Fragrantly sweet with a subtly tart overtone and almost-melt-in-your-mouth texture, raspberries are wonderfully delicious and are usually in limited supply. Most cultivated varieties of raspberries are grown in California from June through October.
A member of the rose family and a bramble fruit like the blackberry, raspberries are delicately structured with a hollow core. Raspberries are known as "aggregate fruits" since they are a compendium of smaller seed-containing fruits, called drupelets, that are arranged around a hollow central cavity.
The Red Raspberry is rich in minerals and vitamins that promote the health of hair, skin, nails, bones and teeth. Moreover, Red Raspberry is said to provide relief for heavy cramping and excessive Bleeding during Menstruation.
Raspberries are known as "aggregate fruits" since they are a compendium of smaller seed-containing fruits, called drupelets, which are arranged around a hollow central cavity. Their shape conveys to them a very delicate, almost "melt-in-your-mouth" texture. They are fragrantly sweet with a subtly tart overtone. While the most common type of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is red-pink in color, raspberries actually come in a range of colors including black, purple, orange, yellow and white. Both loganberries and boysenberries are hybrids of raspberries.
For medicinal use, mainly the red raspberry leaves are used. They are astringent and stimulant. Tea from red raspberry leaves is used to treat throat infections and Diarrhea. Raspberry leaves are often used by pregnant women because of their relaxing and astringent actions. Raspberry leaves were used to facilitate childbirth and to stimulate milk production. Red raspberry leaves are believed to strengthen the Uterus muscles of the Uterus and thereby hastening childbirth. Studies with animals and humans have indeed indicated that raspberries leaves have uteronic activity.
The red raspberry fruits (or simple raspberry) are very rich in anthocyanins and in particular ellagic Acid. Because of the anti-tumor and anti-Cancer activity of ellagic Acid, consumption of red raspberries may decrease the risk for Cancer. Studies have shown that ellagic inhibits tumor growth caused by carcinogens and that it protects DNA against damage from radiation therapy.
The anthocyanins in red raspberry act as antioxidants, protecting against Heart disease and mental ageing problems.
The red raspberry is native to Europe, Asia and North America. Commercial cultivars are grown throughout the world for their berries.
Red Raspberry is a deciduous bramble with perennial roots, native to many parts of Europe, but has wide distribution from the Polar Regions down through temperate North America, Europe and Asia, following higher elevations as it reaches the more southerly latitudes. Red Raspberry is a shrub with erect, spiny, woody, thorny stems (called canes) that bear irregularly-toothed, pale green leaves and pretty white flowers, followed by deep red fruit, and it may grow to a height of six feet. The berries are edible and highly nutritious, with a delicate, complex flavor. The brambles may be found growing wild in dry or moist woods, thickets, untended fields and roadsides, but prefers moist, slightly-Acid, well-drained loam, rich in humus, in full sun or partial shade. Fossil evidence shows that Raspberries were part of the human diet from very early times, and their presence is noted as both a food and part of herbal medicine in the ancient writings of the Greeks, including Aeschylus (c.525-456 B.C.), and the physician, Hippocrates (460-357 B.C.). The Romans used Red Raspberry to treat sore mouths and inflammation of the bowel, and it was mentioned in the works of Propertius (c.50-16 B.C.). The leaves bark and fruits are employed herbal medicine. It is said that early settlers brought Red Raspberry with them, but there was already a hardier variety growing in North America, where several Native Americans were using it as a food and in herbal remedies.
Red Raspberry has been included for hundreds of years in folk medicine as an astringent and women's aid and was considered important enough to be listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia in 1882. In the days when "natural" childbirth and midwives were the only way to have a baby, Red Raspberry was the herb of choice. In the 1920s, British researchers isolated a substance called fragerine from the leaves, which was found to be a relaxant that reduces Muscle spasms in the Uterus.
In both Chinese and European herbal medicine, Raspberry Leaf Tea is a classic herbal preparation for pregnant women, which is administered to prepare them for childbirth. Red Raspberry was once also used during pregnancy to ease Nausea and morning sickness, prevent miscarriage and increase the production of breast milk, but it is not recommended in this manner now (particularly in the earlier months), because of the possibility of uterine contractions. Some of the constituents in Red Raspberry include flavonoids, high concentrations of tannins, alpha- and beta-carotene, alkaloids (fragarine), organic acids (caffeic Acid, ellagic Acid, ferulic Acid, etc.), geraniol, lutein, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, Zinc, B-vitamins and vitamins C and E.
