The black raspberry has been called the king of berries in terms of health benefits, but with a growing season that typically only lasts through the month of July, you should get your hands on some soon. The elusive fruit looks a lot like a blackberry (though mutant black raspberries can be yellow, and some farmers now deliberately breed these yellow raspberries) and, like most berries, are packed with anti-oxidants.
Black raspberries are also one of the best natural sources for free-radical-fighting anthocyanins and ellagic acid, a phytochemical that may slow the growth of tumors. Anthocyanins—responsible for giving the berries their color—were the active component in several herbal folk medicines such as bilberry, used in the 12th century to induce menstruation, and doctor’s today are rediscovering their potential human health benefits. In rats, anthocyanins were shown to turn off genes related to the spreading of cancer and inflammation.
Black raspberries as a whole are being studied by several groups of researchers who suspect they might help in fighting all sorts of cancers. Toss some black raspberries in your cereal, eat ‘em plain, or substitute black raspberry this month for any things you usually put other berries in. More on growing raspberries here.
No comments:
Post a Comment