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This
study investigated the effect of sun-dried raisins and tartaric
acid (as cream of tartar) on intestinal function. 13 healthy adults
consumed a low fiber, grape-free diet for three weeks. They then
added 120 grams (a little over 4 ounces) of sun-dried raisins per
day for another three weeks, and, lastly, substituted the sun-dried
raisins with 5g of cream of tartar, approximately equivalent to
the amount of tartaric acid in the sun-dried raisins, for the final
three weeks. Measurements taken were transit time, fecal weight
and the concentration of bile acids in the stools.
The results of this study showed that both tartaric acid and sun-dried
raisins reduced transit time, but the effect was stronger for the
sun-dried raisins. Fecal weight and moisture increased with the
addition of raisins, but not with the cream of tartar. In addition,
the participants reported greater ease of elimination when they
were taking the sun-dried raisins and the cream of tartar, compared
to the low-fiber, grape-free diet. The addition of sun-dried raisins
reduced the concentration of bile acids, whereas the cream of tartar
did not.
Another interesting finding was that sun-dried raisins, and to a
lesser extent, cream of tartar, altered the concentration and ratios
of bile acids in the colon in a way that, according to some research,
could help prevent colorectal cancer.
This study suggests that tartaric acid works in synergy with the
fiber in raisins, resulting in a healthier digestive system and
colon.
Spiller
GA, Story JA, Furumoto EJ, Chezem JC, Spiller M. Effect of tartaric
acid and dietary fiber from sun-dried raisins on colonic function
and on bile acids and volatile fatty acids excretion in healthy
adults. Br J Nutr (90) 803-807, 2003.
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