Raspberries for enhance immunity

16 Amazing Benefits Of Raspberries For Skin, Hair, And Health

Reviewed By Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and certified Personal Trainer Alexandra Dusenberry, MS, RDN
October 15, 2019 by Ravi Teja Tadimalla

One fruit.

And that one fruit, let me tell you, takes care of most of your nutrient needs on a daily basis. It helps you combat serious ailments and also aids in their treatment.

It also tastes brilliant – a handful of them would leave you asking for more.

One fruit.

You already know what that is. So, let me cut to the chase and get started with what you don’t!

Recipe : Granola with fresh raspberry

16 Amazing Benefits Of Raspberries

What Is A Raspberry?

The raspberry belongs to numerous plant species in the rose family. It is a perennial fruit, and the plant has woody stems. Given their rich color and juicy taste (and the wonderful benefits, obviously), ralspberries are one of the most consumed fruits on the planet.

Are raspberries good for you? Well, the fruit is great as it offers numerous benefits – a few of them being protection against diseases like cancer and diabetes and prevention of ailments related to the heart.

And then, we have ORAC – which sets raspberries apart from most fruits. Also known as Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, ORAC is a method of measuring the antioxidant content of various food items. Raspberry has one of the highest ORAC values – one cup of the fruit has an ORAC value of 6058 µmol per 100 grams.

For this reason alone, raspberries deserve a liberal amount of space on your plate.

Before we go any further, let’s read a little of the history of this fruit.

History Of Raspberries

Two of the most common varieties of raspberries are the red and black ones. Red raspberries are believed to have been brought to North America by prehistoric individuals, while the black ones are native to the West.

But, all in all, there are over 200 varieties of raspberries. Now, that’s huge, isn’t it?

Though the fruit is where most benefits lie, the historical evidence states the value of its leaves as well. In fact, the leaves of the raspberry plant are still used to prepare herbal teas – which, in turn, are used for treating certain digestive issues.

It is known that King Edward I of England had encouraged raspberry cultivation in the country. And George Washington was known to have cultivated raspberries at Mount Vernon, with as much as 40 varieties being available by the time the Civil War broke out.

The history of the fruit, for obvious reasons, wouldn’t exist if not for its nutrients. And here, we take a look at the nutrients this fruit has.

Raspberry Nutritional Facts

Check out here the nutritional value of raspberries:

Nutrient	Unit	1 Value per 100.0g	1.0 cup 123g	1.0pint as purchased, yields 312g	10 raspberries 19g
Proximates
Water	g	85.75	105.47	267.54	16.29
Energy	kcal	52	64	162	10
Protein	g	1.20	1.48	3.74	0.23
Total lipid (fat)	g	0.65	0.80	2.03	0.12
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	11.94	14.69	37.25	2.27
Fiber, total dietary	g	6.5	8.0	20.3	1.2
Sugars, total	g	4.42	5.44	13.79	0.84
Minerals
Calcium, Ca	mg	25	31	78	5
Iron, Fe	mg	0.69	0.85	2.15	0.13
Magnesium, Mg	mg	22	27	69	4
Phosphorus, P	mg	29	36	90	6
Potassium, K	mg	151	186	471	29
Sodium, Na	mg	1	1	3	0
Zinc, Zn	mg	0.42	0.52	1.31	0.08
Vitamins
Thiamin	mg	0.032	0.039	0.100	0.006
Riboflavin	mg	0.038	0.047	0.119	0.007
Niacin	mg	0.598	0.736	1.866	0.114
Vitamin B-6	mg	0.055	0.068	0.172	0.010
Folate, DFE	µg	21	26	66	4
Vitamin B-12	µg	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Vitamin A, RAE	µg	2	2	6	0
Vitamin A, IU	IU	33	41	103	6
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	mg	0.87	1.07	2.71	0.17
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)	µg	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Vitamin D	IU	0	0	0	0
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	µg	7.8	9.6	24.3	1.5
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated	g	0.019	0.023	0.059	0.004
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	g	0.064	0.079	0.200	0.012
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	g	0.375	0.461	1.170	0.071
Cholesterol	mg	0	0	0	0
Other
Caffeine	mg	0	0	0	0

And now, we come to the amazing raspberry benefits.

