Raspberries are a delicious power food prized for the vitamins, fiber, and many health benefits they provide.
Why Raspberries Are Healthy
Traditional healers have used not only the berries, but all parts of the plant, including the bark, stems, flowers, leaves, and roots.
A few tempting facts about raspberries from modern research:
• One cup of raspberries supplies more than 40 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and manganese, and one-third of the fiber you require every day. In fact, raspberries provide more fiber than any other fresh fruit.
• Raspberries and other berry fruits contain dozens of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytocompounds that may protect against several types of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Eating berry fruits, including raspberries, helps to protect against neurodegenerative diseases that often accompany aging.
• Raspberry leaves and their extracts contain astringent tannins, as well as antiviral and antibacterial compounds. Tea brewed from dried young raspberry leaves makes a mild and tasty addition to homemade tea mixtures.
How to Grow Raspberries
For tips on growing and harvesting raspberries and recommendations for which variety to plant, visit our Raspberries page.
If you don’t pick them from your own patch or a pick-your-own farm, buy raspberries as soon as possible after harvest. Refrigerate and use them quickly; these healthy fruits are highly perishable.
Yes, enjoy raspberries in jams, and sorbets, but enjoy them plain and fresh for the best treat of all!
