Did you know that raisin water is a brain booster? Come, find out more

Raisins, popularly known as kishmish, are considered to be one of the best nutritious dried fruits in the whole world. Actually, people like to eat it soaked, because it may deliver more benefits. Soaked raisins are filled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can benefit our health in various ways. If you haven’t added raisins to your diet already, drinking raisin water every day can improve your health. And you know what’s the major benefit of raisin water? Well, raisin water is considered a brain booster. And that means it is good for your mental health!

Dr Swathi Reddy (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist and certified diet counsellor and MIAP, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, shares with Health Shots how raisin water can be a beneficial drink for the mind and what are its other health benefits.

raisin waterSoaked raisins increase their benefits. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Is raisin water good for the brain and mental health?

It is not uncommon for people to feel insecure about their weight, hair fall, insomnia, and other health problems. They are constantly worried about their physical health, which often take a toll on their mental health. “Since raisin water helps to boost immunity, improves natural weight loss, prevents hair thinning, treats insomnia, and reduces stomach problems, it also indirectly benefits your mental health. Improvement in physical well-being helps keep up the levels of mood regulating chemicals in the brain,” says Dr Reddy.

In the gut neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are released which transmit signals to the brain. It affects your mood. By keeping your gut healthy with foods like raisin water (and also other foods like probiotics) you can improve your mood and mental health as well.

Here are some other health benefits of raisin water:

1. Prevents acidity and other stomach problems

If you suffer from acidity problems, drinking raisin water is a great way to regulate the acid in your stomach. “It has anti-inflammatory properties which improve intestinal function and regulate bacteria in the gut. So, raisin water is great for your gut health,” says Dr Reddy.

2. Removing toxins from the body

Drinking raisin water helps clean your blood by flushing out the toxins. Drinking this water for at least a week will not only reduce your heart disease but will also clean your liver and increase its ability to work.

3. Improves immunity

Since raisin water consists of antioxidants, it helps in boosting your immune system and prevents several diseases. As it helps in improving gut health, it improves immunity as well.

raisin waterYou need to be mindful of your mental and physical health! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Boosts natural weight loss

Dr Reddy says, “Raisin water helps to prevent extra calories and promote balanced eating. It contains natural sugars such as fructose and glucose that provide enough energy. So, people who want to lose weight can opt for drinking raisin water in the morning.”

5. Reduces hair loss and hair thinning

Hair fall is a struggle for many people. Raisin water helps to improve blood circulation, further stimulating the hair follicles that prevent hair loss.

6. Helps to improve insomnia

A lot of people have insomnia nowadays. To help overcome sleep disorders, people can drink raisin water as it contains melatonin that helps sleep quickly.

Here’s how to prepare raisin water

Step 1: Take a small container or saucepan and add 2 cups of water to it. Heat it until it is boiling.

Step 2: Transfer the water to a bowl. Add 150 grams of raisins and let it soak overnight.

Note: If you’re making your raisin water during the day, make sure to let it sit for at least 5-6 hours.

raisin waterRaisins water can be great for your indigestion and acidity woes. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Step 3: In the morning, the water will be infused with the flavour and nutrients of raisins.

Step 4: Separate the raisins from the water, add lemon to the water if you wish to enhance the flavour, and drink it first thing in the morning.

Note: You can eat raisins after that.

You can also heat the water before drinking it. And make sure you don’t drink or eat anything for the next 15-30 minutes after drinking the raisin water. Also, drink it regularly to see the results.