Raspberry Features
Raspberry is a delicious, fragrant and juicy fruit. However, they should be appreciated not only for their great taste, but also for the richness of valuable nutrients, thanks to which they have healing properties.
The medicinal properties and nutritional value of raspberries have been appreciated for a long time. The Romans began the process of domesticating them around the 4th century, and it was through them that cultivation spread throughout Europe.
There are currently more than 200 known raspberry species worldwide, ranging in color from red to rarer orange, purple and yellow varieties.
The stems bear fruit in the second year, and wither in the fall, but in the spring the plant gives new shoots.
In Europe, raspberries grow in forests and gardens. The most fragrant and useful is wild raspberry. These fruits contain more substances valuable for health. Energy value – 52 kcal.
Cultivated raspberries have many varieties that differ in fruit size, color and taste. The cultivars are derived from crossing numerous species of raspberries, as well as raspberries and blackberries.
Raspberries are a rich source of nutrients
It has dietary, health and cosmetic properties. Contains valuable vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and E (natural antioxidants), B vitamins: B1, B2, B6, folic acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron.
Note! Raspberry leaves contain ascorbic acid higher than fruits. Also, the content of vitamin C in fruits is variable and depends on the variety.
Raspberries are extremely valuable in the content of fiber, pectins and mucous substances that have a positive effect on the digestive system.
Raspberry fruits contain organic acids: citric, malic, salicylic and more than 100 different essential oils, which is explained by the characteristic taste and smell.
Raspberry leaves contain tannins, flavonoids, organic acids, resin compounds, mineral salts, including iron, copper, calcium.
Raspberry stalks also have medicinal properties: they contain a number of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium.
Medicinal properties of raspberries
Benefits of raspberries for health:
- has an anti-atherosclerotic effect;
- supports the work of the heart and the entire circulatory system;
- prevents anemia;
- has a diuretic effect, helps to remove excess water from the body;
- inhibits the growth of intestinal bacteria;
- supports the immune system;
- have a calming effect;
- protect against the action of free radicals;
- regulate the work of the intestines;
- accelerate fat burning;
- have anti-cancer properties.
Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which are plant compounds that protect cells from damage. Based on them, medicines are still being produced today.
Interestingly, raspberry leaves are a good source of antioxidants, tannins, and mineral salts. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Thus, it is worth eating raspberry fruits, as well as drinking tea from its leaves.
As a result of animal studies, scientists have found that raspberries have potential anti-cancer effects. Raspberry extract reduces the reproduction of cancer cells in the liver.
Note! Due to the low glycemic index of raspberries, these fruits can be eaten by people with diabetes. It is worth knowing that the anthocyanins present in raspberries lower blood glucose levels after starchy meals.
Fruits and leaves of raspberries are an excellent antipyretic. One of the most important properties of raspberry tea is its effect on the sweat glands and its warming effect, making it ideal for treating colds.
Raspberry leaves have astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The tannins they contain inhibit the growth of intestinal bacteria and effectively reduce diarrhea. Raspberry leaf preparations will also help with mild flatulence.
Raspberry leaves contain substances that cause slight relaxation of the smooth muscles of the uterus, so they help relieve menstrual pain. Raspberry leaf tea also helps with morning sickness and vomiting.
Raspberry: use in cosmetics
Raspberry is also a valuable cosmetic raw material.
Raspberry extract has moisturizing and regenerating properties, protects the skin from excessive water loss, regulates the sebaceous glands and prevents the formation of acne. It is included in many good body care creams.
Contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It can improve collagen production and reverse skin damage caused by UV rays.
Raspberry seed oil, which has valuable anti-wrinkle properties, is a fairly well-known and natural cosmetic care product for all skin types. Contains strong antioxidants. Recommended for people with acne prone skin. It supports regenerative processes and reduces scars.
The oil is also found in tanning cosmetics, lip balms and skin care creams. Due to its high content of ellagic acid, it is also used in the production of anti-wrinkle creams. ellagic acid has a strong photoprotective and rejuvenating effect. It also significantly slows down oxidative processes.
How to collect and dry raspberries?
Raspberry leaves can be harvested in spring and throughout the summer. They should be healthy, without spots, young, but already well grown.
The fruits ripen in July and August. They are very delicate and easily wrinkled, so they need to be collected carefully, in dry weather, quickly dried or processed into syrup.
Properly dried raspberries should retain their natural color and pleasant smell.
Infusion of berries:
Pour 2 tablespoons of dried raspberries with a glass of boiling water and leave covered for 15 minutes. Drink 2-3 times a day for a glass of infusion for colds, flu, tonsillitis, bronchitis – when the disease is accompanied by fever.
Leaf infusion:
Pour a tablespoon of leaves with 1/2 cup of boiling water and cover with a lid, leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Drink 1/2 cup of infusion 2-3 times a day for gastroenteritis and as a mild antidiarrheal agent. An infusion of the leaves can also be used as a gargle for inflammation of the throat and mouth.
Raspberries, like strawberries, often cause allergic reactions. This is due to the salicylates that are found in these fruits. Children suffer from allergic reactions to raspberries much more often than adults.
