Red Raspberries Can Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

According to botanists and biological researchers, raspberries can do so much more than what was expected from them. 

The fruit has a lot of nutrients that can protect people not only from deadly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and liver disease, but also against Alzheimer's! This is because they can ease bodywide inflammation linked with Alzheimer's disease.

A comprehensive review and synthesis of scientic literature published in the January issue of Advances in Nutrition, raspberries have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and metabolic stabilizing properties.

As such, not only are the raspberries good for the heart, they are also good for the brain. The fruit can stave off one' risk to lose brain function significantly. Raspberries are said to be among the limited number of plant foods available that are a great source of ellegitannis and anthocyanins.

"Turns out what is good for the heart, is also good for the brain. That is what is particularly interesting about the research on red raspberries - their potential to help reduce factors contributing to metabolic syndrome which has implications for diabetes development and overall cardiovascular and brain health," says Britt M. Burton-Freeman, PhD, MS of the Center for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology. He is the lead researcher of this study.

According to the research, even though studies on the role of red raspberries on reducing Alzheimer's disease risk is still quite limited, there are also a significant amount of evidence that shows the polyphenol components of red raspberry can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation as well as improve insulin signaling. In turn, these reduce a person's Alzheimer's disease risk reduction and even slow down their aging. 

According to Houston Chronicle, raspberries can be easily incorporated in one's diet. They can be sprinkled on the oatmeal or blended into a smoothie. Both make for a yummy snack or a great breakfast.