Raspberries are insanely high in antioxidants! They are known for their Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, it turns outs raspberries have one of the best ORAC values than any other fruit!
1. Raspberries Help Fight Cancer
Raspberries have 40% more antioxidant content than blueberries and strawberries (fruits considered among the best for cancer prevention). Studies have also shown that raspberry extract may prevent the migration of tumor into the lymph system.
As per the American Institute for Cancer Research, raspberries are rich in ellagic acid, which has displayed the ability to prevent various cancers. 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. Black raspberries were also found to restore tumor suppressive activity, thereby aiding cancer treatment.
As per an American study, red raspberries have a minor role to play in treating cancers of the stomach and colon. They were also found to inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells.
Another American study had supported the chemopreventive properties of black raspberries, especially in the case of oral cancer. 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.
2. Raspberries Help Maintain Healthy Hearts
Being rich in fiber, these berries help maintain heart health. One cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber. 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. In fact, raspberries contain other bioactive polyphenols that help reduce the risk of heart disease.
The anthocyanins in raspberries also have a variety of other effects on blood vessels and platelets that result in a healthy heart. However, more research is needed on the amount of anthocyanins exactly required and the related decrease in heart disease risk. Raspberries were also found to widen the arteries, which helps blood flow smoothly and prevents the accumulation of plaque. 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. Vitamin C is another compound in raspberries that is known to prevent heart disease – as it prevents plaque formation.
3. Raspberries Enhance Fertility
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. 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.
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.
4. Raspberries 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). This could be an important link to treating ailments related to a weak immune system. Raspberries are superfruits that enable the body to ward off infections related to poor immunity.
Another reason raspberries could be great for immunity is the presence of vitamin C. The water-soluble vitamin might help boost immunity. Raspberries also contain beta-carotene that help boosts the immune system.
5. Raspberries Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Black raspberries possess anti-inflammatory properties, more so, at the root of the plant – as per a Korean study. Raspberries have also been found to treat ulcerative colitis by fighting the inflammation. 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. The berries reduce the various inflammatory mediators associated with the condition.
6. Raspberries Boost Your Memory
Phytonutrients, again! Raspberries are rich in these compounds that have shown to enhance and maintain memory function. The polyphenols in raspberries are known to improve age-related cognitive decline.
7. Raspberries 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.