Raspberries are an important fruit to be included in any diet due to their high vitamin and phytochemical content. Raspberries are also high in the polyphenolic compounds anthocyanins and ellagitannins. Most raspberries are known for their red color, but they can also come in colors such as yellow, golden, or black. Red and black raspberries are the most common varieties. The yellow coloring in raspberries occurs when there is a mutation in the berry that prevents the raspberry from becoming red. Raspberries have a host of health benefits from preventing cancer to relieving gastrointestinal distress.
Oral cancer is ranked sixth most common worldwide. A 2002 study showed that dietary black raspberries have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in the oral cavity. Furthermore, the polyphenolic anthocyanins in raspberries have been shown to inhibit the development of esophageal cancer.
Anthocyanins are the pigments found in raspberries that give the fruit its color. The red coloring in raspberries has been associated with a lower risk of cancer, improved urinary tract health, improved memory function and health aging. The high antioxidant levels in raspberries also make them successful at preventing cancer. Antioxidants work by binding to free radicals and dismembering them, which prevents these bad cells from further polluting the body.
Acidosis can occur when too many free radicals are present in the body. This creates an acidic environment in which cancer can develop and thrive. Antioxidants work to combat this environment and restore the body to a health habitat, allowing you to really feel great and enjoy your life to its fullest potential.
Raspberries may be helpful in treating some chronic digestive diseases as ulcerative colitis. A 2001 study evaluated the effects of dietary black raspberries and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities on ulcerative colitis. The study indicated that raspberry treatment for 7 days suppressed inflammatory tissue levels, including the development of tumors as well as protection for colonic injury. Therefore, it was concluded that raspberries may protect and help heal the colon in those who suffer from ulcerative colitis, which affects a staggering 5 million people worldwide (combined with Crohn’s disease – another form of irritable bowel disease).
Raspberries are also high in fibre, which helps move fecal matter through the digestive tract. Fibre may help prevent digestive diseases such as diverticulitis, which occurs when the lining of the colon develops small cuts or tears that become infected. Fibre prevents diverticulitis by moving fecal mass through the digestive tract and cleaning out the colon to eliminate the chance for the small pouches to become irritated, infected, or inflamed.
And if the above wasn’t enough to convince you to start including raspberries in your diet, raspberries also have a high vitamin C content, which helps to promote strong immune health. Due to the immune system predominately residing in the gut, raspberries therefore can play an important role in keeping all aspects of the body health by promoting great immunity.
Deana Steele is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Digestion Specialist trained by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. She believes that optimum health begins with a properly functioning digestive system. Her philosophy is to empower her clients with the knowledge to improve their overall health through optimum digestive function, lifestyle and superior nutrition. Find more great digestive support at www.deanasteele.com
This information is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner prior to making any changes.
References:
Casto, B.C. , Kresty, L.A., Kraly, C.L., Pearl, D.K., Knobloch, T.J., Schut, H.A., Stoner, G.D., Mallery, S.R., Weghorst, C.M. (2002) Chemoprevention of oral cancer by black raspberries. Anticancer Res.
Montrose, D., Horelik, N., Madigan, J., Stoner, G., Wang, L., Bruno, R., . . . Rosenberg, D. (2010). Anti-inflammatory effects of freeze-dried black raspberry powder in ulcerative colitis. Carcinogenesis, 343-350.
Peiffer, D., Zimmerman, N., Wang, L., Ransom, B., Carmella, S., Kuo, C., . . . Stoner, G. (2014). Chemoprevention of Esophageal Cancer with Black Raspberries, Their Component Anthocyanins, and a Major Anthocyanin Metabolite, Protocatechuic Acid. Cancer Prevention Research, 574-584.
Rao, A., & Snyder, D. (2010). Raspberries and human health: A review. J Agric Food Chem.
