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The Health Benefits of Red Raspberry: A Comprehensive Review
By Emilee Wright, Herbalist
Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a small fruit that has been consumed worldwide for its delectable taste and vibrant color. Beyond its culinary appeal, recent scientific studies suggest that red raspberries have a myriad of health benefits. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the potential health benefits associated with the consumption of red raspberries and explore the underlying mechanisms behind their positive effects on human health.
Introduction To Red Raspberry
Consumer interest in the role of diet in maintaining good health has surged in recent years, prompting researchers to explore numerous fruits for their potential health-promoting properties. Among these fruits, red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) has emerged as a promising candidate due to its unique nutritional composition and bioactive compounds. Native to Europe, red raspberries are now cultivated globally, with their vibrant appearance and distinctive taste making them a popular inclusion in various culinary preparations.
Beyond their sensory appeal, red raspberries have attracted attention for their potential health benefits. They are known to be a rich source of several vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which collectively contribute to their health-enhancing effects. This article will delve into the various aspects of red raspberry's nutritional profile and explore how these components interact with the human body to confer potential health benefits.
The primary bioactive compounds found in red raspberries include phenolic compounds such as ellagitannins, anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavonols. These antioxidants are believed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties, potentially lending to their therapeutic effects.
Recent scientific literature suggests that the regular consumption of red raspberries may contribute to the prevention and management of various health conditions. Examples include improved cardiovascular health, enhanced cognitive function, potential cancer prevention, improved digestion, and modulation of the gut microbiota. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the scientific evidence surrounding the health benefits of red raspberries could have significant implications for public health.
This review aims to consolidate the existing scientific literature on the health benefits of red raspberries, encompassing both in vivo and in vitro studies. Additionally, this article will investigate the underlying mechanisms by which red raspberries exert their potential health-promoting effects. By providing an evidence-based analysis of the numerous health benefits associated with red raspberry consumption, we hope to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of nutrition and inspire further research on this remarkable fruit.
In conclusion, this article will provide an overview of the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of red raspberries. It will explore the potential health benefits linked to their consumption and elucidate the mechanisms behind these effects. A better understanding of the science behind red raspberries' health benefits could pave the way for their integration into dietary recommendations and functional foods, offering significant opportunities for promoting public health and well-being.
Details of Red Raspberry
Botanical name: Rubus idaeus
Common names: European Raspberry, Red Raspberry, Goldenleaf Raspberry
Other species: Chinese raspberry, Fu Pen Zi (Rubus chigii),
Family Rosaceae
Origin
Raspberries are relatively easy to grow in cool and warm climates. Native to Europe and Northern Asia.
Botany
Raspberry bushes grow 1-2 meters high, they take 2 years to grow fruit (biennial) and produce annually after that. There are two types of common raspberries planted, June bearing raspberry plants produce a large yield of berries in June and July, and Everbearing raspberry bushes produce in June and again in September. Washington is the nation's leader in raspberry production, growing over 90% of the total US market.
Parts used: fruit, leaves, and seeds
The fruit has nutrients that benefit the whole body, buy fresh or frozen at your local grocery store or farmers market
The leaves are infused into a tea or tincture.
The seeds are pressed into an oil.
Energetics/Taste
Warm and sweet/sour
Organs and Meridians according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Liver, kidneys, bladder, intestines, and uterus.
Phytochemistry
Contains ellagitannins, anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavonols
Therapeutic actions
Astringent: tightens and binds connective tissue
Alterative: improves the functioning of the metabolism
Anti-carcinogenic
Anti-microbial
Anti-spasmodic: relieves involuntary muscle spasms
Vulnerary: heal wounds
Cicatrizant: promotes healing through the formation of scar tissue
Sedative: promotes a state of calm, induces sleep
Utero-relaxant: relaxes the muscles of the uterus
Parturient: induces and eases the process of labor
Nutritive: contains high amounts of vitamins and mineral
Tonic: induces a feeling of vigor and wellbeing
Stimulant: raises physiological, psychological, neurological activity
Antioxidant: neutralizes free radical ions
Depurative: purifying and detoxifying, a tonic for the liver and kidneys
Emmenagogue: stimulates and regulates menstruation
Claims vs. Scientific Evidence
*Claims for the use of red raspberry come from a variety of herbalists and historical documents.
