Raspberries to Promote Heart Health

Raspberries are low calorie, convenient, great tasting, and provide a variety of nutrients. An excellent addition to your diet.

Fiber to lower cholesterol

Fiber is a key nutrient to combat high cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Dietary fiber binds to cholesterol in circulation and helps remove it from the body. Raspberries provide 12.5 grams/100 kcal (Calories).

For comparison…

High fiber cereals = 6 g fiber/100 kcal
Apple = 4.6 g fiber/100 kcal
Banana = 2.9 g fiber/100 kcal
Grapes = 1.3 g fiber/100 kcal

Most American’s consume about half the daily fiber recommendation of 25 to 35 grams per day. Raspberries are a useful tool for easily increasing your fiber intake. One cup of raspberries provides 8 grams of fiber.

Anthocyanins to lower blood pressure

Endothelial function is compromised with atherosclerotic disease. By providing the body with enhanced oxidative defenses, such as anthocyanins, you increase the nitric oxide released to relax blood vessels leading to vasodilation. This vasodilation promotes lower blood pressure levels. The anthocyanins found in raspberries have been shown to promote vasodilation of blood vessels in studies.

A little chemistry explanation

Quick chemistry lesson so you can better understand a couple terms.
Continue reading →