Health Benefits Of Raspberries

Check out here some of the best raspberry health benefits:

1. Help Fight Cancer

As per the American Institute for Cancer Research, raspberries are rich in ellagic acid, which has displayed the ability to prevent various cancers (1). These include cancers of the skin, lung, bladder, breast, and esophagus. This is because ellagic acid has been found to utilize various cancer-fighting methods at once. Ellagic acid acts as an antioxidant, deactivates specific carcinogens, and slows down the reproduction of certain cancer cells.

Numerous studies have been conducted on black raspberries too – they were found to alter genes and bring them back to normalcy (in the case of esophageal cancer), and aid in the treatment (2). Black raspberries were also found to restore tumor suppressive activity, thereby aiding cancer treatment (3).

As per an American study, red raspberries have a minor role to play in treating cancers of the stomach and colon (4). They were also found to inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells (5).

Another American study had supported the chemopreventive properties of black raspberries, especially in the case of oral cancer (6). These anti-carcinogenic properties of raspberries can largely be attributed to the presence of anthocyanins. These anthocyanins are naturally occurring compounds that offer the colored pigment to fruits and vegetables. They inhibit cell transformation, suppress inflammation, and induce normal functioning in cancer cells (7).

In fact, raspberries have 40% more antioxidant content than blueberries and strawberries (fruits considered among the best for cancer prevention) (8). Studies have also shown that raspberry extract may prevent the migration of tumor into the lymph system.

2. Maintain Cardiovascular Health

Image: Shutterstock

Being rich in fiber, these berries help maintain heart health. One cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber (9). Another reason raspberries are great for the heart is, yes, anthocyanins. Berry fruits are one of the few foods that contain anthocyanins in both the skin and the flesh.

Research data states that a mere intake of 0.2 milligrams of anthocyanins per day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women. These compounds play a pivotal role in reducing oxidative damage and inflammation related to cardiovascular disease (10). In fact, raspberries contain other bioactive polyphenols that help reduce the risk of heart disease (11).

The anthocyanins in raspberries also have a variety of other effects on blood vessels and platelets that result in a healthy heart (12). However, more research is needed on the amount of anthocyanins exactly required and the related decrease in heart disease risk.

In one Canadian study, the intake of raspberry extract lowered blood pressure levels in lab rats (13) – indicating similar possibilities in humans. Low blood pressure levels reduce heart disease risk. In fact, the importance of raspberries for the heart is felt not only now, but since the 18th century – when herbalists and other physicians considered the fruit ideal to prevent the disease (14).

Raspberries were also found to widen the arteries, which helps blood flow smoothly and prevents the accumulation of plaque (15). The anthocyanins in raspberries inhibit the formation of blood clots in the eventuality of stroke. The berries also contain salicylic acid that has cardioprotective properties similar to that of aspirin (16).

Vitamin C is another compound in raspberries that is known to prevent heart disease – as it prevents plaque formation (17).

Raspberries contain a chemical called raspberry ketone, which increases the production of a protein hormone called adiponectin. As per studies, higher levels of adiponectin have been linked to a lowered risk of heart attacks (18).

3. Enhance Fertility And Improve Sexual Health

The high levels of antioxidants in raspberries might protect the sperm from oxidative damage. The vitamin C and magnesium in the fruit enhance male fertility and the production of testosterone respectively (19). Due to their fertility-boosting properties, raspberries can also make for a perfect bedtime snack.

Antioxidants are also believed to protect the embryo post conception, thereby decreasing the risk of miscarriage (20).

Raspberries also contain proanthocyanidins that relax the blood vessels and allow the blood to flow to the sensitive areas for greater arousal. The zinc in the fruit helps stimulate libido (21).

4. Help Treat Diabetes

As per a report published by the Michigan State University, other phytonutrients in raspberries were found to work with certain inactive hormones in the body to improve insulin balance and blood sugar balance – thereby improving the conditions of obese individuals who have type 2 diabetes (22).

Also, according to a Slovakian study, raspberries could be included in the diets of individuals who are trying to manage the early stages of type 2 diabetes (23).

