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Raspberry

Special points of interest: 

• Red raspberries are also known as "cane berries" because they grow on erect stalks or "canes".
• Provide an excellent source of Vitamin C and manganese.
• Very good source of copper and Vitamin B2 (riboflavin).1/2 cup of raspberries contains only 30 calories.
• Good source of folate, Vitamin B3 (niacin), biotin, zinc, magnesium, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and Vitamin A.
  

The History of Raspberry 

There are over 200 species of raspberries in the world: all are grouped as red, black, or golden. There are Roman records dating back as far as 4th Century AD which include the description of these berries.

Some varieties of raspberries are native to North America, including the wild red raspberry. It is believed that raspberries that were native to overseas countries made their way to North America by being carried by travelers and animals that came across the Bering Sea during ancient times.

The propagation of these plants throughout North America seems to have occurred by similar means. As early food gatherers and hunters traveled far distances, they would often discard what they thought to be an inferior quality food: the smaller sized raspberries. Wild raspberry bushed then began growing along these routes.

The first written mention of the cultivation of raspberries is found in an English book on herbal medicine dated 1548. The English cultivated, hybridized and improved the fruit throughout the Middle Ages.

In North America, raspberries were considered a luxury well into the mid-1800's. They began to be grown more widely there in the 19th Century.

The Benefits of Raspberry 

Raspberries are rich in ellagic acid. In fact, a clinic at the Hollings Cancer Institute at the University of South Carolina has identified the raspberry as having the highest content of this acid as compared to a wide variety of foods.

Ellagic acid has been found to cause cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells in laboratory tests. It has been found that ellagic acid is causing a G-arrest (inhibiting and stopping mitosis-cancer cell division) within 48 hours and apoptosis within 72 hours for breast, pancreas, esophageal, skin, colon and prostate cancer cells. Studies have shown that ellagic acid prevents the binding of carcinogens to DNA and strengthens connective tissue, which may keep cancer cells from spreading. Clinical tests also show that ellagic acid prevents the destruction of the P53 gene by cancer cells. Ellagic acid has also been said to reduce heart disease, birth defects, liver fibrosis and to promote wound healing.

Ellagic acid belongs to the family of photo nutrients called tannins, and is responsible for a good portion of the antioxidant activity of this (and other) berries.

Another phyto nutrient component of the raspberry is flavonoid. These molecules are classified as anthocyanins, and belong to the group of substances giving raspberries their rich red coloring. The anthocyanins also give raspberries their unique antioxidant properties, as well as some anti-microbial ones. This includes the ability to prevent overgrowth of certain fungi and bacteria found in the body. Anthocyanins have been shown in studies to have numerous health benefits including preventing heart disease and cancer, controlling diabetes, improving circulation, reducing eye strain and even combating the loss of memory and motor skills associated with aging.

Studies have also shown that raspberries help expel mucus, phlegm and toxins, They are excellent for female reproductive health. Raspberry leaf tea has been shown to reduce nausea during pregnancy.

Caution

Raspberries contain oxalic acid, which interferes with calcium and iron absorption. They should be avoided if you have bladder or kidney stones. They also contain salicylate and could cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to aspirin.

Classification

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae