Raspberry

Raspberry is a fruit which grows on small bushes. It’s very healthy and tasty fruit.We harvest them from July till the end of September depending on the region. Fruit have gotseveral various ways of processing that lead to hundreds of appliances.

Delicious and rich red coloured raspberry fruits are among the most popular berries grown all over the world. They are rich source of many health promoting plant derived nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.

Botanically, it is a small shrub plant belonging to the family Rosaceae, of the genus: Rubus. It grows very well in temperate regions. The plant is native to Europe and is now widely cultivated for its fruit in many temperate regions all over the world. Main producers of raspberries are Poland, United States, Germany and Chile.

Health benefits of raspberries

• Delicious raspberries are low in calories and saturated fats but are rich source of dietary fiber and anti-oxidants.

• Raspberries have significantly high levels of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid (a tannin), quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid. Scientific studies show that these antioxidant compounds in these berries have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation and neurological diseases.

• Fresh raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin-C, which is also a powerful natural anti-oxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals.

• Raspberry contains anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin E and in addition to the above mentioned antioxidants, is also rich in many other health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin,and beta carotene in small amounts. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process.

• Raspberries contain good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.

• They are rich in B-complex group of vitamins and vitamin K. Contain very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin and folic acid. These vitamins are function as co-factors and help body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

• Xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute extractable from raspberries. Xylitol contains just 9.6 calories, as compared to one teaspoon of sugar, which has 15 calories. Xylitol absorbs more slowly than sugar and doesn't contribute to high blood sugar levels; can be helpful in diabetics.

Principle Nutrient ValuePercentage of

RDA

Energy 52 Kcal 2.5%

Carbohydrates 11,94 g 9%

Protein 1,20 g 2%

Total Fat 0,65 g 3%

Cholesterol 0 mg 0%

Dietary Fiber 6,5 g 16%

Nutritive Value per 100 g

Source: USDA National Nutrient data base

VitaminsNutrient Value Percentage of

RDA

Folates 21 mcg 5%

Niacin 0.598 mg 4%

Pyridoxine 0.055 mg 4%

Riboflavin 0.038 mg 3%

Vitamin A 33 IU 1%

Vitamin C 26.2 mg 47%

Vitamin E 1.42 mg 9%

Vitamin K 7.8 mcg 6.5%

Source: USDA National Nutrient data base

ElectrolytesNutrient Value Percentage of

RDA

Sodium 1 mg 0%

Potassium 151 mg 3%Minerals

Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA

Calcium 25 mg 2.5%Copper 90 mcg 10%

Iron 0.69mg 8.5%Magnesium 22 mg 5.5%Manganese 0.670 mg 29%

Zinc 0.42 mg 4%Phyto-nutrients

Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA

Carotene--ß 12 mcg --Carotene, α 16 mcg --

Lutein-zeaxanthin

136 mcg --Source: USDA National Nutrient data base

Curiosities• For the world's largest producers

of raspberries are : Poland, United States, Germany, Canada, Hungary and United Kingdom.

• Formerly was used for dying hair in black colour.

• Leaves are food for many insects.

Ripe fruit

Raspberry cake

PREPARED

POLISH COMENIUS TEAM