Black raspberry has now reached a "Superfood" status. You no longer need to look further for Goji, Acerola or Acai berry as black raspberries are found to contain the most number of antioxidants and health benefits.
A recent study published in Open Chemistry suggests that black raspberries grown mostly in Central Europe show immense health benefits compared to their popularly known cousins: the raspberries and blackberries. It is usually the exotic Goji, Acerola or Acai berries that make the headlines as Superfood. Little did they know that the European homegrown species could be more alluring.
A team of researchers led by Anna Małgorzata Kostecka-Gugała from the University of Agriculture in Krakow measured the antioxidant activity in black raspberries, red raspberries and blackberries as reported by Science Daily. The researchers confirmed that the antioxidant activity of the fruit had a direct relationship with their health promoting properties.
Of the three fruits tested, black raspberries showed the most antioxidants, with three times higher than the other two berries. Amazingly, the black raspberries contain 1000 percent more than its two other cousins in terms of anthocyanins and phenolics. More importantly, black raspberries also contained a higher level of secondary metabolites, a compound that have been proven to improve health.
The team concluded that antioxidant-rich black raspberry has "potentially huge health-beneficial value" and, although little is known in Central Europe, it "should be considerably better promoted", Huffington Post reports. More so, the team also found no considerable difference in the antioxidant level of blackberries collected in summer or autumn, they suggest that it should remain a staple in our diet throughout the season. They remain a rich source of antioxidants any time of the year.
The results of the study are significant as antioxidants can help counteract the effects of free radicals; the natural byproducts of energy production. These free radicals are linked to several diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, stroke and respiratory diseases.
This is a good way to inspire everyone to keep healthy and stay off from diseases.
