RESEARCH
Healthy dried grapes Dried Fruits Australia has partnered with the University of South Australia to investigate the benefits of consuming dried grapes. The research will assist with the promotion and marketing of Australian dried grape products by identifying their current scientifically known health benefits as well as
“After hearing about the Nuts for Life
consumption of almonds, cranberries
project at the Mildura conference,
and sultanas. Data from that project,
DFA began working on a similar
funded by the International Nut and
trajectory of research and promotion.
Dried Fruit Council, is expected to be
The tree nut industry has instigated
available in 2021.
various campaigns promoting the benefits of consuming nuts, which commenced with thorough and comprehensive nutritional research to provide sufficient and significant evidence.
Alison said the current project would provide a synthesis of the best-available scientific research evidence on the impact of dried grape consumption on human health. “We are undertaking a systematic
potential benefits that could be
“We look forward to bringing
confirmed through further research
you further updates as the
and testing.
project progresses.”
DFA CEO Anne Mansell said it became
The six-month research project,
associated with these benefits,”
clear during discussions at last year’s
funded by the Australian Dried Vine
she said.
International Seedless Dried Grape
Fruits Trust, will be led by Professor
Producing Countries Conference that
Alison Coates. Alison, who is a
further work was required to evidence
registered nutritionist and director of
and promote the health benefits of
the Alliance for Research in Exercise,
dried grapes.
Nutrition and Activity at UniSA, will
“With so many messages now available to consumers about food products and their health benefits, it’s important that the many advantages
work with an expert and experienced
what evidence currently exists and to understand the mechanisms
“The literature will undergo a critical appraisal so that we can systematically consider the robustness of the methodology used and compare the findings.
team that includes Dr Alison Hill,
“This work is important as it will
Professor Jonathan Buckley and
help the industry understand what
Associate Professor Steve Milanese.
evidence currently exists and
of dried grapes can be promoted
Interestingly, Jonathan is also
through tried and tested research,”
leading a project looking at exercise
Anne said.
performance associated with the
22 VINE MAGAZINE
review of the literature to understand
identify options for future directions of research.” v
