Raspberry: benefits and harm to the health of the body

Raspberries are an amazing berry. It has excellent taste characteristics and many useful properties. Each of its varieties is used to treat and prevent common diseases. In addition, the regular use of the fruits of this plant will help saturate the human body with vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for the normal functioning of internal organs.

What is the difference between raspberries and blackberries

Blackberry is a berry, whose homeland is North America. It is painted black and grows on small bushes. On the territory of Russia in the forests of the middle zone this plant is found much less often than raspberries.

Raspberries are grown throughout Russia and are very popular. The fruits of this unique berry are painted in a rich raspberry color and have a characteristic sweet taste.

Most people are sure that the main difference between these two berries is their color. However, this opinion is erroneous. The thing is that the color of the unripe blackberries is very similar to the ripe raspberries. In addition, certain raspberry varieties are dyed the same color as ripe blackberries. To distinguish raspberries from blackberries, gardeners advise paying attention to the following plant characteristics:

1. The height and thickness of the rods. One of the most important differences of a blackberry is its size. The height of the plant can reach 3 meters, which is twice the size of raspberry bushes. In addition, the blackberry has strong rods, which cannot be said about raspberries.
2. Spikes. On raspberry bushes you can see a large number of thin spikes. For the blackberry bush, the presence of thorns is also characteristic. However, in this case, they will be similar to those located on rose bushes.
3. Separation of the berry from the receptacle. Raspberry fruits are very easy to collect, as they are well separated from the receptacle. At the same time, blackberries can be removed from the bush only with the kernel.
4. Taste features. Raspberries are characterized by a pleasant, sweet taste, which cannot be said about blackberries. Its berries do not contain a large amount of sugar, which explains its specific taste characteristics.
5. Productivity The blackberry yield is an order of magnitude higher than that of raspberries.
6. Ripening fruits. Another difference between these plants is the fruit ripening time. The first ripe raspberries are picked from the bushes in mid-summer, but the blackberry begins to ripen closer to its end.

Which raspberries are healthier: forest or garden

Many people know that raspberries can grow not only in summer cottages or household plots, but also in forests. At the same time, the fruits of wild raspberries contain in their composition much more useful trace elements and vitamins. Based on this, experts argue that wild berries are ideal for the treatment and prevention of colds and other diseases.

Composition and calorie content

Raspberry contains in its composition a huge amount of vitamins, micro and macro elements. 100 g of these delicious berries include:

• 12 mcg beta carotene.
• 0.032 mg of thiamine.
• 0.038 mg riboflavin.
• 0.6 mg niacin.
• 0.33 mg pantothenic acid.
• 21 mcg of folic acid.
• 26.2 mg of ascorbic acid.
• 0.87 mg of tocopherol.
• 7.8 mcg phylloquinone.
• 150 mg of flavonoids.
• 12.3 mg of choline.
• 151 mg of potassium.
• 29 mg of phosphorus.
• 37 mg of calcium.
• 1 mg sodium.
• 22 mg of magnesium.
• 0.69 mg of iron.
• 0.2 mcg of selenium.
• 80 mcg of manganese.
• 0.42 mg of zinc.
• 90 mcg of copper.

As for calorie content, 100 g of raspberries contain only 52 calories, which allows those people who want to get rid of extra pounds to consume this product.

Useful properties of raspberries

General benefit

Therapists claim that raspberries are one of the most healthy berries. Regular consumption of the fruits of this plant can have a beneficial effect on the human body and help to cope with such problems:

• digestive system disorders;
• the development of rickets;
• poor blood coagulability;
• low hemoglobin level;
• disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system;
• the development of atherosclerosis.
• In addition, the composition of this unique berry helps:
• remove toxins, radionuclides, putrefactive bacteria from the body;
• prevent blood clots;
• stop clogging of arteries;
• prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood.

