Raspberries are fragrantly sweet and convey a near 'melt-in-your-mouth' texture. The most common kind of raspberry is red-pink in color, but others come in black, purple, orange, yellow and white. Raspberries have hybrids such as loganberries and boysenberries, and the latter came as a result of intentional or accidental crossbreeding of berries over many centuries. Poland, the United States, Chile, Yugoslavia, and Germany are the greatest producers of the berry. One reason for why raspberries are popular is because there are many health benefits to be derived from eating them. Here are some of the health benefits.
Protection From Diseases
Raspberries contain phytonutrients such as ellagic acid. This nutrient helps to prevent damage to cells and other structures in the body. To do this, phytonutrients neutralize the activities of cancer-causing free radicals. Apart from phytonutrients, raspberries also contain flavonoids. The major flavonoid contents are quercetin, kaempferol and cynidin-based molecules, all classified as anthocyanins. It is this range of nutrients which give raspberries their bright red color. Anthocyanins enable raspberries to have antioxidant properties, as well as antimicrobial characteristics. As an antimicrobial agent, raspberries stops the overgrowth of some bacteria and fungi in the linings of the body.
\"coconut Benefits\"
Allows For Antioxidant Activities
Some nutrients in raspberries make it to have properties of antioxidants. The antioxidant capacity of raspberries is due to the presence of a family of compounds known as ellagitannins. Ellagitannins allow for anti-cancer development activity. Along with them, raspberries also contain Vitamin C, which also has antioxidant properties. Raspberries' anthocyanins also perform the function of an antioxidant.
Protection From Oxygen-Related Damage
Along with Vitamin C, raspberries are an excellent source of manganese. Both Vitamin C and manganese protect the body tissues against oxygen-related damage. Raspberries are also a good source of nutrients such as copper, folate, riboflavins and magnesium. These provide a rich supply of B vitamins and mineral content to the body. Raspberries are perceived as excellent as a source of dietary fiber. The combination of Vitamin C, copper, folate, and others make raspberries to have a minimal impact on blood sugar, which preclude the development of life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes.
Protection From Loss Of Vision
It has gone into popular lore that eating three or more helping of fruits per day may lower among other illnesses the risk of being affected by age-related problems such as mascular degeneration. Researchers say mascular degeneration is the major cause of loss of vision in older persons. Fruits act against loss of vision due to the antioxidant nutrients which they contain. Raspberries, like other berries, also contain these nutrients. Adding raspberries to your diet will help you to reach the magical three or more helping of fruits per day which researchers say will protect people from mascular degeneration and a host of other age-related diseases.
Conclusion
Sure, raspberries are very perishable. They may lose some of their powers during storage. However, when they are carefully handled, they provide so many nutrients which give protection against the development of many illnesses.
Sandra Rathbun is a health and nutrition expert, who also owns a blog on fruits and their benefits. She regularly writes articles on acai berries and blue berries.