The Health Benefits Of Raspberries Explained

Not many things scream summer like a bowl of fresh-picked, ripe raspberries. Their short harvest season during the summer and fall, and their even shorter shelf life once picked, make these fragile berries something to relish all the more when we can get them at peak ripeness. But their delicious, tart sweetness and their versatility (raspberries can be used in breakfast, salads, sauces, desserts – the options are limitless!) aren't the only things to love about these summer stars. They also happen to be exceptionally good for your health.

A one-cup serving of red raspberries is loaded with eight grams of fiber and over 50 percent of the minimum daily requirement of vitamin C, which is especially important for maintaining a strong immune system, and for skin health. Besides that, raspberries provide manganese, vitamins K and E, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and copper (via Health).

In addition to being so nutrient-rich, raspberries are loaded with antioxidants and can play a powerful role in fighting certain diseases, and in disease prevention. Anna Binder-McAsey, RD, owner of Rethink Nutrition in Manhattan, Kansas, says "Berries should be considered a healthy part of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle for both prevention and chronic disease management" (via Everyday Health).

Reviews of animal studies indicate that compounds found in raspberries may be effective in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, and may even help repair DNA damage (via Healthine). Not only that, but raspberries are low-calorie, low-carb, and are unlikely to raise blood sugar levels, making them an excellent choice for both diabetics and those trying to lose weight.

Best of all, raspberries are delicious, and easy to incorporate into practically any diet. Enjoy them fresh and from a local source whenever possible, but remember, even when the harvest is over, you can enjoy them frozen, from your local grocery store.