Raisin Eaters Run Faster

Athletes may be able to improve their performance by munching on raisins. Researchers have found that raisins raise running rates.

Scientists at the University of California-Davis demonstrated that runners who downed raisins or sports chews ran a 5k race one minute faster than those that  took in only water. They also found that eating raisins and sports chews promoted higher carbohydrate oxidation than water only. The study was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

“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,” says James Painter, Ph.D., R.D., a nutrition research adviser for the California Raisin Marketing Board.