For women

According to experts, raspberries should be present in the diet of every woman. Due to its unique composition, it is able to beneficially affect the female body, preventing the development of such unpleasant problems as:

• premature aging of the skin and the whole body;
• excess weight;
• avitaminosis;
• hormonal disorders;
• pain during menstruation.

In addition, this unique berry is able to improve the condition of the skin, restore elasticity, beauty and a healthy glow to them.

For men

Raspberries are no less useful for men. Its unique composition will help representatives of the strong half of humanity:

• prevent the development of cardiovascular disease;
• reduce the risk of urolithiasis;
• conceive a child, increase sperm activity and sperm count;
• prevent the development of impotence.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body needs a lot of vitamins and other nutrients. Therapists claim that regular consumption of raspberries can fully satisfy this need. In addition, the beneficial micro and macro elements that make up its composition will help:

• cope with severe toxicosis;
• improve the digestive system;
• prepare the female body for the process of delivery;
• cope with colds without the use of drugs.

However, do not forget that excessive consumption of raspberries can lead to undesirable consequences. Therefore, you should control the consumption of the product and not exceed the norms that only a gynecologist can establish.

When breastfeeding

Do not get involved in this product even after childbirth. Pediatricians recommend nursing women to exclude raspberries from their daily diet for 6 months. If you refuse to follow this recommendation, a young mother can provoke the development of a serious allergic reaction in a newborn baby.

After the child reaches six months of age, a woman can diversify her daily menu with this delicious berry, starting with a few pieces a day. If the child reacted normally to the new product, children's doctors are allowed to gradually increase its amount. At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the daily norm of raspberries for a nursing mother should not exceed 100-150 g.

With the correct introduction and the absence of allergic reactions in a child, raspberries can not only improve the general condition of a woman, but also have a beneficial effect on the children's body:

• strengthens the baby's immunity;
• saturate the child’s body with all the trace elements;
• improves the digestive system of the child;
• prevent the development of rickets and anemia.

For kids

Pediatricians are allowed to introduce raspberries on the menu of children who have reached the age of one year, provided that there are no serious allergic reactions. Regular consumption of raspberries in the right amount will help:

• strengthen the child’s immune system;
• prevent the development of anemia and cope with the first stages of this disease;
• reduce the negative impact of stressful situations on the children's nervous system;
• increase mental activity;
• improve appetite.

The benefits of raspberry leaf

Raspberry leaves are no less useful than its fruits. They include a large number of components that can have a positive effect on the human body, including;

• ascorbic acid;
• flavonoids;
• a variety of organic acids;
• astringents;
• mineral salts;
• tannins;
• salicylates.

Thanks to this composition, raspberry leaves are used for the treatment and prevention of colds, bronchitis and tonsillitis.

In addition, flavonoids, which are part of raspberry leaves, are able to stop bleeding, which makes it possible to use this plant for the treatment of such diseases:

• hemorrhoids;
• colitis;
• enterocolitis;
• gastric bleeding.

Decoctions of raspberry leaves have strong anti-inflammatory properties, are used to treat stomatitis and gum disease, as well as for the prevention and treatment of female diseases.

Is raspberry leaf tea good for you?

Tea made from raspberry leaves is very popular and contains in its composition all those useful trace elements that are fresh leaves of this plant. It positively affects the work of the human body and has many useful properties:

1. Increases the body's resistance to colds.
2. Promotes the rapid elimination of unpleasant symptoms during a cold.
3. Prevents the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques.
4. Helps restore heart rate.
5. Helps lower fever.
6. It has an expectorant effect.
7. Contributes to the normalization of the digestive tract.
8. Helps to remove excess water from the human body.
9. Helps cure conjunctivitis.

What is raspberry useful for losing weight

No less useful raspberries and weight loss. It is a product that contains a small amount of calories, therefore it is not able to increase the level of sugar in the human body. The regular use of this berry leads to the removal of excess fluid and salts from the body, which contributes to active weight loss.

In addition, raspberries will help saturate the body with the necessary amount of useful trace elements and vitamins, preventing the development of avitominosis. Daily use of this unique berry will not cause weight gain.

