Fortis gastroenterologist says if Indians had 10 raisins daily it would ease constipation, bloating, boost heart health

Dr Vatsya emphasises that regular consumption of raisins enhances digestion, softens stools, and boosts heart health. He suggests soaking 8-10 overnight.
Raisins are heaped with vast reserves of nutrients, offering a host of health benefits if you consume them regularly. But is eating them daily, especially those soaked overnight, beneficial for our health? According to Dr Shubham Vatsya, the answer is yes.
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Dr Vatsya, a gastroenterologist with over 10 years of experience at Fortis Vasant Kunj, highlighted the many benefits of eating raisins daily in a January 25 Instagram post. Let's learn what he said in the clip.
Power of raisins
According to Dr Vatsya, if Indians regularly consume raisins, half of the population's constipation problems could be solved. Highlighting the gut health benefits of having raisins, he added, “Constipation doesn’t always require medication, as raisins act as a gentle, natural stool softener by improving gut water balance and supporting smoother bowel movements.”
How does this happen? Dr Vatsya noted that the fibre and natural compounds in raisins help reduce straining while nourishing gut bacteria, improving overall digestion. Moreover, the sorbitol present in them signals the intestines, which helps retain moisture in the stool.
Additionally, raisins' dietary fibre makes stools softer and easier to pass. Therefore, regular consumption makes bowel movements more comfortable. “Soak 8–10 raisins overnight and have them in the morning. Try this for a week and notice the difference,” he suggested.
Are raisins good for heart health?
While raisins naturally improve gut water balance, Dr Vatsya noted that they are also great for your heart health. The potassium and antioxidants present in them support heart health and overall digestion.
Besides this, raisins nourish your gut bacteria, reduce acidity and bloating, and, by reducing straining, lower the risk of issues like fissures and piles. So, start consuming 5-6 raisins every day at any time, or 8-10 overnight-soaked raisins in the morning.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
ABOUT THE AUTHORKrishna Pallavi PriyaKrishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More
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