Raspberry juice

RASPBERRY JUICE: DETAILED INFORMATION

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L., Rosaceae family) is native to Europe and is believed to originate from Mount Ida in Greece (hence the species name idaeus) (1). It is a shrubby plant that can grow to two metres, flowers between May and June and its fruits, the raspberry, are red in colour (2).

Raspberries are rich in fibre, vitamin C and phenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, ellagitannins, anthocyanins, cyanidins and hydroxycinnamates (1,3). It also contains a high quantity of other vitamins, such as niacin, folic acid and vitamin E, and numerous minerals such as iron, magnesium and phosphorus (1).

Raspberries contain a significant amount of ellagic acid (3), a phytonutrient with antioxidant properties that helps to reduce inflammation from arthritis, and improves skin elasticity, vision and brain function (4).

Finally, raspberries have restorative and fortifying properties (2) and drinking raspberry juice may help to delay the early onset of atherosclerosis (5). Its low sugar content, combined with its high fibre, vitamin and antioxidant molecule content, make raspberry juice an excellent low calorie drink with high nutritional value.

How to consume our raspberry juice?

Raspberry juice can be consumed on its own or diluted in water (1 part juice to 4 parts water). You can add sugar, honey, stevia to taste, to give it a touch of sweetness. Shake before using.

RASPBERRY JUICE: BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. http://www.fen.org.es/mercadoFen/pdfs/frambuesa.pdf

2. Berdonces i Serra JL. Gran Enciclopedia de las plantas medicinales. Madrid: Tikal Ediciones, 2002.

3. Luo et al. (2016) Development of obesity is reduced in high-fat fed mice fed whole raspberries, raspberry juice concentrate, and a combination of the raspberry phytochemicals ellagic acid and raspberry ketone. J Berry Res 6(2): 213-223.

4. Melgarejo. Conferencia general: el granado, su problemática y usos. I Jornadas Nacionales sobre el Granado.

5. Suh et al. (2011) Raspberry juice consumption, oxidative stress and reduction of atherosclerosis risk factors in hypercholesterolemic golden Syrian hamsters. Food Funct 2: 400-405.