Raspberries in medicine

Many therapists agree that berries and raspberry leaves can accelerate the treatment of many diseases. Infusions and decoctions from this plant are advised to patients who suffer from serious diseases of the stomach and intestines, and they are also offered to use them as a natural, diaphoretic. Raspberries are used to lower blood cholesterol and to relieve acidosis in a disease such as diabetes.

In addition, the iodine content allows you to use this berry for the treatment of bazedovy disease, and anti-inflammatory properties will help to quickly fight colds and flu.

With diabetes

Therapists do not prohibit patients who suffer from diabetes from including raspberries on their daily menu.In addition to the main beneficial properties, it is able to lower blood sugar levels, which is one of the most important symptoms of this serious illness.

In addition, regular consumption of raspberries will help a woman who has a baby and suffers from this disease to give birth to a healthy baby with a good immune system.

Important: raspberry glycemic index - 25 units.

With pancreatitis

During an exacerbation of the disease, gastroenterologists strongly recommend that their patients completely exclude raspberries from their daily diet. This is due to the content of a large number of acids in it, which can irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

However, during a period of persistent remission, raspberries will become an indispensable product. It will help restore the body after a disease and saturate it with all the necessary vitamins. Experts advise patients suffering from pancreatitis to consume this unique berry only after prolonged heat treatment, which promotes the evaporation of acids.

When introducing raspberries into the diet, you should consult with your gastroenterologist. A specialist who is familiar with the specifics of the disease and the characteristics of the patient’s body will be able to calculate the allowable daily intake of this berry, which will prevent unpleasant consequences from its use.

The strictest prohibition for patients suffering from pancreatitis are tinctures, alcoholic beverages from the leaves of this plant and butter products with raspberry filling.

With gastritis

Experts advise to abandon the use of raspberries and those patients who suffer from gastritis. In this case, according to experienced gastroenterologists, fresh berries of this plant are contraindicated in the period of persistent remission of the disease. The irritating effect of acid on the mucous membranes can cause not only a deterioration in the general condition of the patient, but also lead to the development of complications and concomitant diseases.

For the intestines

But with problems with the intestines, raspberries will become an indispensable tool. Due to its unique composition, the decoction of the dried berries of this plant will help to cope with severe diarrhea and stop the inflammatory processes in the intestines.

With gout

Gout treatment consists not only in drug therapy, but also in compliance with a strict diet, which implies a complete rejection of many foods, including raspberries. Purines, which are part of this sweet berry, lead to the accumulation of acid in the tendons, joints and even internal organs, which contributes to the development of this serious disease.

With colitis

Experts argue that fresh raspberries with diseases such as colitis can exacerbate the pathology and the development of serious complications. The reason for this ban is the presence of small seeds in the berries, which can irritate and injure the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, which is extremely undesirable for colitis.

But freshly squeezed juice and decoctions from the leaves of this plant in moderate amounts can positively affect the course of the disease and help relieve unpleasant symptoms.

With cholecystitis

Doctors do not forbid patients suffering from a disease such as cholecystitis to eat raspberries. However, they note that you should not eat too many of them. Raspberries will bring great benefits to the human body and will help to cope with the disease only if the amount of its consumption is moderate.

With a cold

With the development of colds, raspberries are an indispensable tool. This unique berry will help lower the human body temperature, have an antimicrobial effect and saturate the body with a lot of vitamins.Of course, doctors say that raspberries will not be able to replace the medical treatment, but it is quite capable of enhancing the effect of antiviral drugs. In addition, it is allowed to be used by those patients for whom many drugs are prohibited - pregnant women and children.

Against cough

Raspberry is a natural antiseptic, therefore, it copes with colds, including coughing. The fruits, leaves and even flowers of this plant are used to treat colds and the initial stages of bronchitis. However, therapists strongly recommend that their patients not give up medical treatment and use raspberries as an adjuvant. According to experts, this plant will be able to enhance the effect of traditional medicines, but will not replace them.

