6 Impressive Health Benefits of Raspberries

This small, red, delicious fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. What’s more, the high levels of the phenolic compound called ellagic acid it contains help prevent and stop the growth of cancer cells. Raspberry oil has a sun-protecting factor and anti-aging properties. Also, it helps the weight loss process and improves the immune system. In other words, these delicious berries are beneficial to your body and health in more ways than you can imagine. You can eat them raw, or add them to smoothies and desserts. Here are the best reasons to include raspberries in your diet.

Health Benefits of Raspberries

1. Weight Loss

The high levels of fiber in raspberries keep you full for longer. On the other hand, the manganese levels they contain help boost your metabolic rate, thus helping the fat-burning process. So, that’s why raspberries are a great addition to your weight loss diet.

2. Reduce Wrinkles

These berries are rich in vitamin C – a strong antioxidant that helps reduce skin discoloration and age spots. It helps fill in minor wrinkles, thus making your skin look younger. What’s more, they protect your skin from the dangerous sun rays. So, you can use them to make a face mask that will make your skin glow. All you have to do is blend one cup of plain yogurt and two cups of fresh raspberries until you get a smooth mixture. Apply it all over your face, and let it stay for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

3. Help Prevent Macular Degeneration

Did you know that eating 3 servings of these berries is a great natural treatment for the age-related vision problem called macular degeneration? Over time, macular degeneration can lead to vision loss in the midpoint of the visual field as a result of retinal damage. It could happen in both, “wet” and “dry” forms. So, why not reduce your risk of macular degeneration by adding raspberries to your lunchtime yogurt or morning cereal?

4. Prevent Infections and Cancer

The ellagic acid in raspberries helps neutralize free radicals, thus preventing cell damage. This phytonutrient compound contains flavonoid molecules which are broken down into anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are responsible for raspberries’ red color, as well as their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In other words, they help stop the overgrowth of certain fungi and bacteria in your body. Some of them can even lead to irritable bowel syndrome and vaginal infections. What’s more, some studies suggest these berries could help protect against cancer development. Animal research showed that raspberries help prevent tumor development and cancer cell proliferation in the colon and other parts of the body.

5. Boost the Immune System

The phytonutrients and antioxidants in raspberries boost your immune system, thus preventing different infections and ailments.

6. Anti-diabetic Properties

According to one study, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolism-boosting properties of raspberries lower the risk of some chronic conditions. They include obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes. The lead author of the study, Britt M. Burton-Freeman, says the berries could help reduce factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome that has implications for developing diabetes. It turns out that raspberries are beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. They help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fasting plasma glucose levels, and improve cholesterol levels, thanks to the anthocyanin content. As researchers explain, the anthocyanins in these berries can help stimulate glucose-mediated production of insulin from beta cells in the pancreas, thus overcoming the lack of insulin production to manage blood sugar. Do you need any other reason to start eating more raspberries? If you know any, share them in the comments below.