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The Amazin' Raisin
Raisins rank among the top
antioxidant foods, according to USDA government tests. Early findings
suggest that eating plenty of fruits high in antioxidants, such as
raisins may help slow the processes associated with aging in both body
and brain.
Andrew J. Dannenberg, M.D. a cancer researcher at
the Weill Medical College of Cornell University reports that the
antioxidant catechin, found in raisins and some other fruits and
vegetables, in the diet of mice genetically predisposed to intestinal
tumors reduced the number of tumors by at least 70 percent compared to
the control group. This type of study adds to the body of evidence
which shows that components of fruits and vegetables have the potential
to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, colorectal adenomas and other
gastrointestinal tumors.
Carl L. Keen, Ph.D. from the University
of California Davis reports that a significant amount of raisins eaten
daily for 4 weeks increased the plasma antioxidant capacity. This in
turn decreased the level of circulating oxidized low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) also known as the "bad cholesterol". These data
clearly show raisins are an important part of 5-a-day diet and that
benefits of eating raisins are similar to benefits seen when eating
other fruits and vegetables with these plant antioxidants.
Christine
D. Wu, M.S., Ph.D. of the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of
Dentistry has found that raisins contain compounds including oleanolic
acid that inhibit in vitro growth of Streptococcus.mutans, the bacteria
in the mouth responsible for tooth decay. Oleanic acid and other
compounds in raisins also inhibit organisms associated with periodontal
disease, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium
nucleatum. Oleanolic acid is most effective in suppressing in vitro
plaque formation by Streptococcus mutans. Prevention of plaque building
up on the tooth surface is critical both for preventing tooth decay and
promoting healthy gums.
Mary Ellen Camire, Ph.D. of the
University of Maine reports that dietary fiber and other components may
reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer by binding bile acids and
causing their elimination from the body. Camire's study confirms that
eating fibrous foods, such as raisins, stimulates the body to replace
the bile acids that have been eliminated by making them from its own
cholesterol, thus potentially lowering serum cholesterol and the risk
of coronary heart disease. Furthermore, bile acids that are bound by
fibers such as those in raisins will not be metabolized to a more toxic
form and this may potentially reduce cancer risk.
Gene A.
Spiller, Ph.D. of the Sphera Foundation and Health Research Studies
Center - Los Altos, CA reports feeding of raisins along with peanuts to
10-12 year old children prior to a soccer game resulted in lower
increases in blood glucose and insulin than a snack of a white bagel
and jam. This is important because it means a more steady fuel supply
to the exercising muscle of the young players. Lower insulin levels are
advantageous because high levels of circulating insulin can promote the
laying down of fat and may lead to insulin resistance, a concern among
US children today, where rates of obesity and type 2 Diabetes are
increasing.
You, your family and your children can enjoy all of
the health benefits that raisins have to offer with your favorite
Wholefood Farmacy foods such as Phi Plus, Cranberry Phi, Fruitalicious,
Fruitalicious Plus and Cornaborealis.
Visit The Wholefood Farmacy Here
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