I heard it through the grapevine

Some folks try giving out raisins instead of candy on Halloween. I applaud their efforts, though I'm afraid it's likely wasted on most kids. These little boogers angels want sugar. Little do they know, raisins actually consist of about 60% by weight of sugars -- about half fructose and half glucose.

But this does not automatically mean raisins are on the same level as candy. Raisins are actually high in antioxidants, with levels comparable to those of prunes and apricots. And just because they often stick to your teeth doesn't mean they'll rot them out like caramels will. Research indicates that the stickiness of a food is not an indicator of its effects on oral health. Raisins have been found to contain several chemical compounds that may assist in fighting oral bacteria. In a laboratory, extracts from raisins were found to slow the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria behind tooth decay.

So parents, if you can, try to convince your little one that raisins are like candy. Only they won't make your teeth fall out. It's worth a try!