Red Raspberry is considered an excellent astringent, which makes it an effective treatment for a number of complaints. The high tannin content is said to help to control Diarrhea by preventing the flow of fluids into the intestines, thereby helping to solidify the stool. The tannins are also thought to be most likely responsible for controlling Nausea and Vomiting as well. Once again, the tannins are said to cause proteins in healing skin to cross-link and form an impermeable barrier.
Red Raspberry has been used for centuries to strengthen the reproductive system in women, particularly during pregnancy. The herb is thought to tone and regulate the uterine muscles. If the smooth Muscle is tight, the herb is said to relax it; likewise, if the Muscle is relaxed Red Raspberry causes contractions, and when taken during the last two months of pregnancy, it is believed to strengthen and tone the uterine muscles and stimulate labor and delivery and possibly even help to shorten delivery and ease pain. After birth, Red Raspberry is taken for several weeks to help reduce swelling and Bleeding and return the Uterus to its normal tone. By toning the pelvic muscles, Red Raspberry has been used as a traditional remedy for bed-wetting.
To further support women's health, Red Raspberry is said to relieve heavy cramping during Menstruation. The ferulic Acid content in the herb is said to be a uterine relaxant, stimulating the muscles that support the Uterus and allowing for easier menstrual flow. It is thought to help relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and also reduce excessive menstrual Bleeding. There are reports that Red Raspberry may also help to alleviate hot flashes.
Red Raspberry is said to possess antiviral properties, and some studies have shown that it kills virus (including Herpes) and fungi in cell cultures. It was said to be effective against Herpes virus II, influenza virus, and polio virus I, among others.
The lutein content in Red Raspberry is believed to be beneficial to good eye health. It is a carotenoid that may be found in many fruits and vegetables, and researchers have claimed that this nutrient may significantly decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration of the eyes. Even normal-sighted people taking this supplement have reported reduced glare and sharper vision, and it may also be helpful for anyone exposed to brilliant sunlight or computer screens on a daily basis.
The highly nutritious qualities of Red Raspberry have been effective in promoting healthy hair, nails, skin, bones and teeth. The silicon and magnesium content is said to be very helpful for improving the quality of hair. There are claims that silicon (which can be found in vegetables, fruits, horsetails and oats, etc.) will strengthen hair, and it also seems to cause thickening of hair and nails within weeks. There are also reports that it promotes faster growth.
Used as an antiseptic and astringent, Red Raspberry is said to stop burns from oozing and is thought to make an effective gargle for mouth and throat inflammation. Topical applications include treatments for chancre (canker) and other Mouth Sores, Eye Problems in soothing eyewash and in a douche for vaginal discharge.
Red raspberry is most often the source of a dietary supplement sold in many health food stores called ellagic acid. This substance found naturally in raspberries belongs to the family of phytonutrients called tannins, and it is viewed as being responsible for a good portion of the antioxidant activity of this (and other) berries.
Research published in Cancer Letters provides one reason why diets high in fruit help prevent cancer: raspberries, blackberries and muscadine grapes inhibit metalloproteinase enzymes. Although essential for the development and remodeling of tissues, if produced in abnormally high amounts, these enzymes play a significant role in cancer development by providing a mechanism for its invasion and spread.
Your mother may have told you carrots would keep your eyes bright as a child, but as an adult, it looks like fruit is even more important for keeping your sight. Data reported in a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.
In this study, which involved over 110,000 women and men, researchers evaluated the effect of study participants' consumption of fruits; vegetables; the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E; and carotenoids on the development of early ARMD or neovascular ARMD, a more severe form of the illness associated with vision loss. While, surprisingly, intakes of vegetables, antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids were not strongly related to incidence of either form of ARMD, fruit intake was definitely protective against the severe form of this vision-destroying disease. Three servings of fruit may sound like a lot to eat each day, but raspberries can help you reach this goal.
As an antioxidant food containing ellagic acid, raspberries help prevent unwanted damage to cell membranes and other structures in the body by neutralizing free radicals. Ellagic acid is not the only well-researched phytonutrient component of raspberry, however. Raspberry's flavonoid content is also well documented. Here the key substances are 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. Raspberries' anthocyanins also give these delectable berries unique antioxidant properties, as well as some antimicrobial ones, including the ability to prevent overgrowth of certain bacteria and fungi in the body (for example, the yeast Candida albicans, which is a frequent culprit in vaginal infections and can be a contributing cause in irritable bowel syndrome).
