Raspberry, Black Raspberry and Blackberries One and All Antioxidants

The raspberry belongs to the genus Rubus and the family of plants (Rosaceae) which also includes the blackberry, and the blackraspberry. There are hundreds of species of this plant and only the bramble bush scientific expert can list them all. We as a society have been using this genus of plants for nutrition for well over 2000 years in Europe and probably thousands more in Asia. It is probably safe to say, that it was used by every human and animal species that crossed its path since we have been on the planet. This fruit is a favorite of the bear family too Besides the three main types mentioned There is also the Marionberry, Boysenberry, Loganberry, Youngberry, Wineberry and many more.

The distinguishing characteristic of this fruit family is there physical appearance and makeup. The berry is made up of a small group of individual fruit called drupelets. They appear at first glance to be bumps on the berry but are actually small individual fruits on a receptacle, which is the fibrous central core of the berry.
The point of this information of course is not scientific horticulture but nutrition. These fruits are full of great nutrition. These berries have Vitamin A, B1, B2, Niacin, Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Sodium, and Potassium. As you can see the blackberry family is high in antioxidant value with it’s Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Also of high antioxidant value is the large quanity of phenolic acids which have high anti-carcinogenic agents. It is these acids that scientists are now spending thousands of hours researching looking for an aid to fighting cancer.

The high content of these acids in blackberries and others naturally give them a high ORAC rating Blackberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 5350 per 100 grams, making them near the top of ORAC fruits. Cranberries and wild blueberries have around 9350 ORAC units, blackraspberries about 12,000 and apples average 3100.To date the highest ORAC belongs to the goji berry which has a rating of 23,500.

One and a quarter to two cups of fresh berries per day may be ideal for staving off certain kinds of cancer. Blackraspberries contain many vitamins, minerals, phenols and phytosterols, which are known to individually prevent cancer in animals. This breakthrough was recently found in a research program at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. The research was led by Gary Stoner a professor of pathology and human nutrition.
"Although this level (up to 2 cups) is larger than a standard serving size of fruit, it is behaviorally possible," he said. "The National Cancer Institute recommends that every American eat at least four to six helpings of fruit and vegetables each day. We suggest that one of these helpings be berries of some sort."

Mr Stoner said” We have clearly shown that berries, which contain a variety of anticancer compounds, have a genome-wide effect on the expression of genes involved in cancer development,”

In another study berry extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of human oral, breast , colon , and prostate tumor cells. With increasing concentration of berry extract, increasing inhibition of cell proliferation in all of the cell lines was observed.. Black raspberry and strawberry extracts showed the most significant pro-apoptotic effects against this colon cancer cells.

Bottom line? This berry family is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants have been found to be effective in discouraging and killing free radicals. Free radicals are a major cause of heart and circulatory disease. The berries have also been found to possibly inhibit cancer cells. Why wait fifty years for the proof. Eat your fruits and vegetables and take a good high nutritional supplement.

In accordance with the FDA these products are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any diseases. Information on this site is given for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of your health care professional.

Raspberry to Antioxidant Foods