Amazing health benefits of raspberries

The raspberry is among the world's healthiest foods and is one of the best berries for your general health. These deliciously sweet berries are low in fat and high in heart-healthy fibre and are also an excellent source of vitamin C. Famous for its rich content of antioxidants the raspberry can provide amazing effects on your health and can even help you lose weight. Raspberries are full to the brim of nutritional benefits, so here are just a few!

1. Weight loss & weight management: eating raspberries could help you to lose weight in several different ways. Not only are they low in calories, but just one cup of raspberries contains around 5 grams of dietary fibre, they have the ability to provide a sense of fullness in order to reduce hunger and unnecessary snacking throughout the day. Their carbohydrates are also released slowly, which prevents sudden increases or decreases in blood sugar and can also help to control hunger.

2. Boost metabolism: raspberry ketone that is found in raspberries increases enzyme activity, oxygen consumption and heat production in certain types of fat cells. With a higher metabolism, there is a reduced chance of fat being deposited in our cells and results in our bodies using up its existing fat stores.

3. Controlling diabetes: thanks to the raspberry's low glycaemic index, it allows carbohydrates to break up slowly and therefore slows down the release of sugar in the blood. This will result in a lower demand of insulin, which is beneficial to those with diabetes and can also help to prevent it.

4. Healthy complexion: red raspberries are filled with anthocyanins, which are the nutrients that are essential for maintaining healthy and youthful skin. Their high levels of antioxidants will also slow down skin ageing and their seeds that contain high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 can be useful for treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

5. Healthy hair: raspberries are filled with B vitamins, folic acids, biotin and vitamin C, which all contribute to strong and healthy hair as well as hair growth and shine.

6. Healthy tissues and blood vessels: the high level of vitamin C that is found within raspberries is essential for cell growth and repair around the body, particularly for the skin, bones, ligaments and blood vessels.

7. Raspberry tea: raspberry tea leaves contain many therapeutic benefits including the relief of cramps, cure for sore throats, treat digestive disorders and tone the reproductive system.

8. Anti-inflammatory properties: the raspberry's antioxidants can help to produce anti-inflammatory benefits by preventing damage to the cell membranes and other components and reducing bacterial and fungal growth in the body. This means that raspberries could have the power to help reduce allergic reactions, fevers and diarrhoea as well as preventing urinary tract infections.