Digestive system
Claims:
May strengthen the mucus membranes in the body and be beneficial for the digestive system
Raspberry leaves and fruit are good for soothing children's stomach aches
Excretory system
Claims:
Ingestion of the fruit would help to clean the urinary tract, eliminate toxins in the liver and blood
Useful in treating diarrhea, due to astringent properties
Can soothe and repair hemorrhoids
Helps with tightening the muscles of the bladder (beneficial for old age and bed wetting)
Urinary incontinence
Nervous system
Claims:
Stimulating, sedative, and tonic properties give energy and a sense of well-being.
Evidence:
A study found that the abundant polyphenols present in raspberries can prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Cardiovascular system
Claims:
May be beneficial for heart issues
Lowers blood sugar levels
Rich in iron, which may help against anemia
Respiratory system
Claims:
Useful against respiratory infections, including cough and sore throat. See Oral Care below
Reproductive system
Claims:
It tones the whole reproductive system
Relieves menstrual cramps
Corrects heavy menstrual bleeding
Corrects infertility
Relieves morning sickness
The green fruits are used for impotence and premature ejaculation
Useful and safe during pregnancy to alleviate discomforts.
Utero-relaxant and tonic effects help the uterine muscles work more effectively by relaxing and strengthening as needed.
Eases childbirth. Patients reported less cesarean section and forceps delivery when using raspberry tea.
There is concern that raspberry is, however, toxic during the first few months of pregnancy due to its emmenagogue effects, the use of it in the first trimester could result in miscarriage.
Useful to drink after birth, as it will help the uterus repair its shape, protecting the uterus for future childbirth.
Stimulates milk production.
Evidence:
The scientific data on the effects of raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy is underdeveloped, but the historical use of the remedy is vast and is common knowledge amongst midwives today.
This 2022 study asked 120 women if they had heard of the benefits of raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy and found that 73% had and that 38% reported using raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy.
Endocrine system
Claims:
Contains phytoestrogens that balance the hormones.
Evidence:
This study found that raspberry lowers blood glucose levels, and increases insulin production and sensitivity. Raspberry can be included in the nonpharmacological treatment of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias.
Lymphatic system/detoxification
Claims:
Depurative properties make raspberry a cleansing tonic to the kidneys, liver, bladder, and intestines.
Immune system
Evidence:
Raspberry extract kills cancer cells, this study looks at raspberry’s effect on cervical cancer.
Skincare
Claims:
Eczema
Dermatitis
Acne
Itching
Add to a facial toner because of its astringent properties
Varicose veins
Slow healing wounds
Burns
Rashes
Evidence:
This study found that red raspberry protects the skin from UVB sun damage. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns. An extract applied topically was shown to reverse skin damage.
Eye Care
Claims:
A decoction of raspberry leaves has been used as eye drops for conjunctivitis.
May help to restore clarity to blurred or impaired vision
Hair Care
Claims:
Prevents the premature graying of hair
Oral care
Claims:
Used for sore throat, swelling of tonsils, mouth sores, and swollen gums. Gargle and rinse.
Prevents bleeding gums
here’s where I source my raspberry
Psychological and metaphysical uses
Gender essence: Feminine/Yin
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, Love, Fertility
Branches are hung to bring about protection. Raspberry is served in love-inducing food.
Source: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
Safety
Generally non-toxic and considered safe.
Do not take medicinal doses during the first trimester of pregnancy because of the herb’s emmenagogue properties.
The large amount of tannins makes it unsuitable for those with gastritis or peptic ulcers.
It may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Drug interactions
No known drug interactions
Have a question about raspberry for its medicinal uses? Leave me a comment below!