Next time you’re looking to kick up your workout, you might try reaching for a handful of raisins. New research has found eating raisins provides the same workout boost as commercial sports “chews” – supplement products that typically contain carbohydrates and other ingredients to raise energy levels.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California-Davis, compared the effects of natural (raisins) versus commercial carbohydrate supplements on athletes’ endurance running performance. Runners who participated in the study depleted their glycogen stores in an 80-minute run, followed by a 5-kilometer time trial. Runners were tracked as they completed three separate trials – eating raisins, sports chews and water only – separated by seven days.
SPECIAL: These 5 Things Flush 40 lbs. of Fat Out of Your Body — Read More.
Researchers’ findings, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, indicated:
• Those who ingested raisins or sports chews ran their 5K trial on average one minute faster than those who ingested only water; and
• Eating raisins and sports chews had similar effects in promoting higher carbohydrate oxidation, compared to water only.
"Raisins are a great alternative to sport chews as they also provide fiber and micronutrients, such as potassium and iron, and they do not have any added sugar, artificial flavor or colors," said James Painter, a nutrition research advisor for the California Raisin Marketing Board, which sponsored the study.
"As an added bonus, raisins are the most economical dried fruit according to the United Stated Department of Agriculture, so they are cost effective and convenient for use during exercise."