Raspberry is not only a delicious fruit but a chock full of vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients which bestow many health benefits.
Research has indicated that raspberries keep cancer at bay, enhance immunity, protect eyes from age-related macular degeneration, provide energy, fight depression clear complexion and also aid digestion. Now, a new study claims that eating raspberries could potentially boost fertility in both men and women.
Nutrient dense fruit
Raspberries are a nutrient dense fruit that contain high levels of Vitamin C, a key supplement in male fertility and magnesium that can increase testosterone levels. The fruit is also thought to protect sperm from ‘oxidative anxiety’.
A study published by the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that men over 44 ingesting high levels of Vitamin C (found in foods like raspberries, potatoes and broccoli) exhibited 20 per cent less damage to their sperm DNA as opposed to those who did not consume such items.
According to Juliet Wilson, a leading fertility nutritionist, “Raspberries have not yet been given the ‘super-food’ recognition of other berries, but they have a comparable bounty of nutrients which shouldn’t be ignored. Alongside their many health benefits, raspberries are a perfect snack for couples trying to conceive.
“Together with their high vitamin C content – one portion of raspberries provides the same amount as 173 grapes – they are also a good source of folate, which is known to be essential in key stages of female fertility and early embryo development.Raspberries provide essential nutrients that are known to enhance fertility in men and women.”
Health benefits of raspberries
Sperm counts among British men have plummeted by almost half over the last few decades, reinforcing concerns over male fertility. Experts theorize that raspberries maybe the miracle fruit that can help men trying to start a family.
Moreover, the tasty fruit contain folate, a key nutrient during conception and throughout pregnancy. The antioxidants in raspberries may slash the risk of miscarriage. Additionally, the berries also help to maintain a healthy body weight, which is vital to balancing sex hormones and elevating the odds of conception.
Raspberries have a low glycaemic index which results in carbohydrates breaking up slowly, meaning their sugar is absorbed slowly into the body. They are low on calories and rich on soluble fibre which makes them an excellent snack to control hunger cravings.
Nick Marston of British Summer Fruits said, “Raspberries are often overlooked, but their numerous fertility-boosting properties and antioxidants make them the perfect bedtime snack.
“This year we’ve had faultless growing conditions with the cool spring and recent warm weather, which have resulted in exceptionally tasty and juicy raspberries – so there’s no excuse not to take advantage of this superfood.”
