What's Healthier: Raisins Or Dried Cranberries? (2024)

FAQs

What's Healthier: Raisins Or Dried Cranberries? ›

The bottom line. Raisins are the clear choice. They're slightly lower in calories and sugar, but offer more protein, potassium, and other good-for-you nutrients.

Our Pick: Raisins

In this nutrition faceoff, raisins win because they offer a high amount of potassium and have no sugar added. Practically speaking, both raisins and dried cranberries can be part of a diet consisting of minimally processed foods.

Prunes provide fiber, GI regularity, and calcium to strengthen bones. Dates have been shown to assist with fertility and labor, are the most nutrient-dense of dried fruit options, and have a low GI index (so they don't affect blood sugar levels as intensely).

Cranberry FAQs

However, they also have a lot of added sugar. One serving size (or recommended portion) of dried cranberries has nearly 25 grams of added sugar, which is the recommended daily limit for some people. There are some unsweetened versions, but they can be hard to find.

HOW MUCH CRANBERRIES TO EAT DAILY? Studies confirming the health-promoting properties of cranberries have typically used doses of 100-300 g of fresh cranberries, equivalent to 7-10 g of dried cranberries, and 100-150 ml of 100% cranberry juice.

Add chopped or crushed almonds, cashews or pecans to your breakfast cereal and skip the sugar. You'll add healthy fats, fibre and boost your energy levels for the rest of your day. Almonds are also one of the best dry fruits for weight loss due to their low calories count.

Dried cranberries offers profuse amounts of vitamin C that confers anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling in the bladder, which is more common in women than men. Also, its antioxidant capabilities are useful in removing detrimental free radicals and harmful bacteria from the body.

Walnuts – loaded with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, fibers, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Dates, pistachios, and raisins – rich in proteins and vitamins. May help control diabetes and cholesterol and boost immunity in some cases.

Dried Apricots: Dried apricots are a tasty dry fruit that is very low in sugar content and has a brilliant composition of antioxidants.

Some studies have shown that cranberry might interacts with the anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin. Thus, you must discuss your ongoing medications and inform your doctor if you are already on blood thinners like warfarin before consuming dried cranberries.

What are the side effects of eating dried cranberries? ›

Cranberries come under the category of GRAS (generally regarded as safe), but consumption in large amounts can cause upset stomach and diarrhoea in young children. Concentrated extracts of cranberries contain a high amount of oxalates. Oxalates are a risk factor for kidney stones when consumed in high amounts.

Some studies have shown that dried fruits have no significant effect on fasting glucose, though others have shown a small elevation in fasting glucose. Eating dried fruits with a source of protein or fiber may help reduce the risk of spikes in blood sugar.

Cranberries offer more gut-filling fiber than raisins. Fiber slows your digestion, which helps you feel full and keeps your energy levels stable.

Raw cranberries (fresh or frozen) are high in nutritional value and fiber while being low in carbohydrates and calories. Dried cranberries (often known as "Craisins," a brand name), however, can be quite different. Since cranberries are so tart, most dried versions have added sugar.

The cranberry is also a contender when it comes to antioxidant content. While wild blueberries outperform them when it comes to measuring both antioxidant capacity and cellular antioxidant activity, cranberries pack their own health punch.

They both behave similarly in doughs and batters, absorbing liquids and softening throughout the baking process. For those seeking variety or catering to specific taste preferences, using dried cranberries as a substitute for raisins is a reliable and versatile choice.

Dried Apricots: Dried apricots are a tasty dry fruit that is very low in sugar content and has a brilliant composition of antioxidants.

Cranberries have unique A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), which help decrease bacterial adhesion to maintain healthy gut bacteria and help prevent H. pylori, a major cause of gastric ulcers.

Cranberries. Loaded with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are beneficial for people suffering from kidney ailments or UTIs.