Health

Health Benefits Of Raspberries

By July 12, 2017January 20th, 2022No Comments

Did you know that July is the best time to find locally grown and delicious raspberries in Ontario? With that in mind we thought its a good idea to talk about the health benefits that raspberry consumption can provide!

High in Anti-Oxidants

The diversity of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients in raspberries is truly remarkable. The vast majority of these phytonutrients are present in such significant amounts in raspberries that they have a significant effect on protecting us against the dangers of oxidative stress and the dangers of excessive inflammation. By helping to scavenge free radical molecules, and by helping to regulate the activity of enzymes that could trigger unwanted inflammation, the phytonutrients in raspberries help lower our risk of chronic diseases that are associated with chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. These chronic diseases include obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

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Anti-inflammatory Effects

Additionally, the ellagic acid found in raspberries is a great anti-inflammatory compound. This phytonutrient has been shown to help prevent overactivity of certain pro-inflammatory enzymes and their overproduction, and as studies show intake of ellagic acid has been shown to reduce numerous aspects of unwanted and excessive inflammation, including inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease.

Highly Nutritious

Raspberries are an outstanding source of phytonutrients, and provide us with dozens of anthocyanins, flavonoids, stilbenoids, phenolic acids, tannins and lignans. They are an unusually concentrated source of ellagitannins (like ellagic acid), cyanidins and pelargonidins. Raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber. They are a very good source of copper and a good source of vitamin K, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin E, magnesium, folate, omega-3 fatty acids and potassium.

Promotes Optimal Health

Raspberries, blackberries, and muscadine grapes all have metalloproteinase enzymes. These are essential for the development and renovation of tissues, however, if they are produced in abnormally high amounts, they may act as a catalyst for cancer development. They have high amounts of vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, manganese, niacin, potassium and copper.

Best Way to Consume

If we have convinced you of the health benefits of raspberries than you must be wondering how to increase your consumption of this great berry, and how to choose the best ones! Firstly, we recommend that you purchase organic raspberries, if possible to avoid pesticides and consume the maximum benefits that this fruit can provide. As to ways of incorporating it into your diet, you can add them to your morning granola, oatmeal, or yogurt as a breakfast. You can use it in smoothies and milk shakes, and of course consume it as a delicious healthy snack throughout your day.