Raspberries are a delicious fruit, and according to the
latest research, a very healthy whole food fruit as well.
Research published in the May 2005 issue of the journal
Biofactors shows that Raspberries are loaded with powerful
phytonutrients and antioxidants that can support your immune
system and help your body to ward off disease.
The antioxidants in Raspberries include ellagic acid which
protects your cells from becoming damaged. Other nutrients
in Raspberries include quercetin, kaempferol, and the
cyanidin-based molecules called
cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside.
These flavonoid molecules are also classified as
anthocyanins, and they belong to the group of substances
that give raspberries their rich red color.
The anthocyanins in Raspberries are very powerful
antioxidants that have antimicrobial properties as well,
including the ability to prevent overgrowth of certain
bacteria and fungi in the body such as Candida. The biggest
contribution to raspberries' antioxidant capacity is their
ellagitannins, a family of compounds almost exclusive to the
raspberry, which are reported to have anti-cancer activity.
In addition to their abundant phytonutrient and antioxidant
content, raspberries are a rich source of manganese and
vitamin C that help protect the body's tissue from
oxygen-related damage. They are also a good source of
important nutrients such as riboflavin, folate, niacin,
magnesium, potassium, B vitamins and copper.
