Snacking On Raisins For Energy

If you’re looking for extra energy during a workout, you could do worse than to snack on raisins. According to an article in the Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, the dried grapes provide the same energy boost as a traditional sports or energy bar.

Researchers from California-Davis University discovered that raisins – high in certain antioxidants, low in salt and with no cholesterol – were just as good as sports bars for giving athletes an extra boost of energy.

Even better, they also provide fibre and nutrients such as iron and potassium.

Researchers tested the impact of raisins by getting participants to run an 80 minute run followed by a 5k time trial, using either water, a sports chew or raisins for extra energy. The test was repeated twice with a week’s grace between trials.

Results showed that those who consumed either raisins or sports chews were one minute faster on average in the 5k time trial than those who only drank water.

As James Painter, nutrition research advisor for the California Raisin Marketing Board, says: “Raisins are a great alternative to sport chews as they also provide fibre and micronutrients, such as potassium and iron, and they do not have any added sugar, artificial flavour or colours.

“As an added bonus, raisins are the most economical dried fruit according to the United States Department of Agriculture, so they are cost effective and convenient for use during exercise.”

It would seem that the humble raisin has just as much energy-giving power as a sports bar… and is healthier to boot.