainment, healthy foods made tasty makes them far more appealing to eat regularly, while reaping the health benefits. 

The benefits of raisins

According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, raisins—especially soaked overnight in water—are considered a highly beneficial food with great medicinal value. Here are the top mind-body benefits of raisins:

• The lungs: Raisins lubricate the body's channels—particularly the lungs. Therefore, people with less-than-robust respiratory systems find them very nourishing.
• The brain: Raisins have a positive medhya (mind/memory) effect. They contain high levels of antioxidants with protective benefits.  
• The mind: Taken in quantities and combinations recommended by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, raisins can uplift and balance the emotions.
• The throat: Raisins with milk or water can relieve thirst.
• The bowel: Raisins soaked overnight and taken in the morning support bowel movements. The Council suggests a healthy raisin recipe: Combine 50% raw milk and 50% cool water. Eat two handfuls of soaked raisins twice a day, and sip two glasses of this water. Raisins taken with ghee (clarified butter) have also been shown  to encourage regularity. 
• The womb: Women who want to get pregnant have been known to benefit by including raisins in their diet—raisins are considered bringhana foods, supportive of natural fertility.
  

Consume raisins - in moderation

In Ayurvedic terms, raisins contribute the madhura, or sweet taste, to food. They have a cooling effect on the body. They are also heavy to digest. Combined with their high glycemic index, this means that raisins are best consumed in moderation.

An excellent way to reduce the glycemic index of raisins is to combine them with spices like cinnamon bark and cardamom. Cinnamon in particular has the ability to help keep blood sugar levels healthy, so it is very beneficial to include it when taking raisins.

Raisins and your dosha

Raisins are gentle nourishment; hence they are pacifying to, and support the functions of Vata dosha. In particular, Apana Vata, the sub-dosha that looks after waste elimination and other abdominal functions, is nurtured by raisins.

Pitta and its sub-doshas derive great benefit from raisins. Soaked overnight and taken in the morning, they support Sadhaka Pitta (which governs the emotions) and pacify Pachaka Pitta (responsible for digestive functions) and Ranjaka Pitta (which balances blood chemistry). 

Raisins also help protect from sun damage by supporting Bhrajaka Pitta, which governs skin metabolism. Basically, raisins are useful in balancing a whole range of Pitta-related problems, like burning sensation while urinating. Their diuretic effect flushes out urine, cooling the system.

As far as Kapha is concerned, raisins can actually aggravate this dosha, owing to their heavy and sweet nature. Unless combined with cardamom or cinnamon, raisins taken in heavy amounts can increase Kapha.

In her book Heaven's Banquet, best-selling author Miriam Hospodar shares some practical tips on eating and storing raisins:

"Beware of golden raisins: they are ordinarily brown raisins that have been treated with sulfur dioxide to maintain their color. Monukka raisins are large and often crunchy from tiny seeds. Zante currants are actually small grapes, also called Black Corinth. Store raisins in the refrigerator so they don't ferment."

Raisins have many health benefits, and can be consumed in a variety of tasty ways. Simply mind your dosha when enjoying them! Discover more savory and sweet recipes with raisins.