October 6th, 2009
Another berry that deserves more attention and love are the raspberries. Sure, they are almost everyone’s favourite given their attractive candy like and playful appearance. Raspberries come in different colours which make them more interesting. Red raspberries are the most common and but there are also black, yellow and even purple raspberries.
These delicious fruits can be used as jams, preserves and even sauces – and if you are a Nigella Lawson, you will find them time and again in her heavenly desserts. But anyway, other than being figuring in the Kitchen Goddess’ recipes, the raspberry – like the strawberry and blueberry is loaded with vitamins and compounds, making them the fruit pretty inside and out.
Raspberries are rich in Vitamin C with about 30 mg/cup and is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Other minerals that can be found in abundance in the fruit are manganese, iron, folic acid and some properties of the B vitamins 1 -3.
Also, with an ORAC oxygen radical absorbance capacity) measurement of 4900/100 grams, the raspberry is included in the list of top fruits and veggies with high anti-oxidant properties. Further, the fruit is rich in ellagic acid – a phyto chemical that helps in preventing cancer. Take note as well that cooking does not destroy the acid and thus, even raspberry jams are great.
And although more research needs to be done on the health benefits of regular raspberry consumption, initial studies are promising, given that it can help in cases such as diabetes, allergies, age-cognitive decline and inflammations to name a few.
Amazing isn’t it? Who would have thought that such good tasting berries could pack so much nutrients?
Tags: antioxidants, ellagic acid, health benefits
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September 28th, 2009
I love the aroma of blueberries. Nothing like the smell of blueberries to bring back memories of home and the pancakes mom used to make. But there’s more to these delicious fruits aside perking up pancakes and vodka. For a start, blueberries are well known for its high antioxidant properties. The USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, in fact has named the blueberry as the best source of antioxidants among other fruits and vegetables.
Further research revealed that daily servings – aside from delaying the aging process can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and also improve one’s memory and brain functioning. This was attributed to a compound in the blueberry, called anthocyanin, a compound also responsbile for the berry’s colour. More tests and research are being done, but the results continue to show promise. Controlled subjects who have consumed cup of blueberries a day have shown asmuch as 5-6 percent increase in their motor skills. With rapidly aging populations in Europe and the US – it is high time for the nutritional health and healing properties of blueberries take centerstage.
Tags: anti-aging, antioxidants, benefits, fruits
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September 28th, 2009
A trip to the supermarket will show you that there are great variety of fruits. Berries are especially wonderful not only because they come in enticing colours and are enjoyable with other fruits, nuts or yogurt. But most of all, berries can be enjoyed just by itself, particularly everyone’s favourite, the strawberry.
As common and everyday as the banana – but what most people probably know about this sexy, succulent fruit won’t be enough to fill a cocoa mug.
First off, strawberries owe its bright red colour to it’s antioxidant properties. As you know, antioxidants fight and repair cell damage brought about by free radicals and toxins. And second, strawberries are an excellent of source of vitamin C – being that a cupful of strawberries have more vitamin C than the same amount of oranges. Recently too, the Harvard School of medicine conducted a research and discovered that folks who consume more strawberries are less likely to have heart related problems. Big things come in small packages indeed and it just so happens that the strawberry is one adorable, sweet smelling package as well. Kudos to the strawberry!
Tags: antioxidants, fruits, health benefits, vitamin c
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