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Two
abstracts were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American
College of Nutrition on Saturday, October 6, 2001 with the results
of studies on the effect on blood antioxidant status of two different
types of plant foods, a dried fruit, sun-dried raisins, and a seed,
almonds, both high in antioxidant phytochemicals such as quercetin
and kaempferol. Blood plasma ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity),
a key way to measure antioxidant status, was measured at fasting
and 15, 30 and 60 minutes after consumption of either sun-dried
raisins in one study or unblanched almonds in another study. Both
foods were homogenized in water to insure proper absorption. All
subjects rested during the test to avoid any effects of exercise.
Both foods caused an increase in the antioxidant power of the blood
after 15 and 30 minutes and in most cases declined to either the
fasting level or to a value slightly higher than the fasting level
after 60 minutes in most subjects, showing that the antioxidants
had moved from the blood into various tissues, the ultimate important
target for protection. ORAC values increased in the blood from 8%
to 16%.
It appears that the addition to the diet of dried fruits like sun-dried
raisins and of nuts like almonds is a convenient and pleasant way
to increase blood antioxidant status. The consumption of these foods
could be valuable before oxidative stress such as strenuous physical
activity. The "trail mixes" popular with hikers and other
athletes, and where raisins and nuts are mixed as a great source
of lasting energy, might have this additional antioxidant advantage
of preventing oxidative damage.
Spiller
GA, Miller AF. Effect of sun-dried raisins on the plasma antioxidant
status of healthy adults. J Am Coll Nutr 19 (5): 684, 2000 (Abstract
43).
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