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Raisins may lower food intake, help prevent diabetes

Raisins may lower food intake; help prevent diabetes, heart disease. Nuts and raisins of all colors are displayed for sale in central Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. (UPI Photo/Stephen Shaver)
Raisins may lower food intake; help prevent diabetes, heart disease. Nuts and raisins of all colors are displayed for sale in central Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. (UPI Photo/Stephen Shaver) | License Photo

CHICAGO, June 28 (UPI) -- Children who ate raisins and grapes as snacks ate fewer calories later, but those who snacked on chocolate chip cookies ate more calories, U.S. researchers say.

A special supplement to the June issue of the Journal of Food Science -- funded by the California Raisin Marketing Board -- summarized studies and research that showed the health benefits of consuming raisins.

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In the study involving snacks, 26 normal weight children ages 8-11 were given either raisins and grapes, or potato chips and chocolate chip cookies as a snack and allowed to eat until comfortably full.

The researchers found raisins and grapes led to lower cumulative food intake, while the cookies increased cumulative food intake compared to the other snacks.

Traditionally, many have thought raisins could cause cavities because of their stickiness and sugar content, but the research suggested raisins might provide some protective benefits against dental cavities because they might help clear other types of food particles trapped on the teeth. The researchers also found raisins did not adhere to the teeth long enough to promote dental cavity.

A comprehensive review of nearly 80 studies found raisin consumption might reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, contribute to improved blood glucose control for diabetic individuals and be useful for weight loss and weight management.

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