Consuming a handful of raisins three times a day on a regular basis is believed to help preventing and reducing hypertension. Thereby, the main risk of heart disease can be suppressed.
The conclusion was obtained from the studies presented in United States major cardiology conference.
This clinical trials conducted at random, to be believed as the first official measurement of the raisins benefits on blood pressure, involving 46 people with a condition known as pre-hypertension. Their blood pressure ranged from 120/80 mmHg to 139/89 mmHg, or higher than normal blood pressure.
Compared with people who are snacking on cakes or biscuits, raisins group showed decrease in their blood pressure, seven percent over the 12 week study.
The researchers are not so sure why raisins showed this promising result. But they suspect it's related to high levels of potassium in the shrinking dry grapes .
"Raisins are filled with potassium, which is good in lowering blood pressure," said lead researcher Harold Bays, Medical Director, Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Research Center.
"Raisins are also a good source of fiber and anti-oxidant that may change biochemistry of blood vessels, changing them not too stiff. In turn, it can reduce blood pressure," says Bays was quoted as saying by AFP.
A handful of raisins, a total of 60 grains, contains one gram of fiber and 212 milligrams of potassium. Raisin is often recommended as part of a low-fat diet and rich in fiber, in order to reduce blood pressure.