With angina

Raspberries can help in the treatment of tonsillitis. Due to its rich composition and its content of vitamin C, P, fiber, protein and folic acid, it will enhance the effect of drugs and speed up the healing process.

At a temperature

This plant is often used to lower body temperature in acute colds. Doctors confirm the ability of raspberries to lower the human body temperature and explain this by the presence of salicylic acid in its composition. Despite this, doctors do not recommend using raspberries as an antipyretic in cases where the person’s body temperature has risen to 39 degrees Celsius. In this case, only traditional preparations can remove the fever.

Raspberries increase or decrease pressure

Another unique feature of this plant is its ability to lower blood pressure. The rich composition of raspberries contributes to the normalization of heart rhythm, is a powerful diaphoretic and helps the human body get rid of excess fluid. These unique properties of the plant explain its ability to lower blood pressure.

Based on this, many therapists advise patients suffering from hypertension to introduce fresh raspberries and teas from its leaves into their daily diet. They will help control your blood pressure and have a strengthening effect on the whole body:

• restore blood circulation;
• increase vascular tone;
• improve the functioning of the immune system.

Raspberry-based traditional medicine recipes

Due to its unique composition, raspberries are widely used in folk medicine. There are many recipes, which are based on the fruits, flowers and leaves of this plant. The most popular and effective ones are:

Cold tea

To prepare this folk remedy, you will need only a few ingredients:

• Dried raspberries.
• Boiling water.

4 full tablespoons of berries to insist in 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes. After the specified time, the tea should be filtered and drunk. Experts note that it is especially effective to take this remedy before going to bed. It will help to cope with the symptoms of the common cold and guarantee an improvement in the general condition of the patient.

Sweat Tea

Tea from raspberry jam will help to cope with an increase in temperature. To prepare it, you need to take 2 small tablespoons of homemade jam and 1 cup of boiling water. A few cups of such tea will help not only lower the temperature, but also improve the well-being of the patient.

Skin Disease Remedy

This plant also copes well with skin diseases. It will help to cure eczema, erysipelas and cope with a problem such as acne.

To prepare the product you will need:

• Dry raspberry leaves.
• Boiling water.

10 g of pre-crushed raspberry leaves should be insisted in 1 cup of boiling water and strain. To cope with skin problems, you should daily wipe the problem areas with this tool until the full recovery.

Hemostatic agent

To cope with hemorrhoidal and nosebleeds, a decoction from the dried roots of the plant will help. 1 tablespoon of the roots should be boiled in 250 ml of water for 10 minutes. After the specified time, the broth must be infused for 60 minutes and strain.

The drug is used orally 3 times a day. A single dosage is 1/4 cup and must be strictly observed.

Raspberry in cosmetology

Due to its unique properties, raspberries are widely used in cosmetology. On the shelves of shops you can find a huge amount of facial skin care products, which include the extract of this popular berry. In addition, raspberries can have a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair, improve their appearance and restore lost shine.

For face

You can make cosmetics for skin care at home. Moreover, they will not be inferior to those offered by modern cosmetic companies.

There are many recipes for making skincare cosmetics using raspberries, but the most popular and effective are:

Whitening mask
This amazing product has many unique properties, including the ability to whiten and soften the skin of the face. To achieve this effect, you should regularly make a mask from raspberry juice.

Application: a layer of cotton wool of medium thickness should be moistened in raspberry juice and left on the face for 20 minutes. After the specified time, the mask must be removed and the face wiped with a cotton swab.

Tonic mask
Raspberry juice and milk mask has a refreshing and tonic effect

Application: cotton wool should be moistened in a mixture of raspberry juice obtained from 100 g of fresh berries and 2 large tablespoons of cow's milk, put on the face, cover with a damp cool towel and let stand for 20 minutes. After the specified time, you should wash yourself with water at a comfortable temperature and lubricate the skin with a nourishing cream.

