Red raspberries are a bright, delicious fruit that are favored by various consumers throughout the world. The flavor is added to a variety of products such as soft drinks, desserts, and even cream for coffee. The berries are rich in numerous nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to good health. In addition, there is a very low number of calories in raspberries.

The plant is a small shrub-like botanical that belongs to the Rosaceae family and the Rubus genus. It grows fast regions where a warm climate is commonplace. Although the berry is native to the European continent, it is now widely grown in various temperate areas throughout the world, including Chile, Brazil, Germany, Poland and the United States.

As mentioned above, the tasty berries contain few calories, and are also quite low in unhealthy fats. One hundred grams of raspberries only boast fifty calories. However, they are very high in fiber, and subsequently provide almost twenty percent of one's recommended daily amount of fiber.

Antioxidants are also found in the berries in high amounts. These include vitamins E and A, which health expert's states destroy free radicals in one's system. In addition, the fruit contains high levels of other health-promoting substances such as zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and polyphenolics. This specific mixture is what makes such fruit one of the world's most powerful antioxidants.

The berries contain significant amounts of a nutrient called tannin as well. The latter assists one's immune system to combat conditions such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Research is currently being conducted to discover if Alzheimer's patients may benefit from consuming raspberries.

They fruit is rich in all the major B vitamins and vitamin K as well. The berries contain high amounts of folic acid, which is known to help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Such vitamins also help one's body to metabolize proteins and fats at a fast rate.

These delicious berries also contain minerals such as iron, potassium, manganese, copper and magnesium. The human heart and muscular system depend on potassium to stay healthy, and the other aforementioned nutrients help men and women to maintain the proper number of red blood cells and the correct balance of fluids. Even though the majority of vitamins and minerals can be found in supplement form, health care professionals state that it is better to obtain them from food.

Xylitol is a product that is manufactured from raspberry extract and used as a natural sweetener for those who wish to avoid sugar. It contains less sugar and calories than raw sugar or honey. It is also lower on the glycemic index, and therefore helpful to diabetics. Fresh raspberries are a great source of vitamin C as well, which is another potent, natural antioxidant.

When buying these delicious berries, consumers should select those that feature a dark, red shade and shiny skin. There texture should be firm, and no sandy particles should be clinging to their skin. Those that appear flat, dull, or feature an uneven color should be passed over. Due to the fact that they rot quickly, the Berry should be consumed within two or three days of their purchase. Individuals can find out more about the calories in raspberries and their nutritional benefits by conducting an Internet search.