Red Raspberry Complex

• Red Raspberry Complex

Red Raspberry is now considered to be the New Super Antioxidant. Antioxidants are believed to have substantial health benefits and raspberries in particular are a good source. In fact, raspberries may have 10 times more antioxidants than tomatoes or broccoli. Further, raspberries contain some specific antioxidants that are found almost nowhere else. In a study published in a recent issue of BioFactors, researchers from Plant Research International, Wageningen, The Netherlands, discuss specific compounds found in the berry, some appropriate methods for assaying the antioxidant concentration, and the biochemistry of antioxidant uptake in humans. Raspberries contain vitamin C and anthocanines, says Jules Beekwilder, but these can also be found in other products. However, approximately 50% of the antioxidant effect of raspberries is caused by ellagitannins. These you find in small doses in strawberries and practically nowhere else. Some Chinese herbs may also be a source of these compounds.