Fresh Produce Journal - Supplement

Strawberries and raspberries are among the best all round foods for anti-ageing antioxidants. Berries have a higher antioxidant content than any other fruit. Five strawberries contain more antioxidant power than three apples or four bananas.

Strawberries and raspberries are top anti cancer foods as they are exceptionally high in four known anti-cancer nutrients: anthocyanins, ellagic acid, isothiocyanates and quercetin. These nutrients are not found in any multi vitamin pill.

Nitrosimine, a common cancer producing chemical found in some meants is put out of action by strawberries. In fact, research has shown that strawberries are second only to garlic for their anti cancer properties against nitrosamines.

According to research at the Indiana University School of Medicin in the US< ellegic acid in strawberries and raspberries protect healthy cells from developing into cancer cells.

Isothyuicyanates don't just help prevent cancer, they reverse it by idling cancer cells, Strawberries and raspberries have been shown to inhibit cancer development in cervical, oesophageal and oral cancer.

The Mayo Clinic in the US is currently conducting research into quercetin to help treat and precent prostate cancer, the fastest rising cancer now affecting one in sex men at some point in their life. Mayo clinic researcher Dr Nianzeng Xing has found wuercetin blocks the androgen activity which in turn precents or stops the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Quercetin - the antidote to hayfever, eczema and asthma

Strawberries, and raspberries are nature's cure for hayfever, exzema and asthma. The high quercetin inhibits the release of histamine which helps mitigate conditions brought on by these types of allergin. Quercetin along with other bioflavanoids in berries also improves the health of capillaries and connective tissues which can help alleviate bruising, caricose veins and fragile capillaries.

Vitamin C

Strawberries, closely followed by raspberries contain the most vitamin C per calories than any other fruit. British strawberries and raspberries are the only home grown fruit containing significant amounts.

There is more vitamin C in five strawberries than there is in an orange.

A high dietary intake of vitamin C halves the risk of cancer, prevents colds and infections and promotes healthy, firm skin (the collagen which is the glue between skin cells, is made of vitamin C).

And if that still hasn't persuaded you...
Eating strawberries and raspberries increases the sex drive of both men and women, revealed the British Summer Fruits study. The reason lies in the exceptionally high levels of zinc found in the fruits seeds, which unlike most fruits are eaten rather than removed.
Zinc is the nutrient most associated with sex for three principle reasons: First it is the nutrient that governs testosterone, which is needed for sperm production. Second a womans body prepared itself for sex more quickly if zinc levels are high, and third, human sperm is packed with it. If a man were to have sex three times in 24 horus, his entire zinc supply could be depleted.

Patrick Holford, the founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, found strawberries, followed by raspberries came out top "My message is simple, every time you have sex or simply want sex you should consume a handful of raspberries or strawberries" said Holford. "And it's not just the zinc content of the berries which is beneficial in the bedroom. They are incredibly high in anti oxidants which helps to optimise blood flow to the sex organs, and they have the lowest glycaemic load of any fruit meaning they provide sustained energy levels at just a few calories."

Laurence Olins, chairman of British Summer Fruits, the industry body which represents 98% of all the soft fruits sold through supermarkets, said "Let this be a call to arms for the men and women of the UK. Patrick's findings show berries to be as close as tou can get to the perfect fruit. A serving of strawberries or raspberries a day, whether as a snack, a smoothie or in a recipe, should be top of everyone's list".

In addition to improving male and female sex drive, strawberries and raspberries provide numerous other benefits. They help reverse the signs of ageing, helps prevent cancer, hayfever and asthmam boost energy levels, aid concentration and help hangovers. They are also great for anyone watching their weight and who needs sustained energy.

June 2004