Dry grapes (munakka): A treasure for Health & Beauty

2022-02-08 00:00:00

Raisins, famously known as munakka are dried grapes which are of two colors- red raisins and black raisins. This fruit is rich in vitamins, fiber and other nutrients and several other medicinal properties. By eating dry grapes (munakka), the digestive system remains healthy and cholesterol is reduced. Along with this, the heart remains healthy by consuming dry grapes (munakka). Experts say that including dry grapes (munakka) in your diet has great benefits for physical and mental health. Therefore, in Ayurveda, dry grapes (munakka) are considered good for health.

Importance of Dry grapes (munakka) in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, dry grapes are hot in effect. Apart from vitamins A, C, B6, folate, many types of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium are also found in dry grapes (munakka) which are beneficial for our health and beauty. Consuming them prevents cancer cells from growing. Thus, dry grapes (munakka) help in preventing heart related diseases and other diseases. Its main component is resveratrol, a type of polyphenol which is known to have various medicinal properties. For this reason, dry grapes (munakka) have been described as a treasure of health and beauty in Ayurveda.

Benefits of Dry grapes (munakka)

Helpful in relieving constipation-

Many people are troubled by constipation due to wrong eating habits. To get rid of this, a fiber rich diet must be taken. Since, the amount of fiber in dry grapes (munakka) is high, it can help in reducing the problem of constipation to some extent. Also, the fiber present in it helps in flushing out toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. To get relief from this,  boil 10 dry grapes (munakka) in milk & drink it on an empty stomach in the morning. Doing this for at least a week gets rid of the problem of constipation.

Beneficial for teeth-

Consumption of dry grapes (munakka) is beneficial for the teeth. It contains oleanolic acid, which is a type of phytochemical. It removes all types of dental and oral problems. For this, soak dry grapes (munakka) in water overnight and consume this dry grapefruit on an empty stomach the next morning. Doing this kills the bacteria in the mouth.

Helpful in relieving insomnia-

Consumption of dry grapes (munakka) proves to be helpful in removing insomnia (sleeplessness). The nutrients present in it cure the problem of sleep. Boil dry grapes (munakka) in milk and consume it before going to bed at night. This helps to calm the mind and provide sound sleep.

Beneficial for heart health-

Raisins are very beneficial in keeping the heart healthy as various types of phytonutrients are found in it which can protect the cardiovascular system. These prevent heart diseases before they progress by preventing the damage caused by oxidation. Apart from this, the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in it work to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol which is very important for a healthy heart.

For blood pressure-

Raisins play an important role in normalizing blood pressure. It contains gamma-linoleic acid, which is a type of anti-inflammatory fatty acid. Its main function is to provide relaxation to the nerves. Apart from this, dry grapes (munakka) contain high amounts of potassium, which helps in maintaining normal blood pressure due to which the blood pressure in the body remains normal.

Beneficial for immunity-

Dried grapes are beneficial for increasing immunity as these contain a good amount of vitamins and minerals which helps in increasing immunity. Therefore, dry grapes (munakka) must be included in your diet.

Effective in preventing cancer-

Raisins are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals. Hence, it prevents cancer from taking over the body and growth of tumors. It also destroys cancer cells and is particularly beneficial in preventing breast cancer.

Effective in making bones strong-

Raisins are considered a good source of minerals and phytochemicals. Therefore, the antioxidants present in it help in preventing diseases like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also contains calcium and potassium which strengthens the bones. The polyphenols called proanthocyanidins found in it promote bone health. Apart from this, the consumption of dry grapes (munakka) also prevents inflammation and the production of free radicals in the body which work to damage the bones.

Beneficial for eyes-

Consumption of dry grapes (munakka) is beneficial for eyesight because it is rich in polyphenolic phytonutrients like vitamin A and beta carotene which helps to protect the eyes by reducing the free radicals that impair vision due to which the eyesight increases. Apart from this, consuming dry grapes (munakka) regularly prevents diseases like weakness of the eyes, muscle damage and cataract.

Beneficial for skin-

Consuming dry grapes (munakka) is very good for the skin. It works to take care of the skin. The antioxidant and resveratrol present in it removes many skin-related problems. It protects the skin cells and protects against damage caused by free radicals. Thus it keeps the skin healthy and beautiful. Apart from this, the vitamins A and E present in it are helpful in the growth of new cells in the outer layer of the skin.

Beneficial for hair-

Raisins are a nutritious fruit which is very beneficial for hair. The nutrients present in it work to make the hair healthy and strengthen them. Vitamin E present in it provides essential nourishment to the hair. It also works to promote hair growth. Apart from this, the vitamin C present in dry grapes (munakka) maintains the natural color of the hair.

Uses of dry grapes (munakka)

• dry grapes (munakka) are consumed by boiling them in milk.
• It is used after soaking in water at night and consumed the next morning.
• dry grapes (munakka) are used in ice creams or falooda.
• These are also used in sweets or laddus.

Side effects of Raisins

• Raisins are high in calories and consuming it in excess can increase body weight.
• High amount of triglyceride is found in dry grapes (munakka) which may cause heart disease, fatty liver and diabetes. Therefore, excessive consumption should be avoided.
• People who are allergic to raisins should avoid its consumption.
• Some people may experience vomiting, diarrhea and fever due to excessive consumption of raisins.