Red raspberry
Published: Jun 9, 2010 15:08 Updated: Jun 9, 2010 15:25
For the last several weeks, I have been discussing the fruits Paul Gross, the “Berry Doctor,” selected as superfruits (mango, fig, orange, strawberry, goji (wolfberry), red grape, cranberry, kiwifruit, papaya, blueberry, sweet and sour cherries, red raspberry, seaberry (seabuckthorn), guava, blackberry, black currant, date, pomegranate, acai (assai) and dry prune). Each one of them was singled out for its package of outstanding essential nutrients and potent phytochemicals, which provide health balance, vital energy, and healing remedies for once-thought irreversible diseases like inflammation, arthritis, pain, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, allergies, premature aging, mental decline and vision deterioration. The extent of scientific research and clinical trials are also two influential aspects in the naming of superfruits. After exploring the first eleven superfruits, I shall continue according to Gross’ list order. Today, it is about the ruby-red raspberry.
Red raspberry, Rubus idaeus, is cultivated in the Northwestern part of the United States and Europe. This jewel-like fruit of unusual formation of succulent beads and exceptional crimson color is a close family member of the blackberry. Each droplet is loaded with exquisite sweet and sour red juice, holding a seed rich in essential fatty acids, carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A) and vitamins C and E. The seed oil is a potent anti-aging moisturizer with healing and sun-screen characteristics. The nutrient, which is important to the skin, is plentiful in the berry due to the multiple ruby beads.
The superfruit overall contains the highest amount of vitamins C and K, manganese, and dietary fiber among nature’s plants. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, pectin, iron, calcium and potassium are also sufficiently elevated in the berry. Red raspberries’ phytochemicals, like ellagic acid, tannins, quercetin, and anthocyanins, come in a pretty impressive amount. Anthocyanins, mostly cyanidin glycosides and ellagitannins in studies, have demonstrated their activity to suppress inflammation and work against pathogens in the intestines.
The intense crimson pigment in red raspberry juice offers an abundance of polyphenols like ellagic acid and ellagitannins that are active against inflammation, a culprit suspected of being the underlying cause of many chronic disorders such as: Arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, allergies, degenerative eye disease, mental decline, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, obesity and even cancer. Scientists at Cornell University have found a connection between the deep color of the juice and richness in polyphenols, which inhibit the production of liver cancer cells in humans.
In experiments, phytochemicals in red and black raspberries have shown promising healing properties, which can be isolated for use against disease. However until recently, not many clinical trials on humans have been submitted to show evidence of raspberries’ healing effects on specific diseases. On the other hand, medical research demonstrated the effectiveness of regular raspberries’ intake in counteracting inflammation-induced diseases.
As for its cancer fighting properties, black raspberries appear to be the winner in clinical testing. Scientists at Ohio State University have tested the berry’s polyphenols on oral, esophageal and colon cancers. Trials on rats showed that the berry’s extracts could change the activity of many of the genes in the esophagus and have improved inter-cell signaling, cell structure, and muscle activity and contraction in the area.
According to Paul Pitchford’s book Healing with Whole Foods in Chinese Medicine, the raspberry leaf has healing properties and is used in herbal therapy. As a supplement or infusion, it strengthens the uterus, controls menstrual flow, decreases bleeding and balances hormones during pregnancy. The dried unripe raspberry has more astringent properties on incontinence and frequent urination than the ripe berry. It is also used in treating impotence and premature ejaculation and has balancing effects on the female reproductive organs. Raspberries enhance blurred vision, cures anemia and diarrhea and have astringent action on the urinary tract. Because blackberries belong to the same family as raspberries, they are used for their therapeutic properties in the same way as raspberries on the above disorders. Furthermore, because they are low in sugar, berries in general are healthy fruits for diabetics and weight watchers.
Due to their dense and healing nutritional value, red raspberries should be part of the daily diet. They are found fresh in most big supermarkets in Saudi Arabia. A dozen of these succulent fresh berries in the morning make a delicious healthy helping. They can be added to fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes, yogurts or cereals. They also make flavorful ice-creams, tarts and sorbets. Raspberry sauce is exquisite when poured hot or cold on ice-creams, cakes, yogurts, fruit salads or apple tarts. Whether quick-frozen or flash-frozen, raspberries can become a good substitute for the fresh berry as the processes helps them retain a lot of their nutrients. They may be tiny, but the delightful ruby-like jewels are packed with multiple goodness. Good things come in small packages!
N.B. Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural.
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Jun 10, 2010 00:05
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