This delicious and lovely looking fruit form part of the rose or Rosaceae family, together with strawberries. Raspberries come in various colors. Although primarily red, raspberries may also be black, purple and even golden. There are over two hundred known species of raspberries.
Leaves of the raspberry plant are commonly used for their medicinal teas, and also make delicious herbal teas. The leaves are also reputed to be effective in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Raspberries are rich in vitamin C ― 100g berries provide about 47 percent of the RDA of vitamin C. Although it is probably best known for its ability to boost immune system health, this powerful nutrient serves many important functions. Vitamin C promotes the healing of body cells; is essential for building collagen; helps prevent cancer and heart disease; detoxifies the body; supports the good bacteria in your gut; kills candida, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites; prevents hardening of the arteries; neutralizes harmful environmental and bacterial toxins; protects us from pollution and dangerous pesticides; combats stress; acts as an antidepressant; removes heavy metals like mercury and lead and lowers high cholesterol.
Raspberries have significantly high levels of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid (tannin), quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid. Scientific studies show that the antioxidant compounds in these berries play potential role against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neuro-degenerative diseases. A study, published in the Journal of BioFactors, reported that raspberries contain almost 50 percent more antioxidant activity than strawberries. These antioxidants have been shown to fight off cancer cells.
Eating raspberry improves vision and prevents the eye and retina from infections and other natural damage. Since raspberry is rich in antioxidants, it protects the eye retina from oxidative stress. So it is effective in preventing the loss of eye vision in form of cataract or age related degenerative eye disease macular degeneration. The combination of anti-oxidants like vitamin C and phenols ward off disease and safeguard the membranes of eye that produce the watery fluid thereby cleaning and protecting the eye from “Dry Eye” syndrome.
Raspberry has an extremely low fat content but high fiber which keeps you feeling full for longer. The water content of raspberry at 95 percent protects you from dehydration owing to heavy exercises. The complete composition of trace metals including manganese, potassium and phosphorus restore the lost balance of electrolyte in the body. It is a low calorie fruit which keeps you light and makes for a good before and after workout snack.
Eat raspberries fresh or add us them to breakfast cereals, ice cream, fruit salad, drinks, puddings, jelly, sherbets or puree them to make a delicious raspberry sauce.
Since it is considered a berry, raspberries are one of the foods most commonly responsible for allergic reactions, which is why you should wait until your child is at least twelve months of age before introducing them. The most common reaction to raspberries is itching or rash where the fruit comes into contact with the skin.
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