Superior Raspberries: Not Just Delicious

Superior Raspberries - Not Only Delicious

Berries are not only tasty, research raves about new super berries with health-protecting, brain-empowering and skin-boosting properties every week. The potential benefits of one berry are beaten only by the next seemingly superior berry. So exactly what can the rather common raspberries really d o for us? Apart from the melt-in-the-mouth texture, raspberries are sweet with lovely tart ness , and bursting with goodness .

Like most berries, raspberries are packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre. The fibre content is amongst the highest among plants. The vitamin C, as well as manganese content in raspberries are excellent, and these antioxidant nutrients help protect the body’s tissues. An antioxidant is beneficial because it helps prevent the oxidation of molecules. Oxidation can produce free radicals that damage cells, and antioxidants are associated with prevention of diseases such as cancer, dementia, and coronary heart disease. In comparison raspberries possess almost 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries.

Raspberries are also a good source of vitamin B2, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium and copper.

Raspberries are low in fat, and are in contrast to fruits low in carbohydrates, which makes them a great choice if you want something with minimal impact on blood sugars.

Raspberries contain ellagitannins, which is broken down in the body into Ellagic Acid, and it is believed that this acid can break down cancer cells.

Raspberries red and luscious colour comes from a plant pigment called lycopene, or anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a flavonoid and they most known for their antioxidant activity . The amount of flavonoids varies depending on variety and the colour of the raspberries. Raspberries come in a range of colours black, purple, orange, yellow and white. Studies have shown that black raspberries contain a higher amount than yellow ones. Anthocyanins have in the laboratory been linked to inhibition of leukaemia, lung and colon cancer cells.

Raspberries can prevent the growth of certain bacteria and fungi in the body.

Eating raspberries and fruits may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults.

Are the rumours true that red raspberries make you slim? R ed raspberry ketones ( the primary aroma found in raspberries) are being used in Japan as a weight loss supplement. Pigments found in raspberries appear to modulate the way fat cells take up and release fatty contents. However , more research is needed .

If you find a skin care product with red raspberry oil, you will be pleased to know that raspberries are not only good for the inside of your body. The oil from raspberry seed prevents damage from UV-A and UV-B rays; it is rich in vitamin E, and omega 3-fatty acids.

Raspberries are delicate. Luckily studies have shown that freezing raspberries does not significantly affect their antioxidant activity, although their concentration of vitamin C was affected.

However, fruits and vegetables work together to protect our body. So simply looking at a single berry does not give a full picture. Raspberries are hard to resist, and a Raspberry Galore is not only Wicked but Healthy.