Raspberries are one of the healthiest fruits ever. With more vitamin C than oranges, low in calories, high in fibre, and with a big measure of folic acid, the humble raspberry is a champ in the world of healthy food. And did we mention all the potassium, vitamin A and calcium too? That’s right, the raspberry has it all!
Famously grown in Scotland, the raspberry has been eaten by humans since prehistoric times, keeping our ancestors fit and healthy. And we bet you didn’t know that raspberries are part of the Rose family.
Xylitol in Raspberries
Raspberries are low in calories and rich in fibre and antioxidants. 100g of raspberries hold only 52 calories but 6.5g of fibre! Raspberries also contain xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute. A teaspoonful of xylitol carries just 9.6 calories as compared to 15 calories in sugar. Xylitol is absorbed into the blood more slowly in the intestines than simple sugar and does not contribute to high glycemic index. The health benefits of the raspberry juice are varied and numerous, thanks to how much goodness they pack into every berry.
Today, we give you the list of 8 important health benefits of raspberries:
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Blood Circulation
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Fights Inflammation
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Dementia Prevention
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Aids Digestion
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Protect and Destroy Cancerous Growths
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Promotes Eye Health
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Women’s Health
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Skin Remedy
Raspberries act as an anti-coagulant, making it an ideal blood thinner. They discourage blood clotting and can even actively dissolve existing clots. This is all thanks to the salicylate content found in every delicious glass of raspberry juice. Easy flowing blood and a regular heart rate are vital for a healthy heart and cardio system. The potassium in raspberries reduces the chances of cardiac arrhythmia and looks after the muscle in your heart, ensuring regular pumping.
Raspberry juice is a an excellent source of vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. 100g of raspberries provide 26.2mg, or about 47% of RDI of vitamin C. Eating fruits rich in vitamin C helps your body develop resistance against infectious agents and counter inflammation. The ability to fight inflammation makes raspberries useful for promoting good long-term health and for combating acne and chronic diseases.
Eating raspberries improves blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which is key for improving cognition and delaying symptoms of dementia. Scientific studies show that the antioxidant compounds in raspberries play a role against neuro-degenerative diseases. A cocktail of phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, gallic acid, and salicylic acid are really good for maintaining a happy and healthy brain.
Rich in dietary fibre, raspberries promote healthy digestion and can ward off constipation when consumed regularly.
Researchers on food and nutrition for controlling and preventing cancer are showing a lot of promise these days. One such study has been done by Dr. Daniel Nixon of Hollings Cancer Institute[1].
The study found conclusively the effects of ellagic acid in raspberries on cancer. A cup of raspberries contains about 40mg of this acid. When consumed in moderate quantities, it prevents the occurrence of cancerous growths. If cancer patients increase their ellagic acid by eating more raspberries, they may be able to destroy the cancerous growths thanks to a process called Apoptosis.
Apoptosis is basically a biochemical reaction that triggers cell self-destruction. The acid in raspberries triggers this process. It has been found to be effective in most of the cancers including that of the breast, colon, pancreas, oesophagus, skin, and prostate.
Raspberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins A and C. This awesome combination protects your eyes from oxidative stress, cataracts and Dry Eye Syndrome. By allowing plenty of blood into the eye and fuelling the retinas with essential vitamins, raspberries are as good as carrots at looking after your eyes. And they look better on a pavlova to boot!
During the final weeks of pregnancy, drinking raspberry leaf tea has been shown to shorten the second stage of labour. The leaf has been found very effective in reducing pain during childbirth, preventing haemorrhaging and relieving nausea. Raspberry leaf tea also decreases menstrual flow and cramps during the menstrual cycle.
Raspberries are bursting full of skin enhancing nutrients such as iron and folate, and are considered a particularly effective anti-ageing remedy. Eating them regularly is thought to help ease problem skin and promote a healthier complexion.
So there you have it! Raspberries kill cancerous cells, protect your eyes, brain and heart. They really are a Swiss Army Knife of goodness. If you’d like to reap more of the benefits of fresh raspberries all year round, V-Fusion Raspberry & Beetroot juice is a sweet and refreshing way to get your daily dose. Packed with lots of nutritional goodness and 2 of your 5 a day, it’s just what you need to live a berry happy and healthy life.
[1] http://jonbarron.org/article/truth-about-ellagic-acid-and-red-raspberries
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