These tart red berries not only contain vitamin C – vital for a healthy immune system, wound healing, healthy skin and blood vessels – but also antioxidant compounds called quercetin, and a potent antioxidant, ellagic acid, which some studies suggest may prevent or slow down the progression of chronic diseases.
Anthocyanins, a pigment found in red and purple fruit, have “antidiabetic, anticancer, anti inflammatory, anti microbial and anti obesity effects, as well as prevention of cardiovascular disease,” says Dr Gill.
“Some studies (in animals and the laboratory) have suggested they may be potentially useful for reducing the risk of metabolically based chronic disease, particularly cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s.”
Raspberries also provide one of the highest amounts of dietary fibre per 100g in all edible plant foods.