Red Raspberry Fruit

Red Raspberry Fruit Powder

Red raspberry is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. Its fruit is eaten fresh, used in desserts, or preserved as jam and jelly. Aside from being palatable, red raspberries possess anti-aging and health-boosting properties which are mainly due to their rich antioxidant content. In addition, red raspberries contain decent amount of ellagic acid (from ellagotannins), polyphenols, quercetin, gallic acid, anthocyanins, and other bioflavonoids.

Benefits of Red Raspberry Fruit

An overwhelming body of research supports the many health benefits of consuming red raspberries. Loading up on this nutrient powerhouse can give you the following benefits:

Fights Cancer

According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, the polyphenolic profile and antioxidative properties of red raspberry were mainly responsible for the death of cancer cells of the larynx and colon, indicating that red raspberry has a potent cytotoxic effect on malignant cells.^[1] 

Makes Labor Easier

Consuming red raspberries during pregnancy may help shorten the process of labor, thus, lowering the risk for complications and other adverse outcomes. According to a study published in Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, pregnant women who consumed raspberry tablets at a dose of 1.2 grams per day had shorter duration of the second stage of labor (begins from complete opening of the cervix and ends with childbirth) and had lower rate of forceps deliveries.^[2] Interestingly, the supplemented group did not experience any adverse side effects, suggesting that red raspberry supplementation is safe and effective.

Improves Blood Sugar Levels

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, consuming red raspberries along with other berries is associated with an improved blood sugar level.^[3] The researchers found that those who consumed 150 grams of mixed berries had normal blood sugar tests and improved blood sugar metabolism.

Improves Blood Pressure

One study found that the polyphenols in red raspberries can help reduce blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide (NO).^[4] NO is a potent vasodilator, which means that it helps widen the blood vessels and improve blood circulation. By increasing NO production, the pressure within the blood vessels will be significantly reduced.

Improves Cholesterol Levels

Many studies have shown that the anthocyanins in red raspberries can improve cholesterol profile. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that consumption of two anthocyanin capsules for 24 weeks was able to reduce low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels by 9.72% and increase high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) by 17.4%.^[5]   

Treats Inflammation

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that the polyphenols in raspberry extract possess anti-inflammatory properties.^[6] The researchers found that red raspberry extract was able to protect cartilage samples from inflammation, damage, and bone breakdown.

Fights Infection

One test tube study revealed that the polyphenols isolated from red raspberry prevented the growth of various microorganisms including Azotobacter, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas species.^[7]

References:

1. Durgo K, Belščak-cvitanović A, Stančić A, Franekić J, Komes D. The bioactive potential of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) leaves in exhibiting cytotoxic and cytoprotective activity on human laryngeal carcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma. J Med Food. 2012;15(3):258-68.
2. Simpson M, Parsons M, Greenwood J, Wade K. Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2001;46(2):51-9.
3. Törrönen R, Kolehmainen M, Sarkkinen E, Poutanen K, Mykkanen H, Niskanen L. Berries reduce postprandial insulin responses to wheat and rye breads in healthy women. J Nutr 2013; 143: 430– 6.
4. Jia H, Liu JW, Ufur H, He GS, Liqian H, Chen P. The antihypertensive effect of ethyl acetate extract from red raspberry fruit in hypertensive rats. Pharmacognosy Magazine. 2011;7(25):19-24. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.75885.
5. Zhu Y, Huang X, Zhang Y, et al. Anthocyanin supplementation improves HDL-associated paraoxonase 1 activity and enhances cholesterol efflux capacity in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(2):561-9.
6. Jean-gilles D, Li L, Ma H, Yuan T, Chichester CO, Seeram NP. Anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenolic-enriched red raspberry extract in an antigen-induced arthritis rat model. J Agric Food Chem. 2012;60(23):5755-62.
7. Nikitina VS, Kuz’mina LIu, Melent’ev AI, Shendel’ GV. [Antibacterial activity of polyphenolic compounds isolated from plants of Geraniaceae and Rosaceae families]. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol. 2007;43(6):705-12.