Raspberries are a delicious and healthy fruit. However, if you don’t choose to consume them from organic farms, they can have a negative impact on the environment. This is because they require heavy use of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers. These chemicals can have a harmful effect on wildlife and soil microbes. These impacts are then passed up the food chain to humans. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to mitigate these negative environmental impacts while still enjoying the delicious taste of raspberries. You can also offset your raspberry consumption by contributing to organizations that work hard to prevent and reverse the damage caused by raspberry agriculture.
The antioxidants in raspberry can help protect the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage. This can have a wide range of health benefits, including improving eye health, strengthening the immune system and fighting signs of ageing. It can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. The most common phenolic compound found in raspberries is quercetin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce the symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, participants who took a supplement of raspberry extract and quercetin saw reduced inflammation and pain in their joints.
Another important aspect of raspberry nutrition is that it is high in fiber, a nutrient that many people don’t get enough of in their diets. The average American only gets 10 to 15 grams per day, which is less than the recommended amount for adults. Raspberries are a great source of fiber and can help improve digestion and maintain regularity.
The natural ketones in raspberry can aid weight loss. In a double-blind experiment, 70 obese but otherwise healthy participants were given either raspberry ketone supplements or placebos. The group that supplemented with raspberry ketone saw significant improvements in hip girth, waist girth and body composition when combined with exercise training and a calorie-restricted diet.
In addition to being a rich source of vitamin C, raspberries contain the naturally occurring polyphenol ellagic acid. This compound can act as an antioxidant and can help protect against the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin. It can also help reduce sunburn, skin redness and psoriasis.
The antioxidants in raspberries can also help to fight against age-related macular degeneration. The lycopene in these berries can help to filter out damaging blue light rays, which can cause vision problems in older adults. This can help to slow down the progression of macular degeneration and may even help to restore vision in those who are already affected by it. The natural flavonoids in raspberries can also help to reduce the risk of cataracts. These compounds can help to inhibit bacterial growth and scavenge free radicals in the eyes. This can help to preserve the health of the eyes and the brain. The natural ketones in raspberries can also promote a healthy metabolism by helping to break down fats in the body. This can help with weight loss, as well as lowering cholesterol levels and triglycerides.