What are sultanas?
Sultanas are a variety of grape (Vitis vinifera, species belonging to the widespread use of the Vitaceae family) and consumed in its dried form, known as raisins. Its main producers are Turkey and Australia.
What are the nutritional properties of the sultana?
100 g of dried sultanas bring about 299 calories and:
- 3.07 g of protein
- 0.46 g of lipids
- 79.18 g carbohydrates
- 3.7 g of fibers
- 2.3 mg of vitamin C
- 0.125 mg of riboflavin
- 0.12 mg of vitamin E
- 0.766 mg of niacin
- 0.106 mg of thiamin
- 0.095 mg of pantothenic acid
- 0.0174 mg of pyridoxine
- 5 micrograms of folate
- 3.5 micrograms of vitamin K
- 749 mg of potassium
- 101 mg of phosphorus
- 50 mg of calcium
- 7 mg of magnesium
- 1.88 mg of iron
- 1 mg of sodium
- 0.318 mg of copper
- 0,299 mg of manganese
- 0.22 mg of zinc
- 0.6 micrograms of selenium
The sultana is a source of polyphenols, including resveratrol and anthocyanins.
When should you not eat sultanas?
These grapes may interfere with the action of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450, of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
Seasonality of sultanas
Sultana raisins are available on the market throughout the year.
Possible benefits and drawbacks of sultana grapes
The dried raisins are a good source of antioxidants, including resveratrol, a molecule which has been associated with anti-inflammatory, anticancer benefits and can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. It also appears that resveratrol is able to protect against several cancers including melanoma, colon cancer and prostate cancer, as well as Alzheimer and other neurodegenerative diseases, by stroke and viral or fungal infections.
Copper and manganese may help fight oxidative stress, while anthocyanins may exert anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer actions. Its fibers can promote good digestive function, reduce the risk of bowel cancer and the absorption of sugar and cholesterol. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells and the potassium protects cardiovascular health. Finally, the vitamins of the B group are important for a good metabolism.
Raisins can be treated with sulfur dioxide, this molecule in sensitive people can exacerbate asthma and allergic reactions.