5. Aid Weight Loss

This could be attributed to the fiber and manganese in raspberries. Fiber, as we had already discussed, keeps you full for longer and discourages you from binging. In fact, the fiber in a serving of raspberries is more than a serving of bran flakes or oatmeal itself. Manganese boosts your metabolism and helps burn fat faster (24).

The amount of calories in raspberries are low, and are fat-free, so they could be a healthy addition to your weight loss diet. The berries are also low in glycemic index (GI). Foods low in GI have little impact on blood sugar – hence, your blood sugar levels are unlikely to spike.

As per an American study, the raspberry ketones in raspberries were found to have a weight loss potential in preliminary tests on rodents (25). Similar findings could be possible in humans, though further research is required in this aspect. The raspberry ketones were also found to prevent weight gain in mice due to a high-fat diet. Now, this seems promising for us humans, doesn’t it?

The raspberry ketones could also increase fat breakdown, which might eventually contribute to weight loss (26). This is achieved by enhancing lipid metabolism, which appears to be the primary function of raspberry ketones (27).

We have already seen raspberry ketones increase the levels of adiponectin. This protein has found to accelerate fat breakdown (28).

Raspberries also contain another compound called resveratrol – this converts the bad fat in the body into good fat, which helps burn calories (29).

6. Boost Eye Health

The flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds in raspberries offer excellent vision health (30).

7. Enhance Immunity

The phytochemicals in raspberries, especially the black ones, were found to affect the immune processes related to immunotherapy (treating a disease by stimulating the immune response) (31). This could be an important link to treating ailments related to a weak immune system.

According to Washington State University, raspberries are superfruits that enable the body to ward off infections related to poor immunity (32).

Another reason raspberries could be great for immunity is the presence of vitamin C. The water-soluble vitamin might help boost immunity (33). Raspberries also contain beta-carotene that help boosts the immune system (34).

8. Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Black raspberries possess anti-inflammatory properties, more so, at the root of the plant – as per a Korean study (35). Raspberries have also been found to treat ulcerative colitis by fighting the inflammation (36).

The anti-inflammatory properties of black raspberries are so potent that the fruit is used as an ingredient to develop various pharmaceutical products.

The anti-inflammatory properties of raspberries can be attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoids that protect the watery portion of our cells and fight inflammation (37). The berries reduce the various inflammatory mediators associated with the condition. However, we have little research with respect to the number of raspberries required for treating inflammation. The best option is to incorporate raspberries into your diet (preferably a serving) and reap the benefits.

You can also include the berry pomaces in your diet to help prevent inflammation, especially that related to the cardiovascular cells (38).

9. Boost Your Memory

Phytonutrients, again! Raspberries are rich in these compounds that have shown to enhance and maintain memory function (39). The polyphenols in raspberries are known to improve age-related cognitive decline (40).

10. Help Slow Down Aging

Fruits like raspberries that are packed with antioxidants work great for your skin. They, first of all, prevent the damaging effects of the sun. Which also means they prevent redness if your skin is sensitive. The presence of vitamin C in raspberries makes them an ideal food to prevent skin cancer (41).

According to a Serbian study, the raspberry ketones in the fruit were found to have potential use in the cosmetic industry. This is because of tiliroside, a compound in raspberry found to inhibit melanin production at the intracellular levels (42). Hence, tiliroside could be a potential skin whitening agent for use in cosmetic products. In fact, certain sunscreens containing raspberry oil as one of the ingredients showed to enhance skin health by offering better antioxidant and UV-protective activities (43).

The ellagitannins in raspberries offer protection against premature aging, given their antioxidant effects (44).

11. Improve Digestion

Raspberry leaves have been used for proper digestion for a very long time. The leaves of the fruit were made into teas, which were used for digestive cures and other related ailments (45).

Raspberries are also one of the foods rich in fiber (46). And, as we know, a higher amount of fiber in the diet means better digestion. One reason raspberries have a higher fiber content is their internal structure – the fruit is made of several individual sections, each having its own seed that surrounds a central core. This aggregate structure increases the fruit’s fiber content.