Cleanser
A mask of raspberry leaf juice and petroleum jelly will help cleanse your skin from acne.

Application: a mixture of 1 part juice of raspberry leaves and 4 parts of petroleum jelly should be kept on the skin for 60 minutes, then wipe the residue with a cotton or gauze swab. The maximum effect of this agent appears after 20 procedures.

For hair

Raspberry has a positive effect not only on the skin, but also on the hair. Hair care products, which are based on fruits, flowers or raspberry leaves, can improve the appearance of hair, remove greasy shine and restore it after frequent dyeing or permanent styling.

The most popular hair care products that can be prepared at home are considered to be:

Hair cream
To prepare this tool you will need:

• Raspberry juice - 2 tablespoons.
• Sour cream - 1 tablespoon.
• Salt is half a teaspoon.
• Yolk 1 eggs.
• Vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon.
• Honey - 1 teaspoon.
• A small amount of semolina porridge.

The ingredients should be mixed in a small container until smooth, applied to dirty hair, wrapped in a warm towel and allowed to stand for 50-60 minutes. After the specified time, rinse hair thoroughly under running water and wash with shampoo.

Raspberry Rinse
To prepare a raspberry conditioner, you will need only fresh berries from this plant. Their number is determined individually, based on the length of the hair.

Berries should be chopped in any convenient way and strain with gauze. The resulting juice should be rinsed with wet, clean hair.

Raspberry balm
To prepare raspberry balm, you need only high-quality, fresh fruits of this plant. Their number is determined based on the length and density of the hair. For short and not too thick hair, you need 50-60 g of raspberries.

Apply crushed berries to clean hair and let stand for 5-10 minutes. After the specified time, rinse the hair thoroughly under running water.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the many beneficial properties, raspberries can be harmful to human health if some diseases are present. Doctors pay attention to the fact that this berry is contraindicated for people who suffer from such diseases:

• gastritis;
• ulcer;
• gout.

Therapists also advise to completely exclude raspberries from the diet for those patients who have impaired renal function and constant allergic reactions to brightly colored foods.

In addition, gynecologists recommend limiting the amount of consumption of fresh raspberries and teas with leaves of this plant to pregnant women. In moderate dosages, this product will only benefit the female body and child, but in large quantities, raspberries can cause an abortion.

How to store raspberries

The berries of this plant can be stored in fresh, frozen, canned, grated or dried form.

Fresh raspberries are stored for no more than 20 hours at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Extend this period to 7-10 days will help storage in the refrigerator. So that the berries do not deteriorate, they need:

1. Enumerate.
2. Separate from receptacle.
3. Place in small, clean containers.
4. Cover with a cloth.
5. Put in the refrigerator. Raspberry containers should be placed in the middle of the refrigerator and protected from foreign odors by packing all other products.

Is it possible to freeze

Young housewives often wonder if raspberries can be frozen. The answer to this question is unequivocal and positive. However, to preserve all the nutrients of the berries, you need to freeze them correctly:

1. Rinse the berries under clean running water.
2. To dry.
3. Put raspberries in one layer on a small baking sheet or chopping board.
4. Put the berries in the freezer for 24 hours.
5. Store frozen berries in sealed bags or in small plastic containers.

How to dry

Raspberries can be dried in several ways:

1. Natural. This method involves placing the berries, laid out in a thin layer on a clean cloth or paper, in direct sunlight and periodically turning them over. After 7-10 days, raspberries will be dried. It should be noted that when choosing this method of drying, it is necessary to prevent contamination of berries and moisture on them.
2. Artificial. An artificial way of drying berries involves drying raspberries in the oven. Fruits are placed on a clean baking sheet and dried at a stable temperature, which should be no more than 60-65 degrees Celsius. In this case, the berries do not require preliminary washing.
3. Combined. The berries are left in the sun for several days, after which they are placed in the oven and dried at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.

