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Raisin Paste

Also known as: Raisin paste, dried grape paste, grape concentrate, Vitis vinifera (Raisin Paste)

Overview

Raisin paste is a concentrated food product derived from dried grapes, primarily *Vitis vinifera*. It is rich in natural sugars, carbohydrates, and a variety of polyphenolic compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols, and flavonols. For instance, Moscatel Málaga raisin paste contains approximately 19.47 mg of polyphenols per 100 g. This paste is utilized as a functional food ingredient, a natural sweetener, and an antioxidant additive in various food products. As a dietary supplement, it is being investigated for its potential to improve cognitive performance and provide antioxidant benefits. While generally recognized as safe due to its food-based origin, research into its specific health effects is still emerging, with ongoing clinical trials exploring its efficacy.

Benefits

The primary benefits of raisin paste are currently under investigation, with preliminary research suggesting potential for cognitive improvement and antioxidant activity. An ongoing 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) is assessing whether daily intake of 50g of Moscatel Málaga raisin paste can enhance cognitive performance, leveraging its rich polyphenol content. In experimental settings, raisin paste has demonstrated significant antioxidant effects, such as reducing oxidative damage in cooked meats. Secondary benefits, inferred from broader polyphenol research, include potential metabolic improvements like better lipid profiles and anti-inflammatory effects, though these are not yet directly confirmed for raisin paste. Older adults or individuals at risk of cognitive decline may particularly benefit from polyphenol-rich raisin supplementation, but direct evidence is still pending. The clinical significance and effect sizes are not yet established, and benefits are expected to manifest over several months of consistent intake.

How it works

Raisin paste exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of polyphenolic compounds. These polyphenols act as antioxidants by scavenging free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress in the body. They may also modulate inflammatory pathways, contributing to overall cellular health. While specific molecular targets for raisin paste are not fully elucidated, polyphenols are known to interact with enzymes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. Upon ingestion, polyphenols are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and their bioavailability can be influenced by the food matrix and gut microbiota. Systemically, these compounds contribute to antioxidant defense and are hypothesized to exert neuroprotective effects, potentially influencing brain function through various signaling pathways.

Side effects

Raisin paste is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as it is a natural food product. Common side effects are not reported in clinical studies, but some sensitive individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high sugar content. Uncommon side effects have not been documented. Rare side effects include the possibility of allergic reactions to grapes, which are infrequent but can occur. There are no known significant drug interactions; however, individuals with diabetes should exercise caution due to the high natural sugar content, which could affect glycemic control. Contraindications include individuals with fructose intolerance or diabetes, where monitoring blood sugar levels is advisable. Overall, it is considered safe for healthy adults when consumed in moderate amounts.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for raisin paste has not been definitively established. However, an ongoing cognitive performance study is utilizing a daily intake of 50 grams of raisin paste. Based on current trials, 50 grams per day appears to be a safe and potentially effective dosage. A maximum safe dose has not been determined, but excessive intake could lead to high sugar consumption. Daily intake is recommended, though the optimal timing relative to meals has not been specified. For best results, using whole raisin paste or a powder form standardized for polyphenol content is preferred. Co-ingestion with other foods may influence the bioavailability of its polyphenols. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is raisin paste safe for daily consumption?

Yes, raisin paste is generally considered safe for healthy individuals when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet.

Can raisin paste improve cognition?

Preliminary research, including ongoing clinical trials, is investigating the potential cognitive benefits of raisin paste, but definitive clinical evidence is not yet available.

Does raisin paste cause blood sugar spikes?

Raisin paste contains natural sugars, so individuals with diabetes should consume it with caution and monitor their blood sugar levels.

How long before benefits appear?

Based on research into polyphenols, any potential benefits from raisin paste, such as cognitive improvements, are likely to appear after several months of consistent daily intake.

Is it better than whole raisins?

Raisin paste offers a concentrated form of polyphenols, which may provide enhanced effects compared to whole raisins, but direct comparative data are currently lacking.

Research Sources

https://www.springermedizin.de/effect-of-including-a-dietary-supplement-of-raisins-a-food-rich-/25172458 – This source describes an ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effect of 50g daily raisin intake on cognitive performance in adults. It characterizes the polyphenol content of Moscatel Málaga raisin paste, highlighting its potential for cognitive benefits, though results are pending.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nfs_facpub/50/ – This experimental study investigated the antioxidant properties of raisin paste when added to cooked meats. It found that raisin paste significantly reduced oxidative damage during the cooking process, providing mechanistic evidence for its antioxidant activity in a food model.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.21.20178814.full – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on biotic supplements for gastrointestinal symptoms. While not directly about raisin paste, it underscores the importance of dietary supplements and highlights the need for rigorous clinical trials to establish efficacy, serving as a general reference for supplement research quality.