What
Are Raisins Like?
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, says The Council, is to combine them with spices like cinnamon
bark and cardamom. Cinnamon in particular has the ability
to lower glycemic index, so it is very beneficial to include
it when taking raisins.
Raisins
and Your Dosha
Raisins
are gentle nourishment, hence they are pacifying to 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), 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 healing 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."