Fiber also adds no calories to your diet, which is beneficial anyway (47).

Raspberry leaves are also used to treat ailments of the gastrointestinal tract (48).

However, please consult your doctor before using raspberries for treating digestive issues. This is because berries with tiny seeds can pose a danger to individuals who have diverticulitis. The seeds might obstruct the pockets that develop in the intestine and cause infection (49).

12. Alleviate Arthritis

As per an American study, the polyphenols in raspberries can offer cartilage protection and make arthritic conditions less severe (50). Regular consumption of red raspberries can help treat inflammation and maintain joint health (51).

Red raspberries also inhibit bone resorption, a condition where calcium is transferred from the bone tissue to the blood (52). This happens when the bones contain insufficient levels of calcium.

13. Aid Women’s Health

Raspberries, and especially the leaves of the plant, have great benefits for women during pregnancy. One study states that women ingesting raspberry leaf are far less likely to have their membranes ruptured during labor. They also have a higher chance of avoiding a Cesarean section, forceps, or vacuum birth (53). The ingestion of raspberry leaf can also shorten labor, and the good news – no side effects for the mother or her baby/babies.

How to use raspberry tea for labor? The use of raspberries for pregnancy originates way back into the past. According to English herbalists, pregnant women who took raspberry leaf tea wouldn’t experience issues during labor. Native Americans believed that the tea would help cope with nausea during pregnancy (54).

14. Promotes Health Of Tissues And Blood Vessels

We know raspberries are rich in vitamin C, which is required for the growth and repair of the body tissues. The vitamin heals wounds and forms scar tissue. Vitamin C is also required to form an important protein (collagen) necessary for the production of blood vessels (55). This protein is used to synthesize connective tissue – essential to the formation of the skin, bones, and cartilages. In addition to aiding the production of blood vessels, it also helps strengthen their walls (56).

Raspberries also contain iron. The mineral plays a vital role in red blood cell formation (57). These red blood cells carry oxygen to muscles that aid in energy sustenance. Which is why athletes with low iron levels experience fatigue and weakness.

15. Improve Hair Health

Raspberries are rich in folate as well. Folate helps in the formation of healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to each cell in the body. This is important for hair follicles too as they need adequate blood flow and oxygen for proper growth.

Also, the magnesium and silicon content of red raspberries improve hair quality. Silicon is believed to thicken hair within a matter of weeks. It might promote faster hair growth as well (58).

16. Helps Fight Eczema

Raspberries are usually added to herbal antibacterial preparations to treat related ailments. And as per folk medicine, the berries are often prescribed to treat conditions like eczema (59).

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, raspberry seed oil can help treat skin conditions like eczema, in addition to rashes and other skin lesions (60).

That’s about the wondrous benefits of these popular berries. They are great, aren’t they? But, how do you buy them? And what about their storage?

Selection And Storage

Selection

Selecting the right raspberries is pretty simple. You need to look for soft, plump, and deeply colored berries. Avoid the ones with bruises or dents. Or those that are mushy or wet.

Storage

So, how to store raspberries? Storage is pretty simple too. The berries are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of purchase. Refrigerate the berries while they are still in the packaging – unwashed. If you have purchased the berries in cartons, you can wrap them in a plastic wrap and refrigerate. Wash only before eating.

If you want to store the remaining berries after eating a few, you can use a storage container that provides good air circulation. This is how they will stay fresh. Also, ensure you line the container with paper towels. This prevents them from attracting too much of moisture and getting moldy.

How To Freeze Raspberries?

Ensure your berries are totally dry – because you don’t want to freeze wet berries. You can probably pat with a paper towel before freezing raspberries.

You can also lay the berries on a sheet of wax paper. This keeps them from sticking together. Place the wax paper on a baking sheet, over which you can place the berries.

Of course, raspberries taste great when you consume them all alone. But, what fun would that be? Including the fruit in your dishes is the real deal – which is what we will see now.

