Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago said yesterday that one of five raisin compounds tested, oleanolic acid, was particularly effective in killing bacteria.
The findings counter the public perception that raisins promote cavities.
"Raisins are perceived as sweet and sticky, and any food that contains sugar and is sticky is assumed to cause cavities," said lead author of the study Christine Wu, professor and associate dean for research at UIC.
"But our study suggests the contrary. Phytochemicals in raisins may benefit oral health by fighting bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease."
The data, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology running in Atlanta this week, come as food manufacturers and oral care companies show increasing interest in natural compounds that can fight gum and tooth disease.
Dental floss and other products containing cranberry extracts have recently been launched in the US on the back of research showing that the fruit contains compounds that prevent adhesion of the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, an agent for dental caries, to teeth.
The new study shows that a raisin compound may have the same action.
Courtesy of nutraingredients.com
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