Raspberries are delicate, sweet fruits that are a rich shade of red. They are aggregate fruits because each raspberry is actually a collection of many tiny fruits. They taste delicious as a snack between meals, and they can be added to smoothies or milkshakes. In addition to being one of the most popular fruits, raspberries are also extremely good for the human body. Read on to discover eleven surprising ways in which eating plenty of raspberries can help to improve and extend your life.
1) They can help to prevent infections:
The anthocyanins in raspberries have antibacterial properties and can help to reduce your likelihood of developing certain infections (such as strep throat). In addition, it has repeatedly been proven that anthocyanins are especially effective when it comes to stopping Candida albicans from growing out of control. This means that frequently eating raspberries may make you substantially less likely to suffer from yeast infections.
2) They may help to keep you looking younger:
The anthocyanins in raspberries are also connected with youthful skin, as they promote the production of collagen. This helps to keep your skin looking smooth and elastic as you age.
3) They make you less likely to suffer from cancer:
Raspberries are famous for containing ellagic acid, which is particularly powerful when it comes to preventing the kind of cell damage that can lead to cancer. In addition, tests conducted on animals have provided exciting new evidence that raspberries can slow the growth of cancerous tumors (especially in the colon). Finally, raspberries inhibit the action of metalloproteinase enzymes, excessive amounts of which encourage cancer to metastasize (i.e. spread to other organs). All things considered, raspberries are an excellent fruit to eat if you are concerned about reducing your risk of developing cancer.
4) They boost your metabolism:
Raspberries contain the trace mineral manganese, which heightens your metabolic rate. This means that eating raspberries can make your body burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, and so you will be less likely to gain weight (or more able to lose weight at a faster rate if you are currently on a diet).
5) They can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies:
Raspberries are a source of an antioxidant called quercetin, which reduces the number of histamines produced by your body. This means that eating raspberries may help to minimize your hay fever or allergy symptoms (such as persistent sneezing and itchy eyes).
6) They may reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease:
Cornell University researchers have conducted experiments on mice that reveal some interesting new facts about preventing some forms of dementia. Specifically, it seems that fruits rich in quercetin (such as raspberries) can help to protect brain cells from the kind of damage that can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
7) They can help to keep blood pressure under control:
Raspberries are a good source of potassium, so they keep your heartbeat regular and help to promote healthy blood pressure. If you have healthy blood pressure, you are less likely to suffer from a stroke or heart attack.
8) They can help to reduce morning sickness:
Pregnancy is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, especially in the early months. Raspberries are a traditional remedy for this sickness, and many pregnant women swear that raspberry tea reduces the severity of their nausea.
9) They are very good for your digestive health:
One cup of raspberries will provide you with as much as a third of your daily dose of dietary fiber, so they will help to keep your bowels regular and make you less likely to suffer from constipation.
10) They protect against macular degeneration:
Those who eat raspberries (and other fruits that are rich in antioxidant vitamins) are as much as 36% less likely to develop macular degeneration. Since macular degeneration is the main cause of sight loss in older people, you have an excellent reason to eat plenty of raspberries if you want to preserve your vision.
11) They can boost your energy levels:
Raspberries are a great source of B vitamins, so they can quickly and effectively increase your energy levels when you are feeling tired or rundown. Some nutritionists even say that raspberries work just as well as caffeine in this respect.
12) They aid in the development of unborn children:
Raspberries contain folate, and folic acid is vital for pregnant women because it prevents neural tube defects in developing babies.
As is obvious from the above health benefits, raspberries are a great choice if you want to increase your daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Raspberries can be bought all year round, but they are at their best between June and October. You should pick out raspberries that are shiny, plump, and free from mold.
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