California Raisins: Small Fruit, Mighty Nutrition!

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Nutrition Research Sheds New Light on the Classic Snack       Sure you know California Raisins. The tasty fruit is a naturally sweet treat that is a welcome addition to lunch boxes, gym bags and grocery carts from coast to coast. All-natural, dried-by-the-sun, California Raisins are a no-added sugar fruit with the simplest of ingredient labels: raisins. But, did you know that recent research also suggests California Raisins may have a positive influence on blood pressure and blood sugar levels, along with properties that might inhibit cavity-causing bacteria?       California Raisins Nutrition Research At-a-Glance     Recent Studies Suggest:     Raisins May Significantly Lower Blood Pressure A recent study1 presented at the American College of Cardiology's 61st Annual Scientific Session suggests eating raisins three times a day may significantly lower the mean value of post-meal systolic blood pressure among individuals with prehypertension when compared to consuming popular, pre-packaged non-fruit snacks. Raisins significantly reduced systolic blood pressure at weeks four, eight and 12, ranging from -4.8 to -7.2 percent or -6.0 to -10.2 mmHg. Within group analysis, raisins significantly reduced mean diastolic blood pressure at all study visits, with changes ranging from -2.4 to -5.2 mmHg.   Raisins May Significantly Reduce Overall Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels     A recent study2 presented at the American Diabetes Association's 72nd Annual Scientific Session suggests eating raisins three times a day may significantly lower the mean value of post-meal glucose levels for individuals with pre-hypertension when compared to consuming popular pre-packaged non-fruit snacks of equal caloric value. Raisins significantly decreased mean post-meal glucose levels by 16 percent. Compared to baseline within group-paired analysis, raisins significantly reduced mean hemoglobin A1c by 0.12 percent.     Raisins Contain Compounds that May Inhibit Cavity-causing Bacteria     A recent study3 found that raisins contain antimicrobial phytochemicals that inhibit bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis) that cause cavities and gum disease. The study further indicated that raisins do not have a negative impact on mouth pH, a key indicator for dental cavity development.     Please visit www.LoveYourRaisins.com for more research information.       1 Bays, H., et. al. Raisins and Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Poster session presented at: American College of Cardiology's 61st Annual Scientific Session; 2012 March 24-27; Chicago, IL. 2 Bays, H., et. al. Raisins and Blood Glucose: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Poster session presented at American Diabetes Association's 72nd Annual Scientific Session; 2012 June 8-12; Philadelphia, PA. 3 Rivero-Cruz, J.F., Zhu, M., Kinghorn, A., D., Wu, C. D. (2008). Antimicrobial Constituents of Thompson Seedless Raisins (Vitis vinifera) Against Selected Oral Pathogens. Phytochemistry Letters, 1(3): 151              Enjoying California Raisins       Award-winning registered dietitian and Cordon Bleu chef Michelle Dudash, RD, suggests raisins as the perfect ingredient for a variety of dishes and healthy snacks.       "Not only are California Raisins a wise choice for on-the-go snacks, but they're also a healthy recipe ingredient. They are a natural way to add flavor and nutrition to your diet," says Dudash.       Chef Michelle Dudash, RD Nationally recognized nutrition expert and author of Clean Eating for Busy Families       Recipes Courtesy of Chef Michelle Dudash, RD       Oatmeal and California Raisin Breakfast Cookies Get your day off to a great and healthy start with these portable breakfast cookies.       Quick-Fix Trail Mix Snack Bars with California Raisins This delicious and healthy "grab-n-go" snack will keep you fueled between meals.

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