Raspberry Facts

• Scotland is famous for raspberries. If you want a limitless supply of this fruit, it is where you must go to. In fact, in the 1950s, raspberries were transported from Scotland to London on a steam train called Raspberry Special.
• They are ancient. The fruit was believed to have been used since the prehistoric times. It began to be cultivated in France and England in the 1600s.
• They come in most colors. Red, black, gold, and purple. And a few more.
• They are super seedy. One raspberry fruit contains about 100 to 120 seeds. Can you believe that?
• If you pick a raspberry, it won’t ripen anymore.
• The fruit is symbolic. Deeply. In certain kinds of Christian art, raspberries symbolize kindness. In the Philippines, a raspberry cane hung outside the house is supposed to deter evil spirits. And in Germany, the canes are tied to the body of a horse to calm it down.

The benefits are great. The facts are great. And the recipes are double-great! But, like anything else you find out there in nature, raspberries also have side effects.

Raspberry Leaf Tea Side Effects

1. Drug Interactions

If you are using antibiotics (especially Linezolid), avoid raspberries. This is because the fruits contain a compound called tyramine, which can cause a sudden and dangerous increase in the blood pressure levels (61).

2. Might Affect Pregnant And Nursing Mothers

Raspberries might stimulate contraction in the uterus of pregnant mothers (62). Consult your doctor before use. And as for nursing mothers, there is not enough research. Hence, avoid use.

3. Diarrhea

Raspberry (especially the leaf) can act as a laxative and diuretic. Hence, people taking other medications with laxative or diuretic effects must refrain from consuming raspberries – as doing so can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

4. Allergic Reactions

Certain individuals might develop a tingling or itching sensation in the mouth immediately after consuming raspberries. This might eventually lead to itching on the skin.

The face, lips, and tongue might get swollen, resulting in wheezing or congestion. Some individuals might also develop nausea, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, and dizziness.

These side effects are extremely rare, with only a few cases having been reported. However, take care.

Properties Of Raspberries

Before we wrap up, let me brief you on the most important components of raspberries that make them what they are. These components are what make the fruit so beneficial.

• Anthocyanins

Simply put, they are a powerful group of antioxidants. Usually, the fruits and vegetables with brilliant colors contain the most anthocyanins. Some of the most important benefits of anthocyanins include the maintenance of heart health, prevention of cancer and obesity, and improvement of cognitive function (63).

• Ellagic Acid

It is a naturally occurring substance with numerous benefits. The most important of all is the prevention of cancer. The acid might bind to the chemicals that cause cancer, which might inhibit cancer cell growth (64).

• ORAC

Also called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, this is not an ingredient of raspberries, but, as we had already discussed, it’s a scale that simply tells you how healthy a food item can be. ORAC denotes the ability of a particular food to neutralize free radicals. A higher ORAC rating means more benefits. And raspberries are pretty high on this scale.

• Salicylic Acid

The acid works great for skin. Especially when it comes to fighting acne, skin exfoliation, and cleansing your skin.

• Quercetin

This is a plant pigment. It is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects and helps prevent conditions like heart disease, asthma, and cancer (65).

Now you know what are raspberries good for and why it is a healthy addition to your diet. One last thing..

A Word On Raspberry Ketones

Ever smelt raspberries? They have an enticing aroma, don’t they? The raspberry ketones are responsible for this aroma. They are natural chemicals present in the fruit and are believed to offer certain benefits.

In the recent times, raspberry ketones have been on the radar – as something that can magically boost health and vitality.

But, there are two sides to this.

Certain studies have shown the benefits, but they didn’t seem to follow good scientific methods. Which is why there is an apprehension.

And the side effects of the ketones are unknown. They are usually considered safe. But when it comes to the supplements, there is a lack of information on the short-term or long-term effects. And there are no studies to look at the potential food or drug interactions.

Hence, we want you to keep this in mind – raspberries are great. The fruit is incredibly nutritious. It’s always best to get the benefits of raspberry ketones in the natural form, rather than supplements. So, consume the fresh fruit. And stay away from the supplements. At least till we have solid research done in this regard.

Raspberries are great. Go have ’em!

And…

…don’t forget to comment in the box below. Do let us know how this post has helped you. We would love to hear from you.

Cheers!


Recipe :
Fresh raspberry dessert with yogurt

source :www.stylecraze.com