Additionally, research is suggesting that raspberries may have cancer protective properties. Research with animals has suggested that raspberries have have the potential to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and tumor formation in various parts of the body, including the colon.
Raspberries possess almost 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes, shows research conducted in the Netherlands and published in the journal BioFactors.
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. Vitamin C contributes about 20% of the total antioxidant capacity, accounting for up to 30 milligrams in 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of fruit. Raspberries anthocyanins, especially cyanidin and pelagonidin glycosides, make up another 25%. And more good news: freezing and storing raspberries does not significantly affect their antioxidant activity, although in this study, their concentration of vitamin C was halved by the freezing process.
In addition to their unique phytonutrient content, raspberries are filled with traditional nutrients, primarily in the antioxidant and B vitamin categories. Raspberries emerged from our nutrient ranking system as an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, two critical antioxidant nutrients that help protect the body's tissue from oxygen-related damage. They also qualified as a good source of riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium and copper. Coupled with this strong B vitamin and mineral content, raspberries qualified as "excellent" in terms of dietary fiber. This combination of nutrients makes raspberries a great fruit choice for having minimal impact on blood sugars.
Raspberries are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating raspberries. Laboratory studies have shown that oxalates may also interfere with absorption of calcium from the body. Yet, in every peer-reviewed research study we've seen, the ability of oxalates to lower calcium absorption is relatively small and definitely does not outweigh the ability of oxalate-containing foods to contribute calcium to the meal plan. If your digestive tract is healthy, and you do a good job of chewing and relaxing while you enjoy your meals, you will get significant benefits—including absorption of calcium—from calcium-rich foods plant foods that also contain oxalic acid. Ordinarily, a healthcare practitioner would not discourage a person focused on ensuring that they are meeting their calcium requirements from eating these nutrient-rich foods because of their oxalate content.
There may occur allergic reactions to raspberry. Raspberry leaf may lead to mild loosening of stools and nausea. Some herbalists recommend not using raspberry leaf preparations early in pregnancy. Using raspberry leaf may show a slight increase or decrease in blood pressure. Don't use raspberry if you find symptoms of a closing of your throat, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives, serious allergic reaction and breathing problem.
Red raspberry fruit is LIKELY SAFE for most people when eaten in food amounts and POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in larger amounts as medicine.
No side effects from taking red raspberry have been reported.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s LIKELY SAFE to eat red raspberry in food amounts during pregnancy. Red raspberry leaf is POSSIBLY SAFE for use in medicinal amounts during late pregnancy, but only under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. Red raspberry leaf is commonly used by nurse midwives to ease delivery. Don’t take it on your own. The concern is that red raspberry might act like the hormone estrogen, and this might harm the pregnancy.
Not enough is known about the safety of taking red raspberry during breast-feeding. It’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Red raspberry might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use red raspberry.
Raspberries are an excellent source of fiber, manganese and vitamin C. They are a good source of vitamin B2, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium and copper. In addition, they contain significant amounts of the anti-cancer phytochemical ellagic acid.
The appropriate dose of red raspberry depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for red raspberry. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
From Colorado, May 14, 2008
I started taking this while pregnant and as a tea. It helps iron levels and is a good overall suppliment for women. I also have PCOS and I take this with dim plus, evening primrose oil, vit b, and red raspberry leaf everyday. It keeps my cycles regular, no mood swings, and I don't have any bad cramping. I tried other prescription medicines and nothing worked as good as taking these five natural supplements. I started out taking two pills of each a day and then went down as I needed less over time.
From Georgia, April 15, 2010
I have been taking this for about three months and it has eased my menstrual pain and lessens my flow. It seems to have cleared up my skin also...I guess that is what happens when your hormones are in balance!!!
From Nebraska, December 02, 2009
Very good for periods!! I normally have very painful periods but this helps with that very much. I have only been taking this supplement for a month now and I can really tell a difference with my period.
From California, December 30, 2009
I really like the product and highly recommend it. Since I started using the product my period is 5 days instead of 7 and I have no cramps, bloating, tiredness, or heavy feeling. I started using the product in November 2009.
By Duke Rick From California, August 08, 2008
Wonderful product; took care of a whole lot of the menopause symptoms.