"Raisins have intrinsic properties that could support heart and vascular health; however, we believe this is the first controlled study to specifically and scientifically support raisins' blood pressure-lowering effects compared to other snacks," said Bays.

The study was conducted among 46 men and women with prehypertension. Participants were randomly assigned to snack on raisins or pre-packaged commercial snacks that did not contain raisins or other fruits or vegetables, three times a day for 12 weeks. Findings include:

• Data analyses reveal that compared to other popular snacks, raisins significantly reduce systolic blood pressure at weeks four, eight, and 12, ranging from -4.8 to -7.2% or -6.0 to -10.2 mmHg (p values <0.05).
• Within group analysis demonstrates that raisins significantly reduce mean diastolic blood pressure at all study visits, with changes ranging from -2.4 to -5.2 mmHg (p values <0.05).
• Pre-packaged snacks (including crackers and cookies) did not significantly reduce systolic or diastolic blood pressure at any study visit.

"Overall, these findings support what many people intrinsically believe; natural foods often have greater benefits than processed foods," said Bays.

The study was funded by the California Raisin Marketing Board through a grant to the L-MARC Research Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

"Raisins deliver dietary fiber and beneficial nutrients like potassium and antioxidants associated with cardio-protective benefits, such as reduced blood pressure – as shown in this new research," said James Painter, Ph.D., R.D., and nutrition research advisor for the California Raisin Marketing Board. "These findings add to the growing body of scientific evidence that indicates there may be numerous, positive health benefits linked to raisin consumption."

 From the March 29, 2012, Prepared Foods’ Daily Update