Raspberries: health benefits and harms
Raspberry is a semi–shrub from the Pink family. It is distributed all over the world, grows in cuttings, riverbanks, and is often bred in gardens.
Raspberries began to be selected in the 16th century. Now there are more than six hundred varieties – all of them originated from bushes brought from their natural habitat.
Initially, raspberries were red in color. For this, it received a Latin name, which translates as “red”. Now white, yellow and even black varieties have been bred.
The raspberry symbol is used in the Hollywood award for dubious successes in cinema “golden raspberry”. This award has been awarded since the 80s, and has become very popular. The statuette that is presented to the “winners” is a bright yellow plastic berry-raspberry. Raspberry is not chosen by chance – it embodies the slang expression “raspberry” – “dismissive snort”.
The benefits of raspberries
Raspberries contain bioflavonoids that protect skin metalloenzymes (they prevent damage to the genetic apparatus of cells). Accordingly, raspberries are one of the foods necessary for the prevention of skin cancer.
Many people use raspberries for colds. Due to the high concentration of vitamin C, salicylic acid, as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins, raspberries have the property of lowering the temperature, provoking sweating. Its analgesic and bactericidal qualities are also known.
It is also allowed for people with diabetes mellitus (its glycemic index is small – 25), and with cholesterol metabolism disorders, blood clotting disorders, hypertension. Ellagic acid in its composition, according to the results of some studies, can lower blood pressure.
Raspberries contain many antioxidants: anthocyanins, vitamins E and C, carotenoids, flavonoids. The property of raspberry extract to reduce oxidative stress was studied in a test tube on cells. Oxidative processes lead to an excess of free radicals that damage cells. Individual components from raspberries help to reduce the level of oxidative stress, and protects the cells of the body.
Raspberries also stimulate digestion, enhance the secretion of gastric juice and thereby stimulate appetite. Raspberries are useful for those who have problems with nutrition and do not want to eat.
The harm of raspberries
In a number of diseases, raspberries should be excluded from the diet: this is gout (berries contain a lot of organic acids, which contributes to a violation of purine metabolism), gastritis and stomach ulcer. There are also allergic reactions when eating raspberries. Excessive amounts of raspberries in the diet can even contribute to the termination of pregnancy, so women in the position need to be careful.
The use of raspberries in medicine
In official medicine, raspberry fruits are used as a flavor enhancer of medicines, as well as a diaphoretic. It enhances heat output and helps to lower body temperature.
In folk medicine, leaves are also used, which are brewed as tea for colds, coughs and in order to reduce temperature. Fresh leaves are ground into a pulp and applied to inflamed skin.
Raspberry ketone is used in cosmetology not only to give fragrance to the product, but also to improve the condition of the skin. Raspberry ketone has a rejuvenating effect due to the nutrition of the skin, tightens it and narrows the pores.
The use of raspberries in cooking
Raspberry is very much loved by cooks for its bright aroma. Not only sweet desserts are made from it, but also liqueurs, wine, and sweet and sour sauces.
Crumble with raspberries
Juicy dessert with crispy oatmeal crust. You can use fresh or frozen berries. Serve warm with a ball of ice cream.
- Raspberries – 3 cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Starch – 2 tablespoons
- Flour – 0.5 cups
- Oat flakes – 0.5 cups
- Butter – 80 gr
To make the dough – mix flour, half a cup of sugar and oat flakes. Add soft butter and rub into crumbs with your hands.
If the berries are frozen, then you do not need to defrost them. Cover the berries with the remaining sugar, starch and mix gently. Put it on the bottom of the mold with the sides. Pour the dough evenly on top.
Bake for 40 minutes in a preheated 180 degree oven.
Raspberry-curd candies
Healthy natural dessert. Stored in the refrigerator for several days.
- Raspberries – 250 gr
- Cottage cheese – 150 gr
- Gelatin (instant) – 10 g
- Sugar – 3 tablespoons
- Water – 70 ml
- Coconut chips – 3 tablespoons
In a bowl, mix 200 grams of raspberries and sugar, mash with a blender. You can strain through a sieve to get rid of the seeds.
Next, add the fat cottage cheese, beat with a blender. Pour gelatin with a small amount of water or juice according to the instructions, let it swell. Dissolve by heating with constant stirring.
Pour the gelatin into the puree, mix and pour the mass into a wide square shape to get a layer about 2 fingers thick. Leave to freeze in the refrigerator for several hours.
Then remove the mass from the container, cut into cubes and roll each in coconut chips. Decorate each piece with a raspberry berry.
How to choose and store raspberries
The greatest amount of useful substances is preserved in fresh and frozen raspberries. In jam (even “five minutes”), the concentration of vitamins decreases sharply.
When buying fresh berries, smell them – good raspberries are very fragrant. Consider raspberries – berries are stored for a very short time, they quickly begin to get wet and moldy. Such berries should not be taken, there is a risk of poisoning.
Fresh raspberries are stored for a maximum of 2 days in the refrigerator, then they begin to deteriorate. You can extend the shelf life up to six months by freezing the berries. Spread the dried raspberries on a tray in a thin layer and put them in the freezer. And only after they freeze, pour them into a bag – so the berries will not stick together into a lump and will retain a beautiful appearance.