What can be prepared from raspberries: recipes

There are many recipes based on raspberries. However, most often from these berries are prepared:

• raspberry jam;
• juice;
• compote;
• wine;
• smoothie.

Jam

To prepare raspberry jam, you need a little patience and only 2 ingredients:

• sugar;
• Fresh raspberries.

Before starting to cook raspberry berries should be sorted out, removing all spoiled berries, twigs and leaves, and pour clean water for 5 minutes. After the specified time, it is necessary to carefully drain the water and start cooking.

Stages of raspberry jam preparation:

1. Place the berries in an enameled pan.
2. Add sugar, the amount of which should correspond to the weight of the berries.
3. Leave raspberries in this form for 6-7 hours.
4. After the specified time, remove the berries from the pan.
5. Bring the syrup that remains in the container to a boil and boil for 10-15 minutes.
6. Add raspberries to the boiled syrup.
7. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil and boil for another 5-7 minutes, removing the foam.

The jam is done. It remains only to pour it into clean banks and close the lids. Jam made with this recipe can be stored for up to 2 years.

Raspberry juice

To make fresh raspberry juice you will need:

• 1.2 kg of berries;
• 130 g of granulated sugar.

Cooking method:

1. Kill the peeled and picked berries with a blender.
2. Heat the raspberry puree and leave for 20 minutes.
3. After the specified time, strain the puree.
4. Add sugar to the juice, bring to a boil and boil for no more than 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour juice into clean jars and roll lids.

Ready raspberry juice can be consumed after 2-3 days.

Compote

Both children and adults love raspberry compote. This drink is prepared very simply and does not require large financial costs for the ingredients.

To prepare it you will need:

• 500 g of fresh raspberries;
• 1 liter of purified water;
• 150-200 g of granulated sugar.

Method of preparation: Rinse the berries. Put in boiling water. Add sugar. Cook no more than 3-4 minutes.

Compote prepared according to this recipe can be drunk after cooling.

Wine

Raspberry wine will decorate any festive table and surprise guests. To prepare this drink, it is necessary to prepare the following components:

• a liter jar of fresh raspberries;
• 1 liter of purified water;
• 0.5 kg of granulated sugar.

Cooking method:

1. Add 700 ml of pure water and 300 g of granulated sugar to the raspberry puree.
2. Cover the container with the mixture with a water seal and leave for 10 days for fermentation.
3. After a specified period of time, strain the wort and add 100 g of sugar and a glass of water to the juice.
4. Leave for another three days.
5. After the indicated time, add the remaining sugar (100 g) to the wort.
6. When the fermentation process is over, pour the wine into another container, tightly close and leave to ripen.
7. The process of wine maturation can take from 3 to 6 months. During this period, wine must be poured into a clean container as sediment forms. After the precipitate ceases to appear, the wine is considered ready.

Raspberry smoothie

Raspberry smoothie is another popular recipe based on ripe raspberries. To prepare it you will need:

• raspberry berries;
• yogurt;
• freshly squeezed orange juice.

To make a raspberry smoothie, you need to beat 250 g of raspberries with 1 cup of natural yogurt. In the resulting mixture you need to add 300 ml of cold, orange juice and beat with a blender again.

Smoothies prepared according to this recipe will appeal not only to children, but also to adults, and will become an ideal, refreshing drink.

Is it possible to give raspberries to animals

Raspberry is a rich source of vitamins, macro- and micronutrients not only for humans, but also for animals. According to experienced veterinarians, this berry should be included in the diet of pets, but only in limited quantities. In addition, experts recommend that dog and cat owners control the animal’s response to the introduction of a new product. In the event of a skin rash or edema, this unusual treat should be completely eliminated from the pet’s diet.

Interesting facts about raspberries

Many people know about the healing properties of raspberries, but not everyone knows that:

1. Raspberries are part of many medicines because of their excellent taste.
2. The leaves of this plant can completely replace tea.
3. Raspberry cultivation began in the 16th century.
4. Regular consumption of raspberries will help to cope with depression.

